Hunger Games Star Sam Claflin Confronts His Deepest Fears on Screen

In the past year, English actor Sam Claflin has experienced a series of breakthroughs, both professionally and personally. The 39-year-old, best known for his role as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, has been working nonstop since his breakout over a decade ago. However, his latest role as grieving psychiatrist Joel Lazarus in Harlan Coben's Lazarus has offered him the chance to do something he's never done before: be himself.

Claflin admits that for much of his career, he's been "hiding behind different masks" and "not really understanding who I am." But the making of this series has allowed him to dig deeper and open up about his emotions. "I've definitely opened myself up a lot more to how I feel, and not needing or wanting everyone to like me anymore," he says.

As Claflin approaches his 40th birthday next year, he believes this "midlife crisis" has led to a "spiritual awakening." He's been "opening Pandora's box" within himself and is "grateful for the breakdown." The actor says the role has allowed him to address some long-suppressed issues in his life, leading to a newfound sense of authenticity and self-awareness.