20 Stars Who Survived Serious Illnesses and Came Back Stronger

In 2000, a doctor felt a lump in 28-year-old Sofia Vergara's neck during her son's checkup that proved to be thyroid cancer. Following surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, she made a full recovery and became television's highest-paid actress on "Modern Family."

Diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer, Bryan Cranston underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Following his recovery, he partnered with cancer foundations to raise awareness, won a second Tony Award for "Network," and starred in "Your Honor."

A routine PSA blood test in June 2014 caught an aggressive prostate tumor in 48-year-old Ben Stiller before any symptoms appeared. Surgery successfully cleared the cancer, allowing Stiller to direct hit series "Escape at Dannemora" and "Severance."

Following two years of misdiagnoses, "The Nanny" star Fran Drescher underwent surgery for stage 1 uterine cancer in 2000. She launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, helped pass a federal cancer education law, and was elected SAG-AFTRA president during the 2023 strike.

Doctors detected early-stage prostate cancer in 60-year-old Robert De Niro during an October 2003 checkup. Thanks to early detection, he recovered quickly after treatment and went on to earn Oscar nominations for "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Killers of the Flower Moon."

After beating breast cancer in 2010, Jane Fonda was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 84 in 2022. She completed six months of chemotherapy, entered remission that December, and released four feature films in 2023, including "80 for Brady."

During her 2005 world tour, 36-year-old Kylie Minogue got a second opinion that uncovered early breast cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy, she resumed sold-out arena tours around the globe and earned a Grammy Award in 2024 for her hit "Padam Padam."

Kathy Bates survived ovarian cancer in 2003 and a double mastectomy for breast cancer in 2012. Managing chronic lymphedema, she became a national patient advocate, won two Primetime Emmy Awards, and returned to television leading CBS's "Matlock."

After a makeup artist noticed a small spot on his nose in 2013, Hugh Jackman had six skin cancer lesions removed over the next decade. He used each biopsy to advocate for daily sunscreen use and returned in peak physical form for 2024's "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Elton John chose surgery for prostate cancer in 2017, then survived a rare bacterial infection that left him in intensive care. After relearning to walk, he completed his record-setting 330-show "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour and achieved EGOT status.

In October 1996, 25-year-old cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. Following brain surgery and specialized chemotherapy at Indiana University, he returned to racing and created Livestrong.

Diagnosed with lupus in 2013, Selena Gomez needed an emergency kidney transplant in 2017 when the disease caused organ failure. After six hours of reconstructive surgery, she recovered to produce music and star in hit series "Only Murders in the Building."

After surviving breast cancer in 2008, Christina Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 while filming "Dead to Me." Despite severe mobility challenges, she finished the final season for an Emmy nomination and launched her podcast "MeSsy."

In 2001, Mark Ruffalo underwent surgery for a brain tumor that caused permanent deafness in his left ear and ten months of facial paralysis. He gradually regained muscle movement and went on to play the Hulk while earning four Academy Award nominations.

Years after beating breast cancer, "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disease in 2012. After a life-saving stem cell transplant from her sister, she returned to the morning anchor desk and earned a Peabody Award.

When Magic Johnson announced his HIV diagnosis in November 1991, the virus was considered a fatal sentence. He won Olympic gold with the 1992 Dream Team, returned to the NBA in 1996, and built a multibillion-dollar business empire spanning four decades.

Diagnosed with lymphoma in 2020, Jeff Bridges spent five weeks in intensive care when COVID-19 struck during chemotherapy. After months on oxygen, the tumor shrank into remission, and he rebuilt his physical stamina to star in "The Old Man."

In 2001, Sharon Stone suffered a severe brain hemorrhage that left doctors giving her a 1 percent survival rate. Following emergency artery coiling, she spent two years relearning to walk and speak before winning a Primetime Emmy Award on "The Practice."

In April 2023, Jamie Foxx suffered a sudden brain bleed and stroke while filming in Atlanta. After emergency hospital treatment and months of intensive rehabilitation to relearn how to walk, he returned to the stage with his acclaimed 2024 comedy special.

At age 24, Emilia Clarke survived a ruptured brain aneurysm after filming Season 1 of "Game of Thrones," followed by a second skull surgery in 2013. She completed all eight seasons of the fantasy hit, founded brain injury charity SameYou, and received an MBE.