Darren Criss Mourns the ‘Crushing’ Loss of Older Brother Chuck Criss: Read His Heartbreaking Tribute

usmagazine.com:

Darren Criss penned a lengthy tribute to his older brother, Chuck Criss, revealing that the musician died by suicide at age 37.The Glee alum, 35, shared a photo of the Freelance Whales artist via Instagram on Wednesday, March 2, alongside the caption, “Charles W Criss⁣ April 1985 – February 2022.”In an accompanying statement, the Emmy winner noted that the death of his sibling “breaks [his] heart beyond measure” and was “a colossal shock.” Darren wrote, “His loss leaves behind a debilitating fracture in the lives of his mother, his brother, his three small children and their respective mothers.

I have spent what already feels like a small eternity trying to wrap my head around it, something I suspect I’ll be attempting to do for the rest of my life.”The American Crime Story alum reflected on Chuck’s life with “the heaviest sadness,” adding that “it was very hard not to be fond” of the performer. “Like our dad, [the late Charles Criss], there was something so disarming about his mild manner that you couldn’t help but feel affectionate toward him,” Darren continued. “He also happened to be a total goofball, which made him all the more lovable. … I loved my brother so much.

And I know he loved me. Right out of the womb, he was my instant, ready-made best friend. And from that moment on, we absolutely loved being together.”The brothers were “an inseparable, dynamic duo,” who always “looked out for each other” and bonded over their love of music, he wrote.

Throughout their respective careers, the pair were “unwaveringly supportive audience members” for one another, with Darren adding that he felt “so eternally grateful” for the experiences he shared with Chuck.