Israeli Actor Michael Hanegbi Reveals Childhood Abuse and ADHD Diagnosis
Michael Hanegbi, a veteran Israeli actor with over 35 years in the industry, opened up about his difficult childhood and recent ADHD diagnosis in a detailed interview with ynet's weekend magazine. Hanegbi, now 47, shared that he discovered his attention deficit disorder two years ago at age 45, recognizing symptoms such as obsessive thoughts and difficulty completing tasks. This understanding helped him realize he was not fulfilling his potential and has since improved his productivity and collaboration skills.
Hanegbi recounted experiencing psychological abuse during his childhood at the Tel Aviv School of the Arts in the 1990s, where some teachers resented his early success as a child actor in theater and television. He recalled a teacher telling him in front of the class that he would never have a career, and being singled out for mistreatment. He did not share these experiences with his parents at the time and felt trapped in the school. Later, during his military service in the Israeli Air Force, he endured verbal abuse from a commanding officer, though he found support from other mentors and his partner.
Despite these hardships, Hanegbi has maintained a prolific career in television, theater, and film, while keeping his private life discreet. He is currently rehearsing for the play "The Duck" at Habima Theater, a symbolic comedy exploring themes of belonging and absurdity, alongside actors Niki Goldstein and Niro Levy. Hanegbi praised Levy's deep theatrical knowledge and mentorship.
In addition to acting, Hanegbi invented a board game called "Kubiot" designed to teach children reading and writing skills without screens. The game was inspired by his desire to help his father cope with cognitive decline before his passing in 2014. The game has since found commercial success and is praised by parents for engaging children in educational play.
Hanegbi also discussed his decision to stop watching the news seven years ago due to its negative impact on his mood, preferring books, friends, and nature instead. He is gradually embracing social media to share more personal insights but remains cautious about public exposure. Hanegbi, who is single and interested in starting a family, continues to focus on his creative projects and personal growth.
