9-1-1’s Ryan Guzman Opens Up About His Past Struggles: ‘By the Grace of God’

Over six seasons of 9-1-1, Eddie Diaz has faced his share of heartbreaks, but it’s the real-life story of his portrayer, Ryan Guzman, that has truly moved fans. Recently, Guzman opened up about his own battles and the profound loss that forever changed his life.

In an episode of Tommy DiDario’s podcast, I’ve Never Said This Before, in May 2024, Guzman—who has played firefighter Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz since Season 2 of 9-1-1—revealed a deeply personal struggle. “About six and a half, seven years ago, I tried, at one point in time, to take my own life,” he shared. “Luckily, it didn’t work. Luckily, I got a second chance, by the grace of God.”

Since then, Guzman has embraced every step forward as an opportunity to heal and rebuild. His own struggle, coupled with the tragic passing of his friend, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in December 2022, set him on a different path. “Those moments—along with losing my brother tWitch—are probably the two most pivotal experiences of my life and have given me a deeper sense of mercy and empathy towards every individual,” he reflected.

Guzman also shared a powerful message with male listeners of the podcast: don’t be afraid to seek help. “I would implore all men to renounce the idea that you have to ‘be tough’ and keep everything bottled up,” he advised. “Lean on your brothers. If the people around you aren’t there for you in the way they should be, find new ones. If you’re holding onto relationships out of loyalty but they aren’t conducive to a healthy lifestyle, let them go. There are plenty of others who have been through what you’re going through and are more than willing to help.”

Guzman first spoke about his experience with depression in a candid tweet back in May 2020, responding to a fan who shared their own struggles. “I’ve dealt with depression for years now,” he wrote. “I’ve found that the unavoidable battles of negativity can only be ‘beaten’ by keeping the mind busy with tasks that let negativity flow through you, rather than sitting in it. The battles can be won, but the war is endless. God bless you.”

Over six seasons of 9-1-1, Eddie Diaz has faced his share of heartbreaks, but it’s the real-life story of his portrayer, Ryan Guzman, that has truly moved fans. Recently, Guzman opened up about his own battles and the profound loss that forever changed his life. In an episode of Tommy DiDario’s podcast, I’ve Never Said…