Paul Merton Illness: Does Paul Merton Have Any Health Problems? What Illness Does Paul Merton Have?
by Hemalatha R
Updated Mar 25, 2023
Who Is Paul Merton?
Paul Merton is a well-known British comedian, actor, and television presenter. He was born on July 9, 1957, in Parsons Green, London. Merton grew up in a working-class family and attended the local comprehensive school. After leaving school, he worked various jobs, including as a clerical officer in the civil service, before pursuing a career in comedy. Merton first gained prominence in the 1980s as a regular performer on the improvisational comedy TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" His quick wit and sharp sense of humor quickly made him a favorite among audiences and fellow comedians alike. He went on to become a regular panelist on the popular TV show "Have I Got News for You" in 1990, which cemented his status as a household name. In addition to his work in comedy, Merton has also appeared in a variety of TV shows and films. He has acted in several BBC dramas, including "The Bill" and "Doctor Who," and has hosted several documentaries and travel shows.
Throughout his career, Merton has been recognized for his contributions to comedy and entertainment. He has won several awards, including a British Comedy Award for Best Live Performer in 1996, and was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to entertainment. Merton is known for his irreverent sense of humor and his ability to make audiences laugh with his off-the-cuff remarks and witty observations. He has been an important figure in the world of comedy for several decades and continues to entertain audiences with his performances and appearances on TV and in film.
Paul Merton Illness
Paul Merton had a difficult time before becoming a household name on the popular show Have I Got News for You. In 1990, Merton found himself checked into the Maudsley psychiatric hospital for six weeks due to psychiatric problems caused by the anti-malaria drug Lariam. At the time, Merton was traveling in Kenya and Tanzania with his girlfriend Sarah Parkinson. Both of them had taken Lariam, a commonly prescribed anti-malaria drug. However, while Parkinson did not suffer any side effects, Merton's experience was vastly different. The drug had a severe impact on his mental health, causing him to experience delusional episodes and suicidal thoughts. Merton's condition worsened, and he was eventually admitted to the Maudsley psychiatric hospital in London. There, he underwent intensive treatment to help him recover from the severe side effects of the drug. During his six-week stay, he received therapy and medication to help him cope with his mental health issues.
Merton's experience with Lariam had a profound impact on him, and he has since become an advocate for mental health awareness. He has spoken openly about his struggles and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. In interviews, he has shared his experience and encouraged others to speak out about their struggles. Today, Merton is a well-known television personality and comedian, but his experience with Lariam serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one's mental health. While anti-malaria drugs are crucial for travelers, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects and seek medical help if necessary. Merton's openness about his experience has helped raise awareness about mental health issues and encouraged others to seek help when they need it.
Does Paul Merton have any health problems?
One of his most well-known health battles occurred shortly before his rise to fame on the popular show Have I Got News for You. In 1990, while traveling in Kenya and Tanzania with his girlfriend Sarah Parkinson, Merton took the anti-malaria drug Lariam. Unfortunately, the drug had a severe impact on his mental health, causing him to experience delusions and suicidal thoughts. His condition became so severe that he checked himself into the Maudsley psychiatric hospital in London for a six-week stay to receive treatment and therapy. Since his experience with Lariam, Merton has become an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his struggles. However, he has not disclosed any other significant health issues publicly.
Merton has been married to fellow improviser Suki Webster since 2009, and they currently live in Sudbury, Suffolk. Despite his previous health battles, Merton remains active and continues to entertain audiences with his quick wit and humor. As an advocate for mental health awareness, Merton's openness about his struggles has helped to break down stigmas and encourage others to seek help when they need it. While he may have faced health challenges in the past, he remains a beloved figure in the world of comedy and a respected voice in the discussion surrounding mental health.
What illness does Paul Merton have?
Before gaining fame on the popular show Have I Got News for You, Paul Merton faced a difficult time due to psychiatric problems caused by taking the anti-malaria drug Lariam while traveling in Kenya and Tanzania with his girlfriend Sarah Parkinson. Unlike Parkinson, Merton suffered severe side effects such as delusional episodes and suicidal thoughts, which led to his admission to the Maudsley psychiatric hospital in London for a six-week stay. While there, Merton underwent intensive treatment and received therapy and medication to manage his mental health issues. His experience with Lariam has since led him to become an advocate for mental health awareness, and he has encouraged others to speak out about their struggles and seek help when needed.
Paul Merton Partner
Paul Merton, the well-known comedian and television personality, has been married to fellow improviser Suki Webster since 2009. The couple lives in Sudbury, Suffolk, and has been together for over a decade. Merton and Webster first met while performing together in the improv group The Comedy Store Players in the early 1990s. They became friends and later started dating in 2003, before tying the knot in 2009. Webster is also an accomplished improviser and performer, having worked with various groups and shows such as The Comedy Store Players, The Showstoppers, and QI. She has also appeared on several television shows, including Would I Lie to You? and Mock the Week.
Despite both having successful careers in comedy, Merton and Webster prefer to keep their personal life out of the spotlight. They are rarely seen together in public and have not shared many details about their relationship. However, in interviews, Merton has spoken about the importance of having a partner who understands the world of comedy and improvisation. He has credited Webster with helping him develop his skills as an improviser and performer. Merton and Webster's relationship is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship. They continue to support each other's careers and enjoy a private life away from the cameras.
Paul Merton Children
Merton has been married to fellow improviser Suki Webster since 2009, and the couple lives in Sudbury, Suffolk. Despite their decision not to have children, Merton and Webster lead busy lives as performers and entertainers. In interviews, Merton has spoken candidly about his views on parenthood and has been open about his lack of interest in having children. He has often joked about the joys of being able to sleep in and the freedom of not having to worry about school runs or other parenting duties. While some may find Merton's views on parenthood surprising, his decision not to have children is a personal one, and he has been vocal about his choices. He has credited his wife for being supportive of his decision and for understanding his views on parenthood. Despite not having children, Merton continues to entertain audiences with his quick wit and humor. He remains a beloved figure in the world of comedy and a respected voice in the discussion surrounding family and parenthood.
Paul Merton illness - FAQs
No, Paul Merton has never had children.
Paul Merton has stated in interviews that having children was never a "big desire" for him.
Yes, Paul Merton has been married to fellow improviser Suki Webster since 2009.
There is no information available to suggest whether Suki Webster has children or not.
Paul Merton has joked about the joys of not having children, such as being able to sleep in and not having to worry about parenting responsibilities. However, he has also been open about his personal decision not to have children and has credited his wife for being supportive of his views.