If you find it hard to handle your favorite TV series coming to an end — let alone a controversial one — spare a thought for the cast. According to Page Six, actor Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow on this little show called Game of Thrones, checked into what they describe as a “luxury rehab” facility a few weeks before the show’s finale episode aired on HBO on May 19th. Page Six reports that the actor is specifically seeking help for dealing with stress, exhaustion, and alcohol, and that he has the full support of his wife, Rose Leslie, who also appeared on Game of Thrones.
However, while Page Six claims to be getting information from “friends” of the actor, there is a bit of debate over the exact nature of the facility Kit is at. TMZ reports that his representatives have emphasized that it’s not a rehab — it’s a “wellness facility.” The reps didn’t comment on the kind of treatment Kit is getting or what it’s for, simply confirming that he is struggling with “personal issues.”
EXCLUSIVE: Kit Harington checked into luxury rehab for stress and alcohol https://t.co/hlqeGowTCk pic.twitter.com/GT7AfYb27M
— Page Six (@PageSix) May 28, 2019
His fans are wishing him all the best.
I hope Kit Harington is doing well. I can only imagine the pressure and stress an actor can be under when they play in a tv show that is as watched as GOT.
— Egypt (@XGirl777) May 29, 2019
There’s a lot of love.
Everyone is reaching out — literally and metaphorically.
I just want to give Kit a big hug 💞💘#KitHarington pic.twitter.com/tKkICJLHBQ
— dieuw 🎀 (@jieuwkbox) May 29, 2019
And while trolls are inevitable, his true fans are coming out fighting.
If you're making fun of Kit Harington for checking into rehab, you're the real joke. Saying "I guess the ending was that bad" isn't funny. He's a real person with real issues and he chose to get help. Don't fuel the misperceptions about mental health for the sake of a joke.
— Chris Eckstine (@ChrisEckstine) May 28, 2019
Harington has been open about the impact that the show’s success has had on his mental health.
Kit Harington always seemed to be really bothered by all the attention and fame that came with being the biggest character on the biggest show. Hope dude can find the help he needs.
— Rod (@rodimusprime) May 28, 2019
Earlier this year, he told Variety that he went into therapy after the intense fan reaction to a big twist in his character’s plot line in the finale of Season 5, which aired in June 2015. In the same interview, he explained that being a main character in one of the most popular shows in the world leads to a lot of public scrutiny, which made him feel unsafe.
Now, after being involved with the show since its very start, he described the intense emotions of filming his final scenes.
#KitHarington 💖
— Sandra (@SandraH3llo) May 29, 2019
No one understands what toll the art can take on an artist.
Be well. Rest and recover. Thank you for your performance. pic.twitter.com/lDqDcDhZeZ
In HBO’s documentary The Last Watch, which aired on May 26th and shows the behind-the-scenes work that went into making the final season of Game of Thrones, we see Harington in tears at the last script reading.
Here’s the trailer:
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7c0jXkaGc"]Hit mute if you haven’t watched the last episode!
Kit’s last moments on the set are also captured — pass us the tissues, we can’t take the feels!
Kit Harington breaking down in tears during his goodbye speech on his last day filming Game of Thrones is genuinely so moving. Thank you Kit for putting your heart and soul into Jon Snow and get better soon x #KitHarington #JonSnow #gameofthrones https://t.co/17kGSHv1DF
— No Drama Llama (@NoDrama__Llama) May 29, 2019
It’s clear that Game of Thrones meant a lot to the actor, and that he needs a break.
i rly hope kit harington’s mental health and wellbeing improves. he gave his everything to thrones and the the least he deserves is peace now that it’s all over
— mol (@torturedauroras) May 29, 2019
It’s a stark reminder that in addition to being talented and gorgeous, celebrities are human like the rest of us, and they need to put their own mental health first.
If you're one of these people who are laughing at Kit Harington for checking into rehab, you're an absolute joke. Just because he's a celebrity DOESN'T mean he's not human. Mental health isn't funny at all. He may seem happy on the outside but he's suffering on the inside.
— ♡ (@emctid93x) May 29, 2019
And something we can all relate to.
I feel for Kit Harington. While I’m not rich & famous I can relate to the counterintuitive sadness and stress that comes with completing a long intense task, particularly one that has been so attached to you as a person. It’s great he is getting help and has been open about it
— Michelle isnt here anymore (@michmochw) May 29, 2019
The Game of Thrones fanbase has had a rocky few weeks, with 1.6 million people signing a petition to remake the last season, but this story reminds us how much all the creators put into making the show.
Do not bash the cast of Game of Thrones for season 8.The cast did their jobs and we should all thank them.Kit Harington didn't let anyone down.He is a human being and should be respected.If I had a sword I would fight beside him.Thank you Kit Harington for everything!
— Jay Addington (@Jayaddington) May 29, 2019
Fans are calling out others using this news to further insult the show’s controversial finale.
It’s incredibly tone deaf to use Kit Harington’s decision to go to rehab as a joke to criticize season 8. It’s also incredibly tone deaf to mock a person for making good choice for their mental health. It’s not funny or cute.
— allisondraste is moving to 🦋 (@allisondraste) May 29, 2019
People are asking for respect.
We’re impressed with Kit’s approach to caring for his mental health, and wish him a peaceful recovery.
