Jeff Garlin is abruptly departing hit sitcom “The Goldbergs” following a series of misconduct allegations and a network investigation into the actor’s allegedly “abusive” behavior on set.
The bombshell exit comes several weeks after the comedian, 59, publicly revealed that he had not been fired from the long-running ABC sitcom.
According to sources close to the show, it was a mutual decision for Garlin not to return to the series, Deadline reported. Meanwhile, the comedian’s termination is effective immediately — and he will not complete his work on the remainder of the ninth season of “The Goldbergs.”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Garlin, who played curmudgeonly patriarch Murray Christian Goldberg, admitted to Vanity Fair that he had been the subject of a human resources department probe over the last three years due to his on-set conduct.
“He is extremely verbally and emotionally abusive,” an anonymous “Goldbergs” employee told Deadline.
Representatives for Garlin, co-star Wendi McLendon-Covey and series creator and former producer Adam F. Goldberg did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Post.
Early in the show’s run, Goldberg was astonished at how well Garlin portrayed his real-life father — who died in 2008 — in the autobiographical show.
“There’s moments where I catch Jeff out of the corner of my eye, dressed like my dad, and I’ll go, ‘Oh my God,’ and I’ll think it’s my dad for a second,” Goldberg told The Post in a 2014 interview. “And certain things he does, it’s like he’s channeling my father.”
Although network reps didn’t respond to requests for comment, one show insider told The Post even they were surprised to discover Garlin was “fired” overnight.
Meanwhile, the “Arrested Development” alum has previously dismissed his antics as silly, misunderstood gags that rubbed some cast and crew members the wrong way.
“It’s always the same thing,” lamented Garlin. “It’s about me and my silliness on set. They don’t think it’s appropriate. I do. That’s where we’re at.”
He added that he didn’t know how to “respond” to the accusations, “Because as a comedian, if somebody is offended by what I say I, all I can say is, ‘I’m sorry. OK?'”
Nonetheless, the “Mad About You” actor, who was reportedly nearly sacked in 2019 due to inappropriate language during production, has admitted to liberally using the word “vagina” on set, Deadline reported. Other frequent complaints involved his frequently discussing “balls,” using demeaning language, and referring to longtime female colleagues by offensive nicknames.
Some said they also felt uncomfortable with the actor’s penchant for handing out hugs — a habit that Garlin admitted to.
“It’s quick hugs, but I didn’t realize that anyone was feeling — so if you want to write that story, that’s a true story,” he said. “It puts the onus on them to say something, and I would gladly respect anyone who said, ‘Please don’t hug me. I don’t feel comfortable.'”
Showrunners for “The Goldbergs” have yet to reveal if the show will be renewed for a 10th season in light of Garlin’s termination.
It’s also unclear if the funnyman’s firing will impact his tenure on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he serves as both a main cast member and executive producer.
