# Jeff Garlin mental health and The Goldbergs dispute

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jeff-garlin-mental-health-and-the-goldbergs-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-24T15:16:48.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Actor Jeff Garlin has shared details regarding his mental health struggles and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the ABC sitcom ‘The Goldbergs’. Garlin attributed his behavior and subsequent exit to undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which he stated caused him to fluctuate between being withdrawn and “really, really mean”. He also noted that a dispute over unannounced product placement for Pizza Hut precipitated his exit, though he eventually returned to the series under a negotiated arrangement that caused resentment among castmates.

During a severe mental health crisis following his departure, Garlin attempted to take his own life. After notifying a co-star of his intentions, he was placed in a treatment facility with the help of his ex-wife, girlfriend, and associates. During an appearance on the ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’ podcast, Garlin provided further context, noting that his removal from the series followed an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct and abusive behavior toward colleagues. He recounted calling ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ co-star Susie Essman to deliver what he intended as a final message; Essman then coordinated with Garlin’s ex-wife, Marla, and his girlfriend, Sari Tracht, to monitor him while seeking treatment.

Garlin, who received a bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2022, stated that the condition had gone undetected during his time on ‘The Goldbergs’. He noted that after completing a program in Cincinnati and engaging in ongoing therapy and boxing, he is now feeling creatively and personally fulfilled.

Wendi McLendon-Covey has publicly disputed Garlin’s account of the events. Responding to his claims on Instagram, she stated, “Let’s just say I remember things very differently, as does the crew, the other actors, the writers, and our executives.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Jeff Garlin discusses mental health crisis following ‘The Goldbergs’ exit

Comedian Jeff Garlin revealed he faced a mental health crisis and contemplated suicide following his 2021 exit from ‘The Goldbergs’ due to misconduct allegations.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-garlin-discusses-mental-health-crisis-following-the-goldbergs-exit

### 2026-10-21: Jeff Garlin discusses mental health crisis and suicide attempt

Actor Jeff Garlin revealed he faced a suicidal crisis and nervous breakdown following tensions and a contract dispute on the set of ‘The Goldbergs’ in 2021.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-garlin-discusses-mental-health-crisis-and-suicide-attempt

### 2026-09-22: Wendi McLendon-Covey disputes Jeff Garlin’s account of ‘The Goldbergs’ exit

Wendi McLendon-Covey has challenged Jeff Garlin’s claims that his undiagnosed bipolar disorder caused his controversial exit from ‘The Goldbergs’, stating she and the production crew remember the events “very”'

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wendi-mclendon-covey-disputes-jeff-garlins-account-of-the-goldbergs-exit

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Cite as: Jeff Garlin mental health and The Goldbergs dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jeff-garlin-mental-health-and-the-goldbergs-dispute