‘People think I’m really moody!’
Snooker superstar Ronnie O’Sullivan on why he’s not the tough guy people think he is
He’s secured his status as world snooker champ not once but five times. But there’s lots more to Ronnie O’Sullivan than first meets the eye. The 43-year-old sportsman has branched out from the sport and become a bestselling author with a crimefiction series, as well as another writing project focused on nutrition called Top OfYour Game: Eating For Mind And Body. Plus, he’s always up for a bit of an adventure as seen in his TV series, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s American Hustle, currently showing on Blaze. And when he’s not busy taking on snooker opponents, Ronnie is happiest being dad to his three kids and spending time with his fiancée, actress Laila Rouass.
We caught up with Ronnie, aka The Rocket, to chat career highlights, how he spends his downtime and what’s next on his list to tick off…
Hi Ronnie.Tell us about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s American Hustle…
It’s me going to America where they know nothing about snooker and my TV presenter mate Matt Smith and I have got to try to hustle our way across the country playing pool, a sport I’m not really known for.
How did you get on?
We did all right! I was quite surprised because every pool hall we went in to, most of the time people recognised who I was because ofYouTube and they’d seen me play. We did find people who took the challenge up, though, and got to hustle some people. But a lot of the time I was playing their best player and they invariably got the better of me!
Was it fun to film?
Yes, and we got to visit a lot of fantastic places, too. We went to Martin Luther King’s museum, which was brilliant and the highlight of my trip. We also went to Alcatraz and to Chicago where we visited some of the places where Al Capone would have hung out.
Where was your favourite out of the places you visited?
Chicago or San Francisco. They’re definitely places I could live. Chicago was probably my favourite city.
How do you find life on the road?
I like being away from home if I’ve got a purpose. If I’m away playing snooker and I’m working, I feel that’s justifiable. But any time it’s not to do with work,
I feel like I should be at home because it’s your only chance to see your family and friends. So I try to set myself a limit of three or four months a year when I’m not at home sleeping in my own bed.
Do you take anything from home on the road with you?
I like to read so I take my books, podcasts and my running trainers and gym kit. We got to run around Chicago and it’s a good way to see the cities.
What do you like watching on TV?
Netflix is something I’m into. I’ve been watching Ricky Gervais’ stand-up show Humanity, which I think is fantastic. I’ve got into his series After Life, too. I also like watching documentaries and films.
Do you watch a lot?
I don’t really get too much of a chance to watch TV. Instead,
I start the day with some physical exercise, then I food prep and head to the snooker club. When I come back, I like to relax, read, cook with Laila and see the kids.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I think the longevity of it and the sustainability. Winning one world title was great, winning five was brilliant. And also to break the records that I have.
I am really proud that it wasn’t a flash in the pan.
To go down as one of the best of all time, you have to prove yourself.
What’s kept you grounded through your success?
I was never allowed to get big headed as a kid. Whenever I got a bit cocky or anything, it was always drummed into me that it wasn’t the way to be, so I’ve always had my feet on the ground. It was a good lesson in life.
What’s the biggest misconception about you?
I was in Spain recently and someone said to me,“I thought you were going to be really aggressive. When I watch you on TV you look really moody, like you want to kill someone, but you’re really not like that, are you?” Some people see me playing snooker where I wear this look of concentration and focus, so it might come across that I’m a moody person, but I don’t think I am!
Do you have any other projects on the horizon?
There’s been talk of me going to Kenya to do a show about running with the Kenyans, as I’m really into my running. I’ve not run seriously in 10 years, so if I have enough time to get in shape, maybe that’s something I’d look to do. But I’ve worked hard enough that I just want to enjoy the rest of my career. I’m at that point now that whatever I do, I don’t have to be the best at it. And I don’t have to prove myself to anyone – it’s just about enjoying it and reaping the rewards of the hard work I’ve put in.
Would you like to write any more crime novels?
I’d love to write some more.The fiction books, autobiographies and the cook book are some of the best experiences I’ve had. I’m passionate about all of them, so it’s easy to get into it.