Actor and singer Darren Criss, best known for his roles on Glee and The Assassination of Gianni Versace, has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his brother, Charles (‘Chuck’).
Darren revealed yesterday that his older brother, 36, had died by suicide after struggling with depression in recent months.
He posted a lengthy tribute on his Instagram, alongside some images of his brother and himself.
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“It breaks my heart beyond measure to say that my beloved brother Charles has left us. His loss leaves behind a debilitating fracture in the lives of his mother, his brother, his three small children, and their respective mothers,” Darren began.
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“I have spent what already feels like a small eternity trying to wrap my head around it, something I suspect I’ll be attempting to do for the rest of my life. But in the short time that I’ve had to process everything, I’ve managed to put some words together that may help with some of the questions you may have.”
Darren went to talk about the bond between him and Chuck.
“I loved my brother so much. And I know he loved me. Right out of the womb, he was my instant, ready-made best friend. And from that moment on, we absolutely loved being together. ‘Charles & Darren’ were an inseparable, dynamic duo,’ he continued.
“We shared nearly everything and looked out for each other. He was my confidant and companion as we discovered the world together.”
Related: Darren Criss says he’s done going gay for pay
Darren went on to say his brother had, “struggled to find stability during an unfortunate rough patch.
“Despite our very vocal concerns about his well-being, and his protestations that everything was fine, it’s crushing to say now that Chuck clearly had had a severe depression welling up in him for some time,” he shared.
“A depression that was only outmatched by his all-too-incredible ability to conceal it. Not just from the world at large, but most tragically, from the people who were closest to him.”
“We will never know just how long he was fighting this war within himself. But last week, it consumed him fully, and he succumbed by taking his own life.”
Darren wrote about his brother’s deep love for his three children, and his talent as a songwriter. The brothers released an album together under the name Computer Games in 2017.
He urged others facing similar battles to seek help.
”Seeking professional counseling and support is a wonderful way to help you see just how abundantly love is available to you. There is simply too much love readily available in this world to lose sight of that.”
“While it was a lapse in Chuck’s mental wellness that took him, it is simply not something that can define who he was,” Darren wrote. “All of the wonderful, inspiring, positive things about his life far outshine the circumstances by which it came to an end.”
“He was a good man with a good heart who contributed enormous amounts of laughter, music, and joy to the world. And for the ones who were lucky enough to take part in those wonderful moments, it’s marvelous to know that those memories are plentiful, everlasting, and can never be taken away.”
Related: Darren Criss: “I’ve been s**t on” for playing gay roles
Darren’s posting has prompted thousands of messages of condolence, including many from fellow actors and performers. Another Glee star, Lea Michelle, said, “Love you Darren. We will miss you Chuck.” Kevin McHale said, “I’m so so sorry. Love you. ♥️”, while Matthew Morrison said, “Love you, buddy. So sorry for this heart-breaking loss. Rest In Peace, Chuck. ❤️”
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Harley
I’ll never forget how creepy he was playing Andrew Cunanon. I know he was playing a part but, DAYUM he played that part well.
SDR94103
is there something wrong with you?
cuteguy
@Harley
I’ll never forget how creepy your mom was when she gave birth to a monster like you. Like with Hitler’s mom, there should have been an abortion so the world would be sparred
Invader7
Good actors infuse their roles with parts of their own ego & personality. And vice versa the roles DO leave an imprint on their ego & personalitiy…
Fahd
Tragic. My condolences. It is difficult to go back and try to figure what one could have done differently or to face one’s helplessness.
I’m surprised the pandemic didn’t come up in the discussion, because I truly have noticed a lot of people with new or exacerbated mental health issues related to the pandemic restrictions
It’s important to continue and increase suicide prevention efforts all around; affirming that it is okay to reach out for help.
powersthatbe
That was so well written, especially with the trauma they must all be going through right now.
Wishing them all love and light.
MacAdvisor
My condolences to Mr. Criss and his family. For any of you struggling with the death of a friend or family member by suicide, I recommend contacting Friends for Survival (www.FriendsForSurvival.org), decades old non-profit and peer-support group. They have a free monthly newsletter that provides practical tips, a lending library, and monthly Zoom that give support and real advice. I wish articles about a suicide would not only include a promo for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to help those considering suicide, but also the link to FFS for those of us left behind. Those who’ve taken their own life are not suffering now and beyond help, those of who loved them are still in pain.
Black Papa
This message is relevant.. We who are experiencing depression forget the impact and importance of cherishing those who we would leave behind… to continue the pain for the rest of their lives.. Thanks for stating this..This is more important than referencing the Suicide Prevention Hot Line,. Thanks for this reminder.. It hit me personally,..and I am sure it can and will affect others.
Peter
My sincerest condolences to Darren, his brother’s children and their mothers, and the extended family and friends of Charles. Depression is not something to be ignored; it was a major element in the mix leading to my own mother’s death. I urge anyone suffering from it or knowing someone who does to seek professional help. God rest Charles’ soul.
Cam
What a terrible thing for a family to go through.
Polaro
Depression is insidious. It tricks the mind. It can also be triggered by some medications. If you are feeling depressed and/or suicidal, remember that you always did not feel this way and remembering that is your way out. It can be fixed. Asking for help is the brave thing to do. It is what everyone wants and needs you to do.
Black Papa
Well said !! Thanks.
Jack
I discovered Chuck through his collaboration with Darren. They made a really great EP together under the name Computer Games just a couple of years ago. Watching interviews with them, it’s clear how much they loved each other, so this truly shocks me. Prayers up for the Criss family. Mental illness is taking way too many lives needlessly.
johncp56
To sad to say anything
BoomerMyles
It takes a hell of a lot of courage to commit suicide.
Invader7
That’s a cold & crappy thing to say you anal orifice !!!
CurtisIsTheOne
It’s taking an enormous amount of self control for me not to call you an IGNORANT, VILE and CUM-ENCRUSTED little piglet, you ARSEHOLE. There. I’ve fed you, troll. Are you happy now?
Invader7
Sad.. Depression is an insidious condition.. Get HELP and take care of YOURSELF if you’re affected by depression… Reach out to fmaily, friends, professionals, hotlines !!!