Freelance Whales
photo via Darren's post

Freelance Whales' Chuck Criss dies at 36

Freelance Whales member Chuck Criss has died at age 36. His brother, actor Darren Criss, posted a statement revealing that Chuck took his own life.

“The last several years were increasingly difficult for Chuck as he struggled to find stability during an unfortunate rough patch in his life,” Darren wrote. “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, a depression that was only worsened by a lifelong struggle he had with expressing his feelings – a dangerous combination truly 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.”

Read Darren’s full statement below. Rest in peace, Chuck.

If you are thinking of suicide, please call:
Suicide Helpline: 1800 – SUICIDE
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-827-7571
National Suicide Hotline: 1-888-248-2587