The Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell revealed he has been diagnosed with a ‘treatable’ but not ‘curable’ type of cancer, forcing him to seek medical care and cancel forthcoming public appearances.
While the horror icon did not specify the details of his diagnosis, he noted in a social media announcement, “I’m posting this, because professionally, a few things will have to change — appearances and cons and work in general need to take [a] back seat to treatment.”
The actor said he hopes to get well by the summer in order to tour his comedy movie Ernie & Emma, which he wrote, directed and stars in, this fall.
“There are several cons this year summer [sic] that I have to cancel. Big regrets on my part. Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand,” he explained.
Concluding, he said, “That’s about it. I’m not trying to enlist sympathy—or advice—I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will). Fear not, I am a tough old son-of-a-bitch and I have great support, so I expect to be around a while. As always, you’re the greatest fans in the world and I hope to see you soon!”
Campbell is best known for originating the protagonist role of Ash Williams in Sam Raimi’s 1981 cult classic, and for portraying the sole character to appear in each subsequent franchise entry of the quintessential indie horror film. In 2023’s Evil Dead Rise, Campbell appeared in a voice role.
He most recently served as the executive producer on sequel Evil Dead Burn, which wrapped filming in October of last year and will be due out later this year.