Jeff Garlin Says He Was Bipolar on 'Goldbergs' Set

Key Points:

• Jeff Garlin revealed on The Daily Beast’s “Obsessed” podcast that he was undiagnosed bipolar during his time on ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” which contributed to his misery and eventual exit from the show in 2021 amid HR investigations into inappropriate conduct claims.
• The allegations against Garlin included unwanted hugging, inappropriate touching, and making others uncomfortable with his jokes, leading to a mutual decision for him to leave the series during its ninth season.
• Co-star Wendi McLendon-Covey disputed Garlin’s account of events, stating that she and others involved with the show remember things very differently and later expressed relief that Garlin’s departure finally addressed long-standing issues on set.
• After Garlin’s exit, producers used off-camera dialogue, unused takes, and a stand-in filmed from behind to complete the season, a decision that was criticized by fans and acknowledged as challenging by McLendon-Covey.
• Garlin has defended his comedic style, emphasizing that his intent was never to cause harm, while acknowledging his bipolar diagnosis came after leaving the show.