The behind-the-scenes reality
Jeff Garlin is getting real about why he left the hit ABC sitcom The Goldbergs back in 2021. In a recent appearance on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast, the 64-year-old actor opened up about his departure, admitting that an undiagnosed case of bipolar disorder turned his time on set into a total nightmare.
Garlin explained that his behavior—which led to HR investigations and eventually his exit—was driven by his mental health. "Being bipolar, I was either one of three things: Dark, dark, dark... Happy to the point of mania... Or mean. Really, really mean," he shared. He specifically addressed his dynamic with his on-screen wife, Wendi McLendon-Covey, admitting that he was miserable during his performance and constantly pushed back against her attempts to lift him up.
The plot thickens
While Garlin claims he feels no resentment toward McLendon-Covey today and calls her one of the greatest actors he’s ever worked with, she clearly isn't on the same page. After the podcast interview made rounds on social media, the Bridesmaids star dropped a comment on Instagram, simply writing, "Huh," and following it up with, "Let’s just say I remember things very differently." She suggested that other crew members would back her up on that, too.
Why it matters
It’s giving main character growth. Garlin says he’s now in a much better place, using medication and dialectical behavior therapy to manage his diagnosis. While he admits he still has regrets about being a "jerk" in the past, he’s focused on being more enlightened today. It’s a real talk moment about how invisible struggles can destroy workplace vibes—and why sometimes, the truth depends entirely on who you ask.
