‘9-1-1’ Star Ryan Guzman Opens Up About How His Suicide Attempt And tWitch’s Death Changed His Life: “Lean On Your Brother”

Actor Ryan Guzman recently reflected on how a “mental health crisis” and the death of his Step Up co-star Stephen “tWitch” Boss shifted his perspective on life forever.

In an exclusive clip from People, the 9-1-1 actor revealed during a recent episode of Tommy DiDario’s I’ve Never Said This Before podcast that he once attempted suicide.

“I had been hesitant to actually say any of this for so long because, you know, it’s been years upon years…I’ve really never said this out loud, especially onto a public platform,” Guzman began.

“About six and a half, seven years ago… I tried, at one point in time, to take my own life,” he said. “Luckily it didn’t work. Luckily I got a second chance, by the grace of God.” 

Guzman candidly reflected on how his life changed after that moment and the shocking death of Boss, who died by suicide in 2022 at the age of 40.

“From that moment forward, I’ve taken each step as an opportunity to erase what got me there and build on what allowed me to live for,” he said.

“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,” Guzman explained.

Guzman recently shared a video of himself dancing on social media in tribute to his former co-star and good friend. After admitting he’s “been so afraid to dance” since starring in Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In, he credited tWitch with giving him the strength to continue.

“It was Twitches voice in my head that reminded me to get out of my head and dance for the fun of it,” Guzman continued. “Laugh at yourself. Be goofy. Mess up. But most of all, be vulnerable and feel the music. In your honor Twitch, I danced for the first time in a long time n let go of the fear. God bless you, brother.”

On the podcast, the actor addressed male listeners directly, imploring them to open up to each other.

“So 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. Really lean on your brother and if your brothers aren’t being there in the way they need to be, find some new ones,” he said. “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.”

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.