Jeff Garlin Reveals Suicidal Thoughts After ‘Goldbergs’ Exit
WHO:
The Hollywood Reporter - Jeff Garlin is an actor and comedian who played father Murray Goldberg on ABC’s *The Goldbergs* and appeared on *Curb Your Enthusiasm*.
The Hollywood Reporter - Ted Danson interviewed Garlin on his podcast, *Where Everybody Knows Your Name*.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin contacted fellow *Curb Your Enthusiasm* co-star Susie Essman; Essman contacted Garlin’s ex-wife Marla, girlfriend Sari, and friend Brad Morris.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said Morris was one of his best friends and watched over him while others searched for treatment.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said he was bipolar and that the condition affected his behavior on *The Goldbergs*.
US Magazine - Garlin was 64 when he discussed his exit from *The Goldbergs*.
NY Post - Garlin played Murray Goldberg on the ABC sitcom.
WHAT:
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said he had a nervous breakdown and considered suicide after leaving *The Goldbergs*: “I had a nervous breakdown, and I was going to commit suicide.”
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin recalled telling Essman, “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.”
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin checked into rehab, received dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and said he was “no longer suicidal.”
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said therapy and medication for bipolar disorder helped him feel “kind of whole.” He said he was “now feeling really good” and “very content.”
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said he shared his experience to raise awareness, adding that performers “get just as dark as you do” and “have bad days just like you do.”
US Magazine - Garlin said a producer visited his house after he was done with the show and asked what it would take for him to return; Garlin said he “didn’t want to go back.”
NY Post - Garlin departed *The Goldbergs* following allegations of misconduct on set.
WHERE:
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin checked into rehab in Cincinnati, Ohio.
US Magazine - A producer visited Garlin at his house.
WHEN:
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin’s departure occurred during production of the show’s ninth season, after more than eight seasons on the series.
US Magazine - Garlin discussed his exit on an episode of *Where Everybody Knows Your Name* identified as Wednesday, October 21.
WHY:
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin left after an HR investigation stemming from multiple complaints about his behavior; the article also cites investigations by HR and *Vanity Fair*.
The Hollywood Reporter - *Vanity Fair* reported an alleged pattern of verbal and physical conduct that made staffers uncomfortable.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said his undiagnosed bipolar condition affected his behavior on the show.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said he did not understand why his comedic behavior was viewed as creating an “unsafe” workspace, and described himself as “always a kind and thoughtful person.”
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said his departure was a mutual decision between him and production company Sony Pictures Television.
The Hollywood Reporter - Friends and family helped Garlin find treatment; he underwent DBT, therapy, and medication.
The Hollywood Reporter - Garlin said he reached out to Essman, who mobilized people close to him to help.
(UPDATED October 25, 2026 02:19 UTC)
Actor and comedian Jeff Garlin says he considered suicide after leaving ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” where he played Murray Goldberg for more than eight seasons. Speaking with Ted Danson, Garlin recalled telling “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star Susie Essman that he planned to die. Essman contacted Garlin’s ex-wife, girlfriend and friend Brad Morris, who helped watch over him as loved ones sought treatment. Garlin checked into rehab in Cincinnati and received dialectical behavior therapy, along with therapy and medication for bipolar disorder. He says he is no longer suicidal and now feels content. Garlin left “The Goldbergs” during its ninth season after complaints about his conduct prompted an HR investigation; he said his undiagnosed bipolar condition affected his behavior. He described the departure as a mutual decision with Sony Pictures Television and said he did not want to return. Garlin shared his experience to raise awareness of mental health struggles.