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Tom Holland opens up about dyslexia challenges
The Spider-Man actor revealed he declined hosting Saturday Night Live due to fears over reading cue cards, sparking conversations about the learning difficulty.
Why Holland turned down SNL
Holland, 30, shared on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast that his dyslexia made him "petrified" of live performances requiring script reading. "The idea of having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a creative way" appealed to him, but the prospect of words "changing" on cue cards left him anxious.
"They've asked me a few times to do it, and the truth is that I'm just really scared," he admitted. "I'm heavily dyslexic."
Dyslexia's impact on daily life
According to the NHS, dyslexia-a common learning difficulty-affects reading, writing, and numerical processing. While no cure exists, strategies can help manage symptoms. Holland described dreading script read-throughs for roles, where he "freezes" or experiences mental blocks. His coping mechanism involves highlighting scripts and memorizing lines in advance.
Ashley Walker, 25, who has dyslexia, echoed his experiences. "When you're asked to read aloud in class, you can lose your place," she told BBC Newsbeat. "It was a horrible experience."
Reactions and broader implications
Advocates praised Holland's candor. Kay Carter of The Dyslexia Association called his words "powerful and genuinely brave," noting they help others feel "seen." James Taylor from disability charity Scope added that the disclosure "highlights the real challenges disabled people face at work or in the spotlight."
UK government data shows 6.3 million people have dyslexia, with one in six adults reading at an 11-year-old's level. Walker, an artist who creates comics using images instead of words, emphasized the condition's variability. "Everyone has their own experience," she said, citing her poor memory and reliance on lists.
Diagnosis and awareness
The NHS does not provide dyslexia diagnoses; assessments require an educational psychologist or specialist teacher. Walker hopes Holland's platform will encourage others to seek help. "Any light on the subject is good," she said. "The more people know about it, the more will get diagnosed."
Looking ahead
Holland's upcoming film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (co-starring Zendaya), underscores his success despite challenges. Walker applauded his journey: "It's nice to see someone with dyslexia show that even though it's hard, you can work hard and get there."
"You do have to go that extra mile to be able to get there."
Ashley Walker, dyslexia advocate
