Fisher Stevens is a renowned actor, director, producer and writer who has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as Short Circuit, Hackers, Succession and The Grand Budapest Hotel. He is also an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who has worked on projects such as The Cove and Before the Flood. But what many people may not know is that Stevens had a life-threatening illness when he was a teenager. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, a type of lymphatic cancer, at the age of 15. How did he overcome this challenge and what are the effects of his illness on his life and career?
What is Hodgkin’s disease?
Hodgkin’s disease, also known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow and other organs that produce and transport white blood cells. Hodgkin’s disease causes abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can spread to other parts of the body and interfere with normal functions
The symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease may include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, itching and increased sensitivity to alcohol. The exact cause of Hodgkin’s disease is unknown, but some factors that may increase the risk include genetic mutations, viral infections, family history and exposure to certain chemicals
Hodgkin’s disease is one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially if detected early. The treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplant and immunotherapy. The survival rate depends on the stage, type and subtype of the disease, as well as the age, general health and response to treatment of the patient. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for people with Hodgkin’s disease is about 87%
How did Fisher Stevens survive Hodgkin’s disease?
Fisher Stevens was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease when he was 15 years old, after he noticed a lump on his neck. He underwent radiation therapy and had his spleen surgically removed. He also had to take steroids, which caused him to gain weight and develop acne. He recalled his experience in an interview with New York Magazine:
I was a mess. I was 15, I had Hodgkin’s disease, I had no hair, I was fat from the steroids, and I had zits from the steroids. So I was not your leading-man-type guy
Despite his illness, Stevens did not give up on his passion for acting. He landed his first film role in the horror movie The Burning, which was released in 1981. He also attended New York University for a year, before dropping out to pursue acting full-time. He adopted the stage name Fisher Stevens, as there were already several actors named Steven Fisher in the Screen Actors Guild
Stevens went on to have a successful career in film, television and theater. He is best known for his roles as Ben in Short Circuit and Short Circuit 2, Eugene “The Plague” Belford in Hackers, Chuck Fishman in Early Edition, Hugo Baker in Succession and various characters in Wes Anderson’s films. He is also an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, who won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for The Cove, which exposed the dolphin hunting practices in Japan. He also directed Crazy Love, a film about a bizarre love story, and Before the Flood, a film about the effects of climate change, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio
What are the effects of Fisher Stevens’ illness on his life and career?
Fisher Stevens has been cancer-free for over four decades, but his illness has left some lasting effects on his life and career. One of the most noticeable effects is the thinning of his neck, which is a side effect of the radiation therapy he received. He explained in an interview with Tuko:
I had radiation therapy when I was 15, and it affected my thyroid. So I have a very thin neck. It’s not a medical condition, it’s just a side effect
Another effect of his illness is his awareness of his own mortality and his appreciation of life. He said in an interview with The Guardian:
I think having cancer made me realise how precious life is, and how you have to make the most of it. I don’t take anything for granted. I try to live every day as if it’s my last.
Stevens also credits his illness for giving him a sense of humor and a positive outlook. He said in an interview with The New York Times:
I think having cancer made me funnier. I learned to laugh at myself and not take things too seriously. I think that’s why I gravitate towards comedy and satire. I like to make people laugh and think.
Stevens also uses his fame and influence to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as cancer research, animal rights, environmental protection and social justice. He is a supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Humane Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Civil Liberties Union. He said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:
I feel a responsibility to use my voice and my platform to make a difference in the world. I want to tell stories that matter, that inspire, that educate, that entertain. I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Conclusion
Fisher Stevens is a remarkable example of a person who overcame a life-threatening illness and achieved his dreams. He is not only a talented and versatile actor, director, producer and writer, but also a compassionate and generous human being. He is an inspiration to many people who are facing challenges in their lives, and a reminder that nothing is impossible with courage, determination and humor. Fisher Stevens’ cancer is not a tragedy, but a triumph.