Colin Egglesfield, known for his role in All My Children, recently opened up about his battle with cancer – not once, but three times.
The 52-year-old star explained that after keeping his first diagnosis a secret, he “broke down,” leading to a valuable lesson about vulnerability, strength, and the importance of seeking support.
In 2006, Colin Egglesfield was shooting a scene for his character Josh Madden on the set of All My Children – a role he scored only six months before – when he hit an emotional breaking point.
The now 52-year-old actor had surgery only two days after he was diagnosed with an aggressive testicular cancer and, for several months after filming all day, he received post-surgery radiation.
The entire time he kept it all a secret from his co-stars and production.
“I started relying on my acting training, and so I decide to be bold, courageous. I decide to be Maximus from Gladiator,” he said while hosting the March 20 episode of Let’s Be Clear, the podcast founded by the late Beverly Hills, 90210 star Shannen Doherty.
Speaking candidly, the Something Borrowed star explained his battle with testicular cancer moved rapidly – and despite his efforts to maintain a strong exterior, the emotional weight of the diagnosis took its toll.
‘Broke down’
He reached a breaking point when his shooting schedule changed, requiring him to shoot his character’s scenes in the afternoon, which meant he had to re-arrange his radiation times.
“I scheduled my radiation treatment for the morning, so I went to that, and then I went to work.”
One day, while filming on set, everything came crashing down for Egglesfield, who in 2005 was named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive.”
“I started feeling tired and sluggish and just sweaty and hot, and I tried to do my scenes,” the actor recalled. “The director at the time came up to me and he said, ‘Colin, are you alright? You don’t look so good.’ And I immediately, I just broke down because I realized that I couldn’t hold it in any longer.”
For three months, the Melrose Place actor kept his treatment a secret, hoping he’d come out the other end with no consequences to his career and personal lives.
“I didn’t tell anyone at work … It’s guy stuff, it’s testicular cancer. And I finally realized I couldn’t do this alone. I needed to tell people,” he said of the moment when he finally felt the weight of secrecy lift.
“As soon as everyone found out at All My Children, everyone showed up, and they offered to take me to my doctor’s appointments, to go with me to help, to bring food to me, and it really helped make me feel supported to be able to go through this experience.”
His journey wasn’t over.
‘Courage’
The next year, the Michigan-born learned the cancer had spread to his other testicle, according to Parade.
Recommended Article
And most recently, the star shared that he had cancer a third time – this time, prostate cancer.
In a Facebook post, Egglesfield shared with his followers some images that shows him in hospital, along with a message that explains he’s decided to commit to “resilience, faith, courage, grace and inspiration.”
“The beginning to this year hasn’t been the easiest, but…this is another opportunity to decide who I choose to be in the face of uncertainty and challenges in my most recent cancer diagnosis,” he wrote on January 20, 2025, adding that he “elected to be proactive and have surgery.”
‘Still a scary experience’
In an update shared on February 24, Egglesfield announced he’s “cancer free for the third time.”
“I have to keep reminding myself that it’s okay to feel scared and anxious and it’s courageous to ask for help when you need it,” he pens in the post.
Speaking on the podcast, Egglesfield candidly shared that learning “you have cancer for a third time” is “still a scary experience.”
“But what I’ve realized again, through this third time of going through this, is that now I’m more able and open to be able to communicate to people what I’m going through and what I need.”
“This has been an incredible experience because so many people have been able to show up to support me along this journey,” he said. “So, no matter where you are at or what you’re dealing with, again, I would implore you to honor yourself, remember who you are and to ask for support when you need it.”
Doubling down on his pre-surgery social media post, Egglesfield adds, “It is actually courageous, and it requires strength to ask for support.”
Colin Egglesfield’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the importance of human connection. His willingness to open up about his struggles serves as an inspiration to many – reminding us all that asking for help is not only okay, but necessary.
Please let us know what you think of this actor’s courageous journey with cancer, and then share this story with others who you think will be inspired by his story.
