Sam Smith’s life has played out in public from the very beginning. They went from a young singer with a powerful voice to one of the most recognized artists in the world, but the path wasn’t easy. Behind the fame and awards, there were years of anxiety, self-doubt, and searching for peace.
Their story is one of resilience, showing that success doesn’t always equal happiness. Through fame, fear, and finding themselves again, Smith learned to rebuild from the inside out, and each stage of their journey revealed another part of who they really are.
Rising Star Reaches Oscar Glory at 23
Sam Smith’s career took off fast. At just 23, they won an Oscar for “The Writing’s on the Wall,” the James Bond theme for Spectre. It was only the second time a Bond song had ever earned that honor, following Adele’s “Skyfall.” That win made Smith an instant global name, but it also marked the start of new pressures.
They later admitted the fame came quicker than they were ready for. While they loved performing, the spotlight grew heavier with every success, and what looked like a dream from the outside came with more weight than they expected.
Living With Fame and Fighting Fear
Smith eventually opened up about how fame affected their mental health. They said: “I get massive anxiety. I really struggle.” Even as the awards piled up, they felt uneasy in crowds and uncomfortable at big events. “The fame is something I thought I wanted, and when it happened, it scared me,” they explained.
Those close to Smith often had to remind them to stay grounded. They said: “Sometimes I need people who I love around me to tell me, ‘Pull yourself together, you’re being a drama queen – it’s too much now, Sam, so rein it in.’” It showed how fame didn’t just change their career, it tested their emotional balance.
Finding Focus Through Sobriety
As Smith’s fame rose, so did the temptation to celebrate constantly. They said: “I was going out drinking way too much. Of course, you want to celebrate that these amazing things have happened, but you can’t celebrate all the time.” The lifestyle was exhausting, and they eventually realized they needed a change.
Their decision to get sober brought clarity and stability. “When I don’t drink and I’m not smoking cigarettes, when I’m completely clean, I feel so focused and happy,” they said. It became a turning point that helped them focus on health and music again instead of the chaos around them.
When the Struggle Could No Longer Stay Private
In 2020, Smith revealed how deeply fame had affected their mental health. They said: “I’ve always been sad, but for the first time, I actually really had mental health issues, like panic attacks, anxiety, depression. It really hit me hard.” They described it as something close to PTSD, shaped by years of emotional strain.
Therapy helped them begin to recover. Smith said: “Looking back on a year and a half of therapy and what has been probably the most challenging time of my short 27 years here.” The process gave them a way to sort through the pain and finally understand what they’d been carrying.
Owning the Truth About Identity
In 2019, Smith made one of the most personal announcements of their life. They wrote: “I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM after a lifetime of being at war with my gender.” It was a defining moment of honesty and self-acceptance after years of inner conflict.
The message resonated deeply with fans who saw their courage and vulnerability. Smith’s openness about their identity inspired others to embrace who they are without apology, marking one of the most powerful chapters in their journey.
Freedom, Creativity, and a Fresh Start in New York
In 2025, Smith found a new rhythm in New York City. They said: “I have moved here. Crazy.” Talking about their new home, they added: “Being in New York, I feel the most free I’ve ever felt.” It was a simple statement but carried years of meaning behind it.
That freedom carried over into their music. Smith began preparing for a residency titled “To Be Free: New York City,” a project reflecting everything they had learned through fame, recovery, and identity. After years of transformation, they were finally living life on their own terms.
