Josh Gad Reflects on Career, Anxiety, and Disney Stardom in New Memoir

Josh Gad, the actor best known for voicing Olaf in Disney‘s “Frozen” franchise, has opened up about his journey to stardom, struggles with anxiety, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in his new memoir, “In Gad We Trust.” The book, released Tuesday, chronicles Gad’s rise from a self-doubting theater kid to a beloved Disney icon.

Gad’s career began with humble roots in Florida, where he discovered his love for comedy at age 4 after watching a Borscht Belt comedian perform in the Catskills. “If there was one way to break my mother from her stupor, dammit, it would be laughter,” Gad writes. His early passion for humor led him to children’s theater and eventually to Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied alongside future stars like Josh Groban and Leslie Odom Jr.

Despite his talent, Gad faced numerous rejections early in his career. He turned down a role in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in San Francisco, holding out for a Broadway debut. His persistence paid off when the show moved to New York, and Gad secured the role of Barfée. This decision marked the beginning of his ascent in the theater world, culminating in his breakout performance in “The Book of Mormon.”

Gad’s portrayal of Elder Arnold Cunningham in “The Book of Mormon” earned him critical acclaim and the admiration of Hollywood legends. Robin Williams, one of Gad’s childhood heroes, called him “a genius” after seeing the show. The role also opened doors to film and television, including his iconic voice work as Olaf in “Frozen.” Gad writes that he instantly connected with the character, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever tapped so quickly into a character as I did Olaf.”

Behind the scenes, Gad has been candid about his struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. He credits medication and therapy with helping him manage his mental health, writing, “Know this, there is nothing wrong with you if you suffer from these very real and very crippling disorders.” Gad’s openness about his mental health journey has made him an advocate for destigmatizing mental illness.

Today, Gad is a celebrated actor, author, and family man. His memoir serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. As he writes, “Dreams really do come true when you work hard enough and never give up.”