In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, comedian Sarah Silverman, 54, opened up about the shocking circumstances surrounding the death of her brother, Jeffrey, who tragically died at just three months old. Silverman revealed that the narrative surrounding her brother's death was much more complicated than what she had previously understood. "The story was that something happened with the crib, and Jeffrey’s little body slid and he got suffocated," she explained. However, she pointed out a significant detail that raised questions: “But if you look back, there was never a lawsuit with the crib company or anything.”
Throughout the interview, Silverman reflected on her father's reaction to her 2022 musical, “Bedwetter,” which includes a joke about Jeffrey's death. Initially, her father, Donald, watched the musical multiple times before deciding to share the disturbing truth with her. "My dad says, ‘I always felt that he was crying or something, and my dad shook him,’” Silverman recounted. “'He shook him in a rage and killed him.'” This revelation left Silverman with a sense of clarity, as she stated, “As soon as he said it, it was like, ‘Of course, that’s what happened.’”
She also expressed her frustration over her family dynamics, revealing that her mother, who passed away in 2015, would always defend her husband despite the alleged abuse. “His mother always stood by her husband. She watched him beat the s–t out of her son. I couldn’t ask my mom, because she was dead,” Silverman lamented.
Donald Silverman, who passed away in May 2023, was known for his candidness, often sharing shocking stories from his past. "That was my dad," Silverman recalled with a laugh. "We were playing poker once, and he just dropped in that one of the priests at his school fondled him. I was like ‘Dad!’” This characteristic of openness left a lasting impact on Sarah, shaping her perspective on their family history.
In her heartfelt tribute to her father following his death, Silverman shared on Instagram, “My best pal, Schleppy – my dad, died last night,” along with a series of cherished memories. She touched upon the love and support that surrounded him in his final days, stating, “All the sisters, and grandkids surrounded him with love and singing and very dark f–ked up jokes this final week.” She added, “But ultimately, he wanted to be with his love, Janice, who we lost last Monday.”
Silverman concluded her tribute by emphasizing her father's belief in the importance of family. “He always said he was the richest man in the world because of his family, and he was,” she reflected, showcasing the profound love that defined their relationship despite the complicated past. This tragic revelation about Jeffrey’s death adds a new layer to Silverman’s narrative, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the long-lasting effects of trauma.
