In 1995 Stephen Fry, 47, British actor, director, producer, novelist and comedian faced the glare of publicity and the threat of legal action after walking away from the London staging of 'Cell Mates'.

Later Fry admitted that he had depression and had seriously considered suicide. As Fry confided to journalist Jim Schembri in his interview with 'The Age' "I... thought of my mother. That's the thing that stopped me, I'm glad to say. It's a horrible thing to do to other people. It's an easy thing to do to yourself"

Fry later talked about his experiences to publicise the work of The Samaritans in the UK. He admitted how his fear that he would be recognised prevented him from asking for help from mental health services; instead, he found comfort connecting with people and support groups on the Internet.

Fry eventually sought psychiatric help and recently starred in the film 'Bright young things', which was released in Australia in December 2003.