‘9-1-1’ star Ryan Guzman reveals he attempted suicide: ‘Fundamental’ moment in my life
Ryan Guzman attempted suicide more than six years ago.
The “9-1-1” star, 36, made the revelation on Tommy DiDario’s “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast on May 21.
“About six and a half, seven years ago … I tried, at one point in time, to take my own life,” Guzman said.
“Luckily, it didn’t work,” he added. “Luckily, I got a second chance, by the grace of God.”
The actor, who plays Eddie Diaz in ABC’s “9-1-1,” said that since his suicide attempt, he’s “taken each step as an opportunity to erase what got me there and build on what allowed me to live for.”
Guzman explained that his life was also forever changed by the death of his “Step Up” co-star and close friend, Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
The late “Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ died by suicide in December 2022.
“That moment itself, in addition to what happened to my brother tWitch, are probably the two biggest fundamental moments of my entire life and have allowed me to have a deeper sense of mercy and empathy towards every individual,” he said.
Reflecting on his own suicide attempt, Guzman shared a message to other men who are struggling with their mental health.
“I would implore that all men renounce this fact of ‘You’re a tough man, you have to hold all this in,’ but lean on your brother,” he said. “Really lean on your brother, and if your brothers aren’t being there in the way they need to be, find some new ones.”
Guzman continued: “If you don’t have the people that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle, you’re keeping on to them because of loyalty. Let them go. There’s plenty other people. There’s people that have been through your situation before and are more than willing to help.”
Guzman gave a shoutout to his “brother” tWitch on Instagram earlier this month, with a video of himself dancing in his living room.
“Thank you, Twitch! You changed my life without getting the proper feedback from me,” Guzman wrote at the time. “I’ve felt imposter syndrome to the umpteenth degree for calling you a brother but not being more involved in your life, and to that fact, you’ve changed the definition of connection for me.”
“Now,” Guzman added, “I aim to connect deep with those I love. Showing all my sides and not just the bright ones. I wouldn’t have made that leap without you. I know your spirit is still present, and your essence still lives on in the hearts of many.”
Guzman and tWitch were co-stars in 2012’s “Step Up Revolution” and 2014’s “Step Up: All In.”
TWitch was 40 years old when he died by suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
