Ioan Gruffudd sees psychologist over career slump

Ioan Gruffudd has revealed that he is seeing a psychologist to help him get over his career slump.

The 40-year-old Welsh-born actor had been a leading man in films like 'The Fantastic Four' and 'Amazing Grace', as well as starring in the likes of 'Titanic' and 'Black Hawk Down', but has since struggled to get top parts.

“I’m auditioning for dozens of parts at the moment, but I’m just not getting them. I can’t play someone who’s 30 any more... maybe 35 at a push,” he told the Daily Mail.

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“My confidence has really taken a knock, and the worst thing you can do when you’re feeling like that is to go to one of these auditions.

“You really don’t want to come across as desperate, so I’ve been working with a psychologist to help me overcome all that.”

He added that the pressures of family life and the move to Hollywood have also affected his confidence.

“It’s difficult, especially when you have to provide for your family — and, unfortunately, I’m the one shouldering all that responsibility right now,” he said.

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“The older a male actor gets the better he becomes — look at Harrison Ford, he wasn’t even discovered until he was in his 30s. So, I look forward to hitting my stride and growing into my future roles gracefully.”

Gruffudd, who is married to the actress Alice Evans, rose to fame in the ITV period drama 'Hornblower'.

He then scored the lead role of Reed Richards in the 2005 blockbuster 'The Fantastic Four' opposite Jessica Alba – and its sequel 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer' –  and then played abolitionist William Wilberforce in 'Amazing Grace'.

He also played Tony Blair in Oliver Stone's 'W.'.