Glee star Darren Criss has revealed his brother Charles took his own life last month in a heartbreaking post.
The actor, 35, who played Blaine Anderson in the musical TV series, shared the sad news on Instagram.
Sharing a photo of Charles, who was just 36 when he died, Darren wrote: “It breaks my heart beyond measure to say that my beloved brother Charles has left us.
“Obviously this is a colossal shock.
“His loss leaves behind a debilitating fracture in the lives of his mother, his brother, his three small children, and their respective mothers.”
He continued: "I have spent what 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 have."
Darren added that while he wrote the post with the "heaviest sadness", he did it give him "some peace" to share the sad news.
While admitting he was unsure abut how much he wanted to share regarding the details of Charles' death, Darren conceded he needed to as 'clear as possible' about what had happened.
He wrote: “The last several years were increasingly difficult for Chuck as he struggled to find stability during an unfortunate rough patch in his life.
“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 a severe depression welling up in him for some time.
“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.”
The actor went on to reassure anyone who was suffering with their mental health that was no shame in seeking help and encouraged them to do so.
Darren ended the post: “Chuck Criss was vibrant, special, worldly, hilarious, insightful, gifted, intelligent, celebrated and adored.
“He was a good man with a good heart who contributed enormous amounts of laughter, music, and joy to the world.”
The star's moving message was met with a flurry of support from Darren's Glee co-stars.
Lea Michele, who played Rachel Berry in the series, wrote: “Verified Love you Darren. We will miss you Chuck.”
While Kevin McHale, who starred as Artie Abrams in the show, said: “I’m so so sorry. Love you.”
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
