A beloved Canadian actress and comedian has shocked fans after revealing she plans to die by assisted suicide — saying decades of battling severe mental illness have left her with “nothing left to fight for.”
Claire Brosseau, 48, known for her stage and screen work alongside stars like James Franco, says she has endured a lifetime of agony since being diagnosed with manic depression at just 14. Over the years, she’s been treated for anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and chronic suicidal thoughts — trying everything from prescription drugs to guided psychedelic therapy.
“I’ve done it all,” Brosseau wrote in an emotional letter to fans. “Therapists, doctors, meds — nothing helps. I can’t do this anymore.”
Now, the Montreal-born actress is suing the Canadian government for the right to end her life through the country’s controversial Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program. While MAiD currently allows terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical support, those suffering solely from mental illness are still excluded — a policy that has been repeatedly delayed and may not change until 2027.
Brosseau argues that’s discrimination. “I just want the same rights as others with incurable illnesses — to choose when and how I die,” she said.
The actress, who has no partner or children, says she made her decision in 2021 after a lifetime of highs and devastating lows. She’s survived multiple suicide attempts, including once deliberately eating peanuts despite a severe allergy. “I’ve wanted to die for as long as I can remember,” she told the New York Times.
At one point, Brosseau’s life seemed to be turning around — she was sober, working steadily, and even landing her “dream role” in a European film. But behind the scenes, she says she was unraveling. “I’d go back to my hotel, bawl, scream, rip my clothes apart — then show up the next morning smiling,” she admitted.
After Canadian health authorities delayed expanding MAiD to include mental illness, Brosseau joined forces with former war correspondent John Scully, who suffers from PTSD, to challenge the law in court.
Her lawsuit has reignited Canada’s fierce national debate over assisted suicide. Even her own psychiatrists are divided — one believes her suffering makes her a candidate for MAiD, while another insists she still has a chance at recovery.
“I would love for Claire to change her mind,” said Dr. Gail Robinson of the University of Toronto. “But if she gets approval, I’ll support her.”
Dr. Mark Fefergrad disagrees: “I believe she can still get well. I don’t think MAiD is the best or only choice for her.”
For now, Brosseau says she’s simply tired. “I’ve made peace with my decision,” she wrote. “This isn’t about wanting to die — it’s about not being able to live like this anymore.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Sorry to hear this
My manic ex-boss tried unsuccessfully to off himself with brandy and OTC sleep aids, found himself locked in a Holiday Inn fire stairwell, battled first responders, spent a week in the psych ward and arrived home to find that his soon to be ex-father-in-law had removed his best shrubs, mirrors and chandeliers. But, if at first he didn’t succeed, he hanged himself a few years later.