Patrick J. Adams Opens Up About 'Suits' Exit: “I Was Miserable and Drinking Too Much”
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The actor shares why stepping away
was the right decision, despite financial temptations
Patrick J. Adams, known for his portrayal of Mike Ross on the hit show Suits, has recently opened up about the personal struggles that led to his decision to leave the series after its seventh season. In a candid conversation on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's on Me podcast, Adams revealed how alcohol impacted his well-being during the final season of Suits.
"I wasn't taking good care of my mental health and I was drinking too much [at] the end of season seven," Adams shared. He admitted to feeling “pretty miserable” and “pretty depressed” at the time, lacking the tools to address his growing insecurity and depression. The result was a reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms, which included drinking and spending. “I would numb myself [to] deal with my insecurity and my fears,” Adams said. “And they just weren’t working. They were taking a toll on my relationship, but also making me a very not present father. That for me was a breaking point.”
The actor eventually recognized that to become the person—and father—he wanted to be, quitting drinking was essential. “The best thing I think I ever did for myself was stop drinking. It just needed to happen in order for all these other things to happen,” Adams continued. He also mentioned that, by the end, there was no real reason for him to remain on the show apart from the paycheck. Reflecting on those final moments, Adams said, "Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and think about the money [Suits star Gabriel Macht] made those last two years, but I never regretted the decision for a second. It was the right thing for my marriage... it was time.”
Since his departure, Adams has focused on various new endeavors, including a Suits rewatch podcast, Sidebar: A Suits Rewatch, which he co-hosts with his former co-star Sarah Rafferty. He’s also been taking on new acting challenges, with roles in the upcoming BBC/Netflix limited series Lockerbie and the highly anticipated Yellowstone sequel, The Madison. He describes his final season as a period of considerable personal turmoil, one that pushed him to ultimately make healthier choices and step away from a demanding work schedule.
The actor also spoke about Suits' resurgence on Netflix, where the series accumulated 57.7 billion minutes of viewing time, sparking the creation of a new spinoff series. While Adams has moved on, he admits that the resurgence was bittersweet. "At first, I had, if I'm really honest, a sort of, 'Well, what is this going to do for me?' kind of attitude, which happens sometimes," he reflected. However, as the show became even more popular, Adams felt an unexpected sense of closure. “The best days of my life were on that show,” he shared, acknowledging both the great and challenging times during the near-decade he spent on Suits.
He also reflected on the growth he experienced through his time on Suits, gaining new perspective on his own journey. “Now, I am filled with so much compassion for myself... [I'm able] to be kinder to myself and realize how amazing this entire group of people was,” Adams noted. He described his younger self as “determined to get it right, do well, and make the most out of it,” which made it challenging to be present and fully appreciate the experience at the time. Watching the series today, he finds himself filled with gratitude and able to appreciate the show’s impact without the pressures he faced as a young actor.
Adams’ journey serves as a reminder that mental health is paramount, even amid the demands of stardom. His decision to walk away from the show at a pivotal moment wasn’t an easy one, but it has clearly helped him to focus on what truly matters—his health, his family, and his happiness.
As Suits continues its legacy with a new chapter, fans can look forward to Suits: L.A., a spinoff series featuring Gabriel Macht reprising his iconic role as Harvey Specter. This new installment will dive into the glitz and grit of Los Angeles' legal scene, offering a fresh yet familiar take on the high-stakes world of corporate law. With Stephen Amell stepping in to fill the void left by Adams' Mike Ross, the series promises to bring new dynamics while keeping the sharp wit and courtroom drama fans know and love. Suits: L.A. is set to premiere on NBC in February 2025, reigniting the excitement for this beloved franchise.
Watch the trailer for Suits: L.A. below:
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