After battling difficulties in the past, some celebrities, like comedian, have been open about sharing their struggles.
The 39-year-old British comedian and TV presenter is best known for his appearances on BBC's Mock the Week and Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, as well as hosting All Together Now. Thanks to his hilarious commentary, the star has cemented himself as a fan favourite in comedy and TV.
While to some, the comic seems to have it all, he's faced his own struggles, battling dark thoughts and tough times behind the scenes. Rob, originally from Mottingham, London, attended Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent to study Tourism Management. He has since admitted that he's been fortunate to pursue a very different career with the support of his wife.
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Beckett started performing stand-up in 2009. His performances led to a third place in So You Think You're Funny, and winning the Amused Moose Laugh-Off which earned him an invitation to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in .
The funny man tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Louise Watts, in 2015 after meeting in their early twenties. While they were settling into married life, Rob recalled how Louise, a history teacher, "paid all the bills for three years when I was earning no money as a comedian," as he shared with the Daily Mail. The couple went on to have two daughters together - and things were looking up for Rob in his career.
But the comedian revealed that he was also battling some demons, and at one point felt that he should end his life.
Before the was thrown into chaos by the pandemic, Beckett was riding high on success. "On January 4, 2020, I was nailing it," he wrote in his autobiography A Class Act. "I had just flown into Cape Town, South Africa, in first class to film a TV show. The show was watching , drinking beer and going on safari with one of my best mates AND getting paid. This filming was squeezed in during a nationwide sell-out tour.
"Happily married to the love of my life, with two kids in a family home newly renovated, I had surpassed my wildest dreams," continued the star. "But I was the unhappiest I have ever been. I woke up on January 5 in a five-star hotel room thinking it would be better and easier for everyone if I was dead."
In another interview, the Celebs Go Dating star told : "I had all the markers of a successful person. But I was having suicidal thoughts... It was a toxic fuel. Effective, like chucking petrol on a bonfire, but unsustainable."
The star opened up about how he felt his story needed to be shared as a way to help others going through similar circumstances. He candidly confessed: "I am telling you this as I always promote the message that people should talk about mental health, but I rarely do."
He added: "So here I am, talking. I wanted to die when I had everything I ever wanted. So never judge yourself for feeling low. Tell someone and they will help you feel better."
Beckett previously opened up about being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia. In his memoir he reflects on a moment from his childhood when his teacher told his parents he wouldn't amount to much, with him being just four years old at the time.
"My brother was diagnosed early because his issues with spelling and reading were more obvious," he explained. "But my main problem is retaining information, which made it trickier to identify."
If you are struggling with your mental health and need support, contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or info@mind.org.uk.
