Tom Holland Opens Up About Dyslexia and Its Impact on His Career Choices

In a revealing podcast episode, Tom Holland discusses his struggles with dyslexia and how it has influenced his decisions, particularly regarding hosting 'Saturday Night Live.' Despite his success as Spider-Man, Holland shares the anxiety he faces when reading lines aloud. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in performance while detailing his preparation strategies to manage his condition. Advocates have praised his openness, recognizing the impact of his honesty on others facing similar challenges. As he continues to navigate his career, Holland is set to appear in upcoming films, solidifying his status in Hollywood.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 14:24 IST

Tom Holland Discusses His Dyslexia on 'Good Hang' Podcast

Renowned for his portrayal of Spider-Man, Tom Holland has shared his experiences with dyslexia and how it has influenced his professional life. During a recent episode of the 'Good Hang' podcast, he revealed his reluctance to host 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), attributing this hesitation to his struggles with dyslexia. In conversation with SNL alum Amy Poehler, Holland opened up about his concerns regarding the dialogue cards used in live performances, which he finds particularly difficult to read under pressure.

"I’m heavily dyslexic, which is one of the reasons why, and I’d love to talk to you today about it, actually. I’ve never done SNL," Holland stated. He further explained the anxiety that arises when he needs to read lines aloud, saying, "I can read fine but when I have to read out loud, it just becomes like a mental block, and I can freeze." This candid revelation underscores the distinct challenges he faces as an actor, despite his notable achievements in the film industry.

While he has reservations about participating in SNL, Holland admires the show's creative essence, remarking that the idea of "having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a creative way" resonates with him. He highlighted the significance of creativity in acting, even as he confronts the hurdles posed by his condition. Holland's strategy for managing his dyslexia includes thorough preparation for roles, where he adopts techniques to ensure he is ready for read-throughs.

Regarding his coping strategies, Holland mentioned, "Like at the read-through, I will try and highlight everything and learn my lines ahead of time so that I am more skimming it than I am reading it." This proactive method helps him navigate the challenges he encounters, showcasing his dedication to his craft and his resolve to overcome obstacles.

Holland's willingness to discuss his dyslexia has received commendation from advocates, including Kay Carter from The Dyslexia Association. Carter praised Holland for his transparency, stating, "That kind of honesty really helps others feel seen and understood," acknowledging the courage it takes to share such personal insights. As he continues to advance in his career, Holland is set to star in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film 'The Odyssey' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' later this year, further establishing his presence in Hollywood.