Alec Baldwin is still grappling with the aftermath of the fatal shooting on the set of the film Rust in 2021. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the 66-year-old actor reflected on how the incident, which resulted in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuries to writer-director Joel Souza, has deeply affected him. Baldwin was holding a prop gun when it discharged. He shared that he suppressed his emotions during the ordeal for the sake of his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, and their seven children. “I had to stuff [feelings] down because I had seven kids. I couldn’t really go in the other room and cry or whatever. And now the emotion is really kind of washing up on me,” he said, referring to his feelings as overwhelming and intense.
Baldwin and Hilaria, who have children ranging in age from 2 to 11, work hard to manage their family life amidst the stress resulting from Baldwin’s legal battles following the shooting. Although Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger and was unaware that the prop gun contained live ammunition, he faced serious legal repercussions, including an indictment for involuntary manslaughter. He stood trial last July, which ended with the judge dismissing the case after Baldwin’s defense team argued that evidence was withheld by the prosecution. Although special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey attempted to appeal the dismissal, she withdrew her appeal soon after.
During this tumultuous time, Baldwin’s reality series, The Baldwins, captures the balance between parenting and the stress of his legal issues. “I don’t think other people would’ve survived this,” Baldwin commented regarding the strain on his family. He highlighted the persistent media scrutiny surrounding them in New York City, a city he described as “the most media-centric place in the world.”
Reflecting on his emotional state, Baldwin recalled a conversation with a well-known woman at a dinner party who had endured a devastating experience herself. “I said, ‘I’m asking myself, is it ever possible for me to be the same again after this happened?’ And she goes, ‘I haven’t been the same for one day. Not one day. It changed my life. It changed me. It changed my whole life as a person,’” Baldwin recounted. This exchange resonated with Baldwin, emphasizing the profound and lasting impact such tragedies can have on an individual’s psyche.
The legal battle remains ongoing, as Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against various parties involved in the case, alleging “malicious abuse of process, intentional spoliation of evidence, defamation, and violation of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.” His suit argues that the defendants sought to blame Baldwin for faults committed by others, asserting his innocence in the matter.
Amidst these challenges, the Baldwin family remains aware of the grief that others, particularly Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s widower, and their child, experience due to the tragic loss. “A son lost his mom. We are going to feel and carry that pain forever,” Hilaria stared solemnly, acknowledging the inevitable and shared sorrow of the situation.
The Baldwins is set to premiere soon, with the family navigating the hurdles ahead while balancing their personal lives. For further insights into Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin’s journey, readers can find more in the latest issue of PEOPLE.
