Wayne Alphonso Brady, the celebrated American television personality, comedian, actor, and singer, has always brought laughter and joy to audiences through shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “Let’s Make a Deal.”

With five Emmy Awards and a Grammy nomination to his name, Brady’s career has been marked by success and acclaim. However, behind the scenes, he has faced a difficult and deeply personal battle—one he’s now bravely choosing to share with the world.

Recently, Wayne Brady opened up about his longtime struggle with depression, a topic he had kept private for years. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Brady revealed that he suffered a breakdown last November, highlighting the immense challenge men face when it comes to discussing mood disorders.

“It’s difficult for men in general, I think, because of just the way that we’re raised,” Brady shared in an exclusive video for People News. He described the internalized pressure to hide negative emotions, saying, “You feel that dark cloud settle on you and you feel like you need to cry out or speak to someone about it, and no, I’m not going to do that because I’m a man.”

Brady continued, expressing how societal expectations can make men feel weak for admitting vulnerability. “What kind of man would I sound like if I told somebody, ‘Hey, I am so sad, I’m cripplingly sad, I can’t get out of bed, I just feel empty, help me’? I’d be seen as soft. That’s what you’re taught, that’s how you were programmed, and that’s what kills us.”

In an effort to challenge these damaging norms, Brady has joined the nonprofit organization Bring Change to Mind in their #StrongerThanStigma campaign.

The initiative aims to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly among men, and normalize open conversations about mental health.

Bring Change to Mind’s press release highlights a sobering statistic: the rate of suicide among men is three to four times that of women. While one in four adults experience a mental illness in any given year, nearly two-thirds do not seek treatment—especially men.

Brady is not alone in this movement. Other public figures have joined the campaign, including singer-songwriter Michael Angelakos, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Edmonton Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens, who has worked closely with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Their participation underscores the widespread impact of mental health challenges and the importance of breaking the silence.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall and his wife, Michi, have also contributed to the cause by co-producing a Bring Change to Mind public service announcement under the umbrella of their nonprofit, Project 375.

Marshall, who was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2011, emphasized the significance of continuing the fight against the stigma associated with brain health. “What most don’t realize is this affects all of us,” Marshall said. “I love this PSA because it penetrates to the root of our men’s problems, and that’s asking for help and letting them know it’s okay.”

Wayne Brady’s decision to speak out is an act of courage that resonates far beyond his own story. By sharing his experiences, he is helping to dismantle the harmful stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being.

His openness is a powerful reminder that mental health struggles affect people from all walks of life, and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.

As Brady and other advocates continue to raise awareness, the hope is that more men will feel empowered to talk about their feelings, seek support, and ultimately find healing.

Their stories are paving the way for a future where mental health is treated with compassion, understanding, and respect.