Patrick J. Adams, known for his role as Michael Ross on the USA legal drama Suits, made waves recently by reflecting on his departure from the show, which he left after seven seasons. The actor opened up during his appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast, Dinner's On Me, discussing deeply personal reasons behind his exit.
For those unfamiliar, Suits aired from 2011 until 2019, becoming widely popular, especially after landing on Netflix, where it gained renewed attention. Adams played opposite Gabriel Macht, who portrayed the suave lawyer Harvey Specter, but by the end of Season 7, Adams found himself struggling with issues beyond the show.
"I wasn’t taking good care of my mental health and I was drinking too much at the end of Season 7," Adams confessed, shedding light on his mental and emotional struggles during those years. He described living "a pretty unexamined life" and feeling both miserable and depressed. With no effective tools to cope with his mental state, his choices often involved spending money and drinking rather than addressing the underlying issues.
Adams elaborated on how his struggles affected not just him, but also his relationships, particularly his role as a father. "I would numb myself to deal with my insecurity and my fears," he said. Recognizing the toll it was taking on his personal life led him to realize it was time for change. "The best thing I think I ever did for myself was stop drinking. It just needed to happen for all these other things to happen," he stated.
His decision to leave the show was not solely due to personal issues. Adams expressed feeling as though his character's storyline had reached its end. He didn’t see much left to explore, and as he put it, "The only reason to stay was… money." Consulting with his mother, who advised him against staying just for financial reasons, solidified his decision. Adams reflected, "Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and think about the money [Gabriel Macht] made those last two years, but I never regretted the decision for a second. It was the right thing for my marriage."
Soon after his departure, Adams noted he took time to focus on his health and family. This decision came at what he described as his breaking point, where he needed to be more present as a father. While he briefly returned for the final two episodes, his decision to leave has always felt affirming since, allowing him the space to prioritize his well-being.
Adams has since moved on to new projects, including him and co-star Sarah Rafferty hosting the rewatch podcast Sidebar, which delves back to their time on Suits. He acknowledges the importance of this show and the amazing cast, stating, "I’m filled with so much compassion for myself when I look back at the series." Despite the challenges faced during his time on Suits, he now sees it as part of his growth.
The Suits franchise is gearing up for its revival with the upcoming series Suits: LA, which will premiere on February 23, 2025, featuring Gabriel Macht reprising his role as Harvey Specter. Adams has been supportive of his former colleagues’ endeavors and has even received well wishes from Meghan Markle upon learning about the podcast.
Reflecting on his departure, it’s evident Adams’ decision, driven by personal growth and mental health awareness, resonates beyond Hollywood's hustle. His willingness to share his struggles emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially within the demanding entertainment industry. Through his candid conversation, Adams offers insight not just for fans but anyone grappling with similar challenges. With the lessons learned from his time on the show and his subsequent life changes, he seems poised for whatever new endeavors lie ahead, holding tight to the belief of never regretting the choices he made for his family and himself.
For anyone struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, resources are available. If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s confidential helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
