Lennie James, best known for his role as Morgan Jones in the popular television series ‘The Walking Dead’ and its spin-off ‘Fear the Walking Dead,’ has revealed that he experienced intense night terrors after spending years portraying his character in the post-apocalyptic world. The 59-year-old actor’s candid admission shines a light on the real impact that long-term immersion in horror roles can have on performers, sharing that vivid, unsettling dreams followed him home even when filming was complete.
Speaking with The Guardian, Lennie James described how the prolonged experience affected his sleep and well-being outside of shooting. He explained,
“One of the byproducts of being in the zombie world for as long as I was, was I started having very vivid and lucid dreams. I would quite often wake up shouting in the midst of a night terror, waking the house and making it difficult for my wife to sleep next to me.”
The actor’s emotional struggles underline the psychological toll that serious, demanding television roles can take, especially those immersed in dystopian themes and high stress.
Searching for relief, Lennie James eventually found a helpful suggestion.
“Someone suggested CBD oil, and it works. So I’d take that into a dystopia,”
he noted. This insight into his nightly routine adds a human dimension to the high-intensity drama he delivered on screen, and highlights how the pursuit of mental well-being continues off camera for many artists.
Outside of his impactful work in horror dramas, Lennie James enjoys strong friendships in the entertainment industry, including with Jason Isaacs from ‘The White Lotus.’ Sharing his admiration, Lennie said,
“Jas’s performance was fantastic. We’ve known each other since just after drama school. I’m not as good as him, but I try.”
His humility, mixed with high praise for his friend, provides a personal look into the supportive relationships that actors build over decades.
Lennie James also discussed his decision to move to Los Angeles before turning 40, reflecting on a desire to shape his own career path.
“I wanted to challenge myself as an actor, to see what was possible. I landed there when I was a relative grown-up and I seemed to arrive at the right time; it went stupidly well for me immediately.”
His journey reveals how ambition and resilience drive change, pushing boundaries set by others.
The experience of Lennie James stands as an example of the emotional depth and dedication actors bring to their characters, and the ways in which these roles can shape their lives long after the cameras stop rolling. As more performers speak openly about the challenges they face, conversations around mental health in the industry continue to grow, encouraging support and understanding for those behind every gripping performance.
