Jeff Garlin Contemplated Suicide Amid 'The Goldbergs' Exit
The comedian detailed his mental health struggles and subsequent recovery following his departure from the ABC sitcom.
Jeff Garlin revealed he contemplated suicide during the tumultuous period that led to his exit from the ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs." The comedian discussed the emotional toll of his departure on a recent episode of the "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast.
Garlin, 64, was removed from "The Goldbergs" in 2021 after an investigation into allegations of misconduct and "abusive" behavior on set. He told podcast host Ted Danson that he experienced a "nervous breakdown" and was considering suicide.
He recalled calling his "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Susie Essman to inform her of his intentions. According to Garlin, Essman then contacted his ex-wife and girlfriend, who in turn reached out to a close friend. This friend stayed with Garlin while his loved ones searched for a mental health treatment facility.
Garlin ultimately chose a facility in Cincinnati over one in Beverly Hills, citing the winter season as a motivator for his seriousness about seeking help. "I went to Cincinnati in the middle of winter, and I learned this thing called DBT, dialectical behavior therapy," he stated. "I was no longer suicidal. They helped get me to a point where I could stand."
Following his treatment and further therapy for his bipolar disorder, which Garlin said was undiagnosed during his time on "The Goldbergs," he began to feel "kind of whole." He noted that it has taken approximately five years since his departure from the show to feel "really good."
He now describes himself as "very content" and "creatively fulfilled," with supportive relationships and engaging projects, including his recently released book, "Best Seat in the House: Moments No One Asked Me to Capture … But I Did Anyway."
In September 2022, Garlin publicly disclosed his bipolar disorder diagnosis. At the time, Susie Essman commented that he was "working hard to manage it." However, Garlin's "Goldbergs" co-star Wendi McLendon-Covey has pushed back against his assertion that his bipolar disorder contributed to his behavior on set, stating that her memory of events, and those of the crew, other actors, writers, and executives, differs significantly.
For those in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line is available by texting 741741.