Jeff Garlin reveals suicide plan during 'The Goldbergs' exit
Jeff Garlin stated that he formulated a plan to end his life during the turbulent final period of his tenure on the ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs." The comedian disclosed the details of this mental health crisis and his subsequent recovery path during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." Garlin, who left the series in 2021 amid allegations of misconduct, described a severe personal struggle that followed his departure from the production. He explained that he notified a close contact of the specific time he intended to die, telling her he would be dead by noon that day. This message initiated a chain of reactions among his inner circle. His ex-wife Marla and girlfriend Sari were contacted, as was his friend Brad Morris, who monitored Garlin while others sought appropriate care facilities. Garlin traced the initial friction on set to a specific incident involving a promotional scene. He said he filmed a scene with Tim Meadows, Dave Koechner, and Troy Gentile that he later learned was a Pizza Hut commercial. Garlin stated no one informed him of the advertisement's nature beforehand. When producers explained the revenue would help hire a writer, Garlin questioned why the corporation behind the show could not cover the cost. He refused to participate in the promotional aspect and insisted on filming his character leaving before the pizza appeared. "I left, and I knew I'd never come back to that set again," he said. Despite his desire to walk away, Garlin said a producer later visited his home to ask what would convince him to return. Although he had no intention of going back, he demanded a substantial raise and a schedule limited to one workday per week. Producers agreed to these terms. Garlin admitted this arrangement created resentment among castmates, though he remained unaware of their knowledge of his personal struggles at the time. "I didn't know it at the time, though. I was naive," he said. The professional tensions coincided with a severe mental health crisis. Garlin identified his condition as bipolar disorder, noting that he previously struggled to understand why people avoided him during manic episodes or why he felt compelled to apologize during other periods. He described days of emotional numbness and darkness. To address the crisis, Garlin traveled to Cincinnati in the winter for treatment. He specifically chose this location over facilities in Beverly Hills, stating he was serious about getting help. He underwent dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which he credited with helping him overcome suicidal thoughts. Garlin added that Alcoholics Anonymous, regular counseling, boxing, and physical fitness have contributed to his current stability. He noted that it has been approximately five years since his lowest point and that he is only now feeling genuinely good.
Jeff Garlin stated that he formulated a plan to end his life during the turbulent final period of his tenure on the ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs." The comedian disclosed the details of this mental health crisis and his subsequent recovery path during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." Garlin, who left the series in 2021 amid allegations of misconduct, described a severe personal struggle that followed his departure from the production. He explained that he notified a close contact of the specific time he intended to die, telling her he would be dead by noon that day. This message initiated a chain of reactions among his inner circle. His ex-wife Marla and girlfriend Sari were contacted, as was his friend Brad Morris, who monitored Garlin while others sought appropriate care facilities. Garlin traced the initial friction on set to a specific incident involving a promotional scene. He said he filmed a scene with Tim Meadows, Dave Koechner, and Troy Gentile that he later learned was a Pizza Hut commercial. Garlin stated no one informed him of the advertisement's nature beforehand. When producers explained the revenue would help hire a writer, Garlin questioned why the corporation behind the show could not cover the cost. He refused to participate in the promotional aspect and insisted on filming his character leaving before the pizza appeared. "I left, and I knew I'd never come back to that set again," he said. Despite his desire to walk away, Garlin said a producer later visited his home to ask what would convince him to return. Although he had no intention of going back, he demanded a substantial raise and a schedule limited to one workday per week. Producers agreed to these terms. Garlin admitted this arrangement created resentment among castmates, though he remained unaware of their knowledge of his personal struggles at the time. "I didn't know it at the time, though. I was naive," he said. The professional tensions coincided with a severe mental health crisis. Garlin identified his condition as bipolar disorder, noting that he previously struggled to understand why people avoided him during manic episodes or why he felt compelled to apologize during other periods. He described days of emotional numbness and darkness. To address the crisis, Garlin traveled to Cincinnati in the winter for treatment. He specifically chose this location over facilities in Beverly Hills, stating he was serious about getting help. He underwent dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which he credited with helping him overcome suicidal thoughts. Garlin added that Alcoholics Anonymous, regular counseling, boxing, and physical fitness have contributed to his current stability. He noted that it has been approximately five years since his lowest point and that he is only now feeling genuinely good.