Jeff Garlin Says He Almost Took His Own Life amid Tumultuous Departure from “The Goldbergs”

Jeff Garlin Says He Almost Took His Own Life amid Tumultuous Departure from “The Goldbergs”

Jeff GarlinCredit: Team Coco/Youtube

Garlin left the ABC comedy following a human resources investigation into misconduct allegations on set

He sought treatment in Ohio and received therapy after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder

The actor says support from loved ones and years of treatment helped him feel content again

Jeff Garlin revealed that he almost took his own life during his tumultuous departure from The Goldbergs.

The 64-year-old actor appeared on the Oct. 21 episode of the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast and opened up about the “dark time” he went through during his final days on the ABC comedy series.

In December 2021, Garlin acknowledged he had been the subject of a human resources investigation into misconduct allegations, specifically engaging in a pattern of verbal and physical conduct on set that made people uncomfortable.”

The outcome was a mutual agreement between Garlin and Sony Pictures Television to leave the sitcom.

Garlin said being part of the show was a “gift” he didn’t appreciate at the time, and the “blowout” led to him struggling mentally.

Jeff GarlinCredit: Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty

“I had a nervous breakdown, and I was going to commit suicide,” he told host Ted Danson. “I reached out to Susie [Essman], and I said, ‘I hate when people don’t reach out, but at noon today I will be dead. I’m letting you know I will be dead.’ ”

“And she called [ex-wife] Marla, and she called [girlfriend] Sari, and my friend, Brad Morris,” he recalled. “My girlfriend and my ex-wife called him. He’s one of my best friends. He watched me while they were looking for a place for me to go.”

Garlin said that he ultimately checked into a rehab facility in Cincinnati, Ohio because he was “serious” about getting help. While there, he underwent dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help him overcome his suicidal ideation as well as address his bipolar disorder, which he says went undiagnosed during The Goldbergs.

DBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is effective for those who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions, and is often used to treat mental health conditions.

Jeff GarlinCredit: Leon Bennett/Getty

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Garlin said that despite therapy and taking medication for bipolar disorder, it took years for him to feel “whole” again.

“I’m just now feeling really good. Just now,” he said. “It was a dark thing. So it took me a while and I started doing AA, dialectical behavior therapy, continued my regular therapy, started boxing, getting myself physically healthy, doing things creatively that I found interesting, à la the book [Best Seat in the House]. It’s almost like a rebirth thing.”

The actor said that today he’s “very content” and is only sharing his mental health struggles to let other people know that celebrities go through hard times like anyone else.

“The point is…for people who do what we do, we get just as dark as you do,” he said. “We have bad days just like you do. And I, Jeff Garlin, comedian, joyful gentleman, was going to end his life. But I’m grateful that I had friends and family. And then people have been so supportive of me.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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Source: Entertainment