LGBT Actors Who Had Serious Health Problems

Many talented actors from the LGBT community have faced significant medical challenges throughout their careers. These individuals navigated diagnosis and treatment while often maintaining their public profiles. Their stories shed light on the reality of living with serious conditions like cancer or HIV. The following list highlights male actors who confronted these health issues with resilience.

Ian McKellen

The acclaimed star of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ revealed his battle with prostate cancer in 2012. He was diagnosed several years prior and chose active surveillance rather than invasive surgery. McKellen assured fans that the condition was contained and he received regular monitoring. His openness helped raise awareness about the importance of early detection for men. He continues to work extensively despite the diagnosis.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry announced in 2018 that he had undergone surgery to remove his prostate after a cancer diagnosis. The British actor and writer faced an aggressive form of the disease that required immediate intervention. He spent time recovering from the procedure and urged men to get their PSA levels checked. Fry has also been vocal about his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder. His candid discussions have helped destigmatize both mental and physical health issues.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter revealed in 2021 that he had been living with HIV for over a decade. The ‘Pose’ actor kept his diagnosis private for years due to fear of stigma and rejection in the industry. He also manages Type 2 diabetes as part of his daily health routine. Porter used his platform to advocate for those living with the virus and to challenge misconceptions. His resilience has made him a powerful voice for the community.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was one of the first major Hollywood stars to publicly disclose an AIDS diagnosis. The heartthrob from ‘Pillow Talk’ collapsed in Paris while seeking experimental treatment for the disease. His revelation in 1985 changed the global conversation about the epidemic. Hudson passed away shortly after his announcement but left a lasting legacy of awareness. His death marked a turning point in public perception of the virus.

Anthony Perkins

The star of ‘Psycho’ worked quietly while battling AIDS during the final years of his life. Anthony Perkins kept his condition a secret from friends and colleagues to protect his family and career. He passed away in 1992 due to pneumonia related to the disease. His widow later spoke about his brave struggle and the silence he felt forced to maintain. Perkins remains an iconic figure in film history despite his tragic end.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed was best known as the father on ‘The Brady Bunch’ but lived a private life as a gay man. He was diagnosed with HIV which contributed to his declining health in his later years. The actor eventually developed colon cancer and passed away in 1992. His HIV status was only revealed publicly after his death. Reed is remembered for his professionalism and the complex reality he navigated.

Michael Jeter

Michael Jeter was a character actor known for his roles in ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘Evening Shade’. He went public with his HIV status in 1997 to combat the stigma surrounding the virus. Jeter continued to work steadily in film and television while managing his health. He passed away in 2003 from an epileptic seizure. His honesty about his condition inspired many others in the industry.

Brad Davis

Brad Davis starred in ‘Midnight Express’ and secretly battled AIDS for years. The actor feared that revealing his diagnosis would destroy his career in Hollywood. He committed assisted suicide in 1991 when his suffering became unbearable. His wife later published a book detailing his struggle and the lack of support he felt. Davis is remembered for his intense performances and his tragic battle.

Denholm Elliott

The beloved British actor from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was diagnosed with HIV in 1987. Denholm Elliott continued to act in films and theater productions despite his declining health. He eventually developed tuberculosis related to AIDS and passed away in 1992. His career spanned decades and he remained a respected figure until the end. Elliott was posthumously praised for his courage.

Nigel Hawthorne

Nigel Hawthorne was celebrated for his role in ‘The Madness of King George’ and ‘Yes Minister’. He battled pancreatic cancer for eighteen months while continuing to work. The actor suffered a fatal heart attack in 2001 which was a complication of his illness. He was posthumously outed as gay and his memoirs later confirmed his sexuality. Hawthorne left behind a body of work that showcased his immense talent.

Roddy McDowall

Roddy McDowall had a career that lasted for decades starting as a child star in ‘Lassie Come Home’. The actor was diagnosed with terminal cancer in early 1998. He chose to keep his condition private until the very end of his life. McDowall passed away just months after the diagnosis at his home. He was a beloved figure in Hollywood known for his kindness and extensive photography collection.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr was famous for his roles in ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’. The actor was diagnosed with kidney cancer that eventually spread to his liver. He filmed television movies while secretly battling the disease in his final years. Burr passed away in 1993 at his ranch in California. His longtime partner Robert Benevides later spoke about their life together.

Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde was a comedic icon known for his wit on ‘Hollywood Squares’ and ‘Bewitched’. The actor struggled with alcoholism and weight issues throughout his life. He suffered a fatal heart attack in 1982 at the age of 55. Lynde had experienced previous cardiac events that signaled his declining health. His humor remains a touchstone of camp comedy.

Divine

Harris Glenn Milstead performed as the drag queen Divine in films like ‘Pink Flamingos’ and ‘Hairspray’. He struggled with severe obesity which put immense strain on his heart. Divine passed away in his sleep from an enlarged heart in 1988 just as his career was reaching new heights. Cardiomegaly was determined to be the cause of death. He remains a cult figure in cinema history.

Liberace

The flamboyant pianist and actor Liberace denied being ill publicly until days before his death. He was diagnosed with AIDS and suffered from related complications including pneumonia. Liberace passed away in 1987 at his home in Palm Springs. The coroner confirmed the cause of death despite the initial attempts to conceal it. His estate has since become a museum honoring his extravagant life.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a Hollywood heartthrob who starred in ‘Damn Yankees’ and ‘Battle Cry’. He suffered a heart attack and a stroke in his later years. The actor eventually passed away in 2018 from cardiac arrest caused by a blood clot. Hunter had come out publicly in his autobiography and shared his experience as a closeted star. His health declined rapidly in the days leading up to his death.

Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent is best known for playing the second Darrin Stephens on ‘Bewitched’. He announced in 1991 that he was suffering from prostate cancer. The actor used his remaining time to advocate for gay rights and come out publicly. Sargent passed away from the disease in 1994. His bravery in his final years earned him respect from fans and activists.

Greg Louganis

Olympic diver and actor Greg Louganis tested positive for HIV in 1988. He revealed his status in his bestselling memoir and faced intense public scrutiny. Louganis has lived with the virus for decades thanks to advancements in medication. He acted in the film ‘Touch Me’ which dealt with the subject of HIV. He continues to be an advocate for health and wellness.

George Michael

George Michael was a music icon who also acted in the television series ‘Eli Stone’. He suffered from a severe bout of pneumonia in 2011 that left him in a coma. The illness required a tracheotomy and he had to learn to walk again. He later passed away in 2016 from heart failure and liver disease. His health struggles were often the subject of tabloid speculation.

David Bowie

David Bowie acted in films like ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. The artist kept his liver cancer diagnosis a secret from the public for eighteen months. He continued to record music and film videos while undergoing treatment. Bowie passed away in 2016 just days after his birthday. His final album was released as a parting gift to his fans.

Dirk Bogarde

Dirk Bogarde was a matinee idol who starred in ‘Death in Venice’ and ‘The Servant’. He suffered a stroke in 1996 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak clearly. The actor spent his final years requiring constant care. He passed away from a heart attack in 1999. Bogarde wrote extensively about his life but was private about his relationships.

Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton was a celebrated character actor known for ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. He was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder which also affected his kidneys. The actor continued to work until pain made it impossible. Laughton passed away in 1962. He was married to Elsa Lanchester but was known to be gay in his private circles.

Michael Crawford

Michael Crawford starred in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’. He was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome. The condition forced him to take a long hiatus from performing on stage. Crawford eventually recovered enough to return to work but managed his energy carefully. He spoke openly about the debilitating nature of the illness.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is known for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. The actor has been open about his severe struggles with anxiety and addiction. He was hospitalized after a period of heavy drug and alcohol use that nearly caused kidney failure. Haynes also experienced temporary blindness in one eye due to his health crisis. He is now sober and advocates for mental health awareness.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

The star of ‘Modern Family’ shared that he faced a skin cancer diagnosis. Jesse Tyler Ferguson underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous growth from his face. He used the experience to remind his followers to use sunscreen and visit dermatologists. The actor made a full recovery and returned to work. His lighthearted approach helped spread a serious message.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness rose to fame on ‘Queer Eye’ and does voice work for ‘Big Mouth’. He revealed in his memoir that he is living with HIV. The television personality shared his journey to combat the stigma surrounding the virus. He emphasizes that he is healthy and thriving with proper treatment. Van Ness uses his platform to educate the public about sexual health.

Dack Rambo

Dack Rambo played Jack Ewing on the soap opera ‘Dallas’. He discovered he was HIV positive in 1991 and chose to retire from acting. The actor went public with his diagnosis to help others facing the same struggle. Rambo passed away from AIDS complications in 1994. He was one of the first actors from a major soap opera to discuss his status.

Tom Villard

Tom Villard was a familiar face in 1980s sitcoms like ‘We Got It Made’. The actor was open about his battle with AIDS at a time when many remained silent. He continued to work as long as his health permitted. Villard passed away from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1994. His friends and family established a foundation in his memory.

James Coco

James Coco was a character actor who appeared in ‘Only When I Laugh’. He struggled with obesity throughout his life and often incorporated it into his roles. The actor died unexpectedly from a heart attack in 1987 at the age of 56. Coco had a history of health issues related to his weight. He was a respected talent on both stage and screen.

Jim J. Bullock

Jim J. Bullock became famous for his role on ‘Too Close for Comfort’. He learned he was HIV positive in 1985 but did not reveal it publicly until years later. The actor also battled an addiction to crystal meth which he eventually overcame. He survived the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic and remains active today. Bullock speaks candidly about his survival and recovery.

Gene Anthony Ray

Gene Anthony Ray played the dancer Leroy in the film and television series ‘Fame’. He suffered a stroke in 2003 that severely impacted his health. The actor was also HIV positive at the time of his death. Ray passed away later that year from complications related to the stroke. His energetic dancing remains a highlight of 1980s pop culture.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a four-time Oscar nominee known for ‘A Place in the Sun’. He suffered severe facial injuries in a car accident in 1956 which led to chronic pain. The actor developed a dependency on alcohol and painkillers to cope with his physical trauma. His health deteriorated rapidly over the next decade. Clift died from a heart attack at the age of 45.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando is considered one of the greatest actors of all time for roles in ‘The Godfather’. He was openly bisexual and faced numerous health issues later in life. The actor suffered from Type 2 diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis. He also struggled with obesity which led to congestive heart failure. Brando passed away in 2004 due to respiratory failure.

Alec Guinness

Sir Alec Guinness is best known to modern audiences as Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’. The actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer and also suffered from glaucoma. He was bisexual and had been arrested for a homosexual act in the 1940s. Guinness passed away in 2000 from liver cancer. He left behind extensive diaries that revealed his private thoughts.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a versatile actor known for ‘Titanic’ and ‘Alias’. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of twelve. The actor has managed the chronic condition throughout his entire career on stage and screen. He is an advocate for diabetes research and awareness. Garber lives a healthy life while monitoring his blood sugar levels.

Larry Kramer

Larry Kramer was an actor and writer who founded the advocacy group ACT UP. He lived with HIV for decades and underwent a liver transplant in 2001. The transplant was necessary due to liver failure caused by Hepatitis B. Kramer continued to fight for AIDS research until his death in 2020. His work saved countless lives during the height of the epidemic.

Clifton Webb

Clifton Webb was an elegant star of films like ‘Laura’ and ‘The Razor’s Edge’. He lived with his mother for most of his life and was known in Hollywood as a gay man. The actor suffered from heart issues in his later years. Webb passed away from a heart attack in 1966. He was one of the most unlikely box office stars of his era.

Tyrone Power

Tyrone Power was a dashing leading man in films like ‘The Mark of Zorro’. He had relationships with men but was married multiple times. The actor suffered a massive heart attack while filming a duel scene in Spain. Power died en route to the hospital at the age of 44. His sudden death shocked the film industry and his fans.

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