Sara Ramírez is opening up about their shocking experience!
The non-binary entertainer, who uses they/them pronouns, is not one to shy from emotional conversations, and they recently discussed how they once contemplated suicide.
During a heart-to-heart interview with Variety, the 46-year-old Mexican-American revealed that their mental health took a severe beating during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sara Ramírez Recalls Seeking Help From The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The pandemic’s beginning was a difficult period for people worldwide, including celebrities like Ramírez, as their mental health steadily declined.
The situation worsened in May 2020 when the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum could no longer endure the weight of their problems and found themselves having suicidal thoughts one late night.
“I remember calling the National Suicide Hotline for the very first time,” the 46-year-old recalled, “I called some folks, but their phones were off, and I thought, “Well, there’s this hotline.’ “
The Mazatlán native explained that the pandemic, alongside the violence in America, especially the Black community’s struggles against numerous racist attacks, triggered their “own personal trauma.”
According to the “Madam Secretary” star, the constant negativity in the world made them contemplate if this was a place they wished to live in.
Fortunately, a skilled worker at the National Suicide Prevention Hotline saved the Hollywood sensation from the terrifying jaws of death.
Singing their savior’s praises, the 46-year-old stated that the anonymous recipient of their suicidal call helped them move away from the ledge and back into their body. The Mexican-American entertainer said:
“I could acknowledge my feelings without becoming them, and it was really helpful. I was particularly vulnerable at that time, and I sought out support.”
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Ramírez confessed that it had been a challenging year for them as the frequent news of horrors in the country made being trapped indoors unbearable.
However, the “Sofia the First” voice actor improved their mental health by releasing “all attachments to permanence” and advocating for justice.
In the summer of 2020, they participated in the Black Lives Matter protests, and during this movement, they also announced their status as non-binary on social media.
The Tony Award winner posted a selfie alongside a poetic caption that read: “In me is the capacity to be / Girlish boy / Boyish girl / Boyish boy / Girlish girl / All / Neither #nonbinary.”
Coming out opened new doors for the entertainer as Michael Patrick King, showrunner of HBO Max’s hit reboot of “Sex and the City,” approached the actor to play Che Díaz in “And Just Like That ….”
According to the producer, it was crucial to have the LGBT advocate play the role of the nonbinary comedian, whose love for Miranda Hobbes [played by Cynthia Nixon] ruins the character’s marriage.
King confessed that he wanted Ramírez to portray Che, noting that he would not have created the character if not for the entertainer’s existence.
As for how the Mexican-American felt about starring in the famous series, the 46-year-old proudly declared their love for the role and its importance in today’s community.
According to the Satellite Award winner, Che served as a reminder that everyone deserved “love, safety, and joy,” especially those disliked in a community.
The Broadway Star Opened Up About Reprising Their Role On ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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As previously reported by PEOPLE, Ramírez discussed their time on the iconic TV series “Grey’s Anatomy” and the role’s impacts on their life.
For 11 seasons, the 46-year-old won numerous hearts with their remarkable performances as Dr. Torres on the ABC medical drama.
Looking back at their time on the program, the SAG Award winner confessed that they would not have become the person they were today without the TV series.
At the time, playing the role of a bisexual character was not popular, but it became the role of a lifetime for the “Spamalot” star because it represented their LBGTQ+ community.
Ramírez admitted that they would happily come back if the showrunners found an opportunity for Dr. Torres’s return in the series.
The Ally for Equality Award winner stated that “Grey’s Anatomy” and the iconic members of the Shondaland family would always have a place in their heart.
One of the greatest honors of the entertainer’s life was starring in the ABC series until 2016, making a final appearance in the 12th season’s finale.
