‘Evil Dead’ Star Bruce Campbell Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Pausing Appearances for Treatment

Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer.

“Hi folks, these days, when someone is having a health issue, it’s referred to as an ‘opportunity,’ so let’s go with that — I’m having one of those,” Campbell, 67, wrote in a statement shared via X on Monday, March 2. “It’s also called a type of cancer that is ‘treatable’ not ‘curable.’”

Campbell, who did not disclose what kind of cancer he has, added that the news of his diagnosis was a “shock.” He added he is only sharing his health news because it affects his upcoming appearances.

“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,” he continued. “My plan is to get as well as I possibly can over the summer so that I can tour with my new movie Ernie & Emma this fall.”

Campbell serves as star and director of Ernie & Emma, while his wife, Ida Gearon, serves as a producer. The film is a road-trip comedy about a widowed pear salesman who goes on an adventure to scatter his wife’s ashes. Ernie & Emma premiered last month in Medford, Oregon, where the project was filmed. The movie is expected to have a wider release in the fall.

Campbell also shared on Monday that he will need to “cancel” his upcoming appearances so he can focus on his treatment.

“Big regrets on my part,” he continued, expressing his disappointment. “Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand.”

The actor explained he wasn’t sharing his diagnosis to “enlist sympathy” but to be the one to share the truth before “false information” got out.

“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!” he concluded.

Fans replied to Campbell’s message by sending the actor well wishes.

“We all love you, Bruce. Get well soon. We know you will. ❤️,” one user tweeted, while another responded, “Take it easy, Bruce. We’ll see you when you’re feeling better.”

Another supporter wrote, “You’ve given the horror world and beyond countless years of entertainment and pure joy (and fear lol) so the least we can do is have your back with full support and prayers. You got this. Do what you gotta do!”

Campbell is best known for playing Ash Williams in Sam Raimi‘s Evil Dead horror franchise. He made his first appearance in 1979’s Within the Woods, followed by 1981’s The Evil Dead, 1987’s Evil Dead II and 1992’s Army of Darkness. Campbell also reprised his role in the series Ash vs. Evil Dead, which aired on Starz from 2015 to 2018. While Campbell is not starring in the upcoming film installment to the franchise, titled Evil Dead Burn, he does serve as an executive producer.

Campbell is also known for his TV roles on The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., Jack of All Trades, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess and Burn Notice.

In addition to Ernie & Emma, Campbell has another film in the works titled Highly Functional.