Todd Latourette, an actor who has scored small roles in Better Call Saul, Longmire, The Messengers and more, has confessed to posing as a wounded veteran to book more acting jobs after severing his own arm during what he’s described as a “psychotic episode.”
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The Albuquerque, New Mexico based actor made the confession during a recent interview with local news station KOB-TV.
The star, who revealed that he suffers from bipolar disorder, told the station that the incident occurred 17 years ago during a period when he was off his medication.
“I severed my hand with a Skilsaw,” he said, explaining that he later cauterised the wound. “The state of my mind was a psychotic episode.”
Latourette in Better Call Saul
He went on to land small screen roles, most recently on the fourth season of Better Call Saul, as well as a spot in the 2009 George Clooney film The Men Who Stare At Goats.
“The film industry took a different angle… that I was different, and so they liked that,” Latourette recalled. “They trusted me that I was exactly who I said I was. I was a war veteran. I was hired because I lied.”
Latourette admits to being back on his medication, prompting him to reveal the truth about his injury even though he is aware that it may be a hindrance on him booking future acting jobs.
“I was dishonourable. I’m killing my career by doing this, if anyone thinks this was for personal edification, that’s not the case,” he said. “I’m ousting myself from the New Mexico film Industry. And gladly so, just to say what I’ve said.”
He adds that his motivation behind coming clean is to encourage other people living with mental health issues to seek professional help.
“The power is in your hands to take your medication in the morning, or at night,” he said. “So that, this, this discourse of my life doesn’t need to necessarily be yours. Because it happens quick… it happens quick.”
Check out the full interview HERE.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or you’re worried about a friend, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Kid’s Help Line on 1800 55 1800.
