Wayne Brady has admitted that he struggled with depression while filming the reality show “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix.”
The famous actor said the show revolves around his personal life with his blended family, and filming it was a chance for him to heal. The 52-year-old said at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena, Calif. on July 10 that much of his pain and anguish was captured on camera while the cameras were rolling. people.
“I'm glad it was on tape too,” Brady said. “I was in the middle of this darkness, this situation, and I felt like the only way I was going to show up was to be needed.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 18: Comedian Wayne Brady attends GLAAD's 5th Annual #SpiritDay Concert at The Belasco on October 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Brady said he was nervous about sharing his personal struggles in such a public forum, but felt pressured to stay focused on the task at hand because he was busy.
“I have to work,” he said.
Brady went on to explain that there was a big difference between his upbeat, energetic image onstage and how he really felt once the lights went out and he was out of the spotlight.
“I can stand on stage and be charming and affable and make the audience laugh and look at the camera and do what I want,” he told People magazine.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 14: Wayne Brady attends the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on March 14, 2024. (Photo by Steven Simeon/WireImage) Getty Images
“But the fact is, as we say on the show, this guy said, 'I made millions of people happy, but then I went home and felt like trash and I can't do it anymore,'” Brady said.
According to People magazine, Brady described the experience as “weird,” and said that filming for his upcoming reality show ended up being an opportunity to document his “mental health journey.”
The famous comedian and actor admitted that he wasn't his true self in the past and said that his mental state has improved since then, along with his experience on set for many projects.
Brady said he's “having more fun” on “Let's Make a Deal” and that the experience has allowed him to “be present” in a way he hasn't been able to before. (RELATED: 'I Hanged Myself': Actor Alan Ritchson Opens Up About Suicide Attempt)
“So, any project I do [from] “Being honest about this has been a positive thing,” Brady said.
“Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” is scheduled for release on July 24th.
