X-Files star David Duchovny is getting personal in a new podcast, and the first episode hits close to home. In a recent interview with Kelly Ripa, Duchovny revealed a terrifying experience from his past that forever changed him as a father.
A Brush with Mortality: Duchovny’s daughter, West, now a healthy 25-year-old, had a near-death experience as an infant. At 9 months old, she contracted RSV, a respiratory illness that can be severe for young babies. “We really thought we could lose her,” Duchovny confessed. The memory of his daughter in the hospital, unresponsive and facing a possible spinal tap, is still raw.
The Lingering Fear: Duchovny admits he went to a dark place during that time. He even started to imagine a life without his daughter. “This is a real possibility,” he thought, “Life would have no meaning or joy.” Thankfully, West recovered fully, but the experience left a mark.
Rebuilding the Bond: Duchovny says he had trouble “reattaching” to West after her illness. The fear had been so intense, it took time to fully embrace his fatherly role again.
Turning Pain into Purpose: This harrowing experience, along with his high-profile divorce from actress Téa Leoni and a stint in rehab, all play a part in Duchovny’s upcoming podcast, “Fail Better with David Duchovny.”
Facing Failure Head-On: The podcast’s description is honest and relatable: “I feel like I’ve been failing my entire life, so I can speak from plenty of experience.” Duchovny plans to unpack the concept of failure with celebrity guests like Ben Stiller and Bette Midler.
A New Chapter of Vulnerability: David Duchovny is no stranger to facing the truth, both on-screen and off. His willingness to share his struggles is sure to resonate with listeners and offer a glimpse into the humanity behind the Hollywood facade. We look forward to hearing his honest and inspiring story unfold on “Fail Better.”
