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David Tennant shares his advice for dealing with imposter syndrome

“A bit of fear is good, and too much fear is not,” Tennant says

Imposter syndrome is rough, no matter who you are. Many of us have experienced it, and it’s never pleasant. Our self-doubts can seem overpowering at times, but you should always remember your worth, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do.

Imposter syndrome affects everyone, even if you’re one of the most celebrated actors in the world. During a spotlight panel at Florida Supercon 2024 hosted by Popverse's Veronica Valencia, Doctor Who actor David Tennant opened up about his own experience with imposter syndrome. 

“Everything is impostor syndrome. Every minute of every day I'm expecting someone to go, 'Get off this set. You're ridiculous. This has all been a big mistake. Bring on the proper actor,'" says Tennant. "I think that's quite common.”

Tennant believes that imposter syndrome is especially hard for those who work in creative fields. 

“I think part of anything you do creatively is sort of shrouded in your own doubt. You're always slightly battling your own doubt. I think that's part of it.”

Tennant went on to say that acceptance helps him cope with these doubts. The trick is finding a balance. 

“I think that's okay. It's always a battle to keep it from overwhelming you and from stopping you. A bit of fear is good, and too much fear is not. I don't have a solid clear answer for this, other than I certainly recognize it. I accept it, and I guess I live with it. And I'm resigned to thinking that's okay. That's part of it. That's it.”

The next time you’re facing your own imposter syndrome, remember those words from David. After all, he is a Doctor. 


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Joshua Lapin-Bertone

Joshua Lapin-Bertone: Joshua is a pop culture writer specializing in comic book media. His work has appeared on the official DC Comics website, the DC Universe subscription service, HBO Max promotional videos, the Batman Universe fansite, and more. In between traveling around the country to cover various comic conventions, Joshua resides in Florida where he binges superhero television and reads obscure comics from yesteryear.

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