kaley cuoco reveals how she survived her darkest hour
Los Angeles, maandag, 9 februari 2026.
kaley cuoco once lay on the floor, unable to breathe, convinced she would die. it was the morning of the flight attendant season two premiere in 2022. she felt broken, certain her life was over. she had just begun divorcing karl cook. in that moment, she never imagined remarrying or having a child. three weeks later, she met tom pelphrey. today, she is engaged and mother to daughter matilda. her story is one of profound depression followed by quiet rebirth. healing came slowly. it required forgiveness. her journey underscores a deeper truth about mental health: rock bottom can become the foundation for rebuilding. she speaks openly now, not for sympathy, but to show change is possible.
the lowest point
Kaley Cuoco experienced severe depression during her divorce from Karl Cook in 2022. On the morning of the Flight Attendant season two premiere, she collapsed on the floor, unable to breathe. “I literally thought I was gonna die,” she recalled. At that moment, she believed her life was over and doubted she would ever remarry or have children [1][2][4].
a sudden shift
Three weeks after her emotional breakdown, Cuoco met actor Tom Pelphrey. Their connection sparked a new chapter in her life. By May 2022, they had confirmed their relationship publicly. The couple went on to welcome their daughter Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey in March 2023 [2][4][5].
healing and renewal
Cuoco credits her recovery to self-forgiveness and personal growth. She emphasized that changing one’s mind is acceptable after hardship. In August 2024, she and Pelphrey announced their engagement. Now a mother, Cuoco reflects on her past struggles as pivotal to her transformation [2][4][5].
speaking out in 2026
On February 9, 2026, Cuoco discussed her mental health journey during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. She revisited the depth of her pain and highlighted how far she has come. Her openness aims to normalize conversations around depression and recovery [3][4].