Is Alec Baldwin OK? ‘Inconsolable’ and 'hysterical' actor cancels all other projects
The tragic accident that killed promising cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has left a huge scar on her family and friends and now also actor Alec Baldwin. Following the fatal shooting, the star was reportedly "hysterical and absolutely inconsolable for hours." The star hasn't been seen in public since he was snapped consoling Hutchins' family on October 23 in a hotel in Santa Fe.
As the probe into the accident continues, new details are emerging every day. It appears Baldwin may take a share of the blame as well, reportedly because he ignored the 'golden rule' of on-set gun safety - never point a firearm at anyone. Nonetheless, the actor isn't facing any criticism from the Hutchins family after it emerged he was unaware the gun was loaded, because AD Dave Halls said it was safe.
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It's unclear who is to blame for the accident as we have reported, both Halls and 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez played a key role in a live gun with real ammunition ending up on set when it wasn't supposed to. But it's clearly Baldwin who's most affected. Both Halls and Guiterrez are now laying low, but the actor has been snapped in public, and things don't look good judging by his expressions in the photos.
Is Alec Baldwin OK?
On October 21, a clearly distraught Baldwin was photographed outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. He was seen crying, with another image showing him doubled over in the parking lot. It has now emerged the actor was "hysterical and absolutely inconsolable for hours," after the shooting occurred. Days later, he doesn't appear to be in better shape. He was seen looking downcast as he left a Santa Fe hotel on October 23, along with Hutchins' husband and child.
The day before, October 22, a small private memorial was held for Hutchins in the city, which was attended by her family and Baldwin. The Daily Mail reported that grief counselors were also present at the service. Production on 'Rust' has since been suspended and it appears the actor is also canceling all his other work. A source told PEOPLE Baldwin is going to "to take some time to himself and re-center himself."
He's reportedly removing himself from the public eye, which is how he "handles difficult times." It's unclear where the actor is heading off to. On October 22, Baldwin's wife and children were seen leaving their New York home, for an unknown destination. We do know the actor will link up with his family, with the source saying, "He needs to take a while to himself, to be with his family."
It's clear that the actor has been left devastated by the incident. Reportedly, he "is someone who really deeply cares, so he can be very hard on himself." It's unclear how long Baldwin will be out, or if he will be replaced in his other projects. Currently, he's scheduled to appear in 'Blue Before Blood', 'The Father', and an untitled project with Kesley Grammer. All three are in pre-production. Given the situation though, it's possible they could be shelved for the time being.