Beyond the Red Carpet: Oscar Winners and Nominees Who Fought Cancer

Today, as Hollywood celebrates the 2025 Oscars, it’s also a time to reflect on the inspiring journeys of past Oscar winners and nominees who have faced a very different battle off-screen: cancer. These beloved figures – from silver screen legends to contemporary icons – have not only earned cinema’s highest honors but also fought life-threatening illnesses with courage and grace. Their stories of resilience resonate deeply, offering hope and insight to fans and oncologists alike. Below, we look at some of the most well-known Oscar-winning actors who confronted cancer, examining how their diagnoses impacted their lives and careers, and highlighting memorable quotes and Oscar moments that continue to inspire.

Jane Fonda – Turning Personal Battle into Public Inspiration

Jane Fonda, a two-time Academy Award winner (Best Actress for Klute in 1971 and Coming Home in 1978), has faced cancer twice. In 2010, during a routine check-up, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy and radiation – an early detection that resulted in a favorable prognosis. More recently, in September 2022, Fonda publicly revealed she had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was undergoing chemotherapy. Always forthright, she noted her privilege in accessing excellent care and stated.

“I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can.”

Chemotherapy wasn’t easy – she admitted one round “hit me hard” and made her think about mortality – yet by the end of 2022, she announced her cancer was in remission. Through it all, Fonda continued working and advocating, even attending climate rallies during treatment, exemplifying the spirit of a survivor. For oncologists and fans alike, Fonda’s journey underscores how early detection and a fighting attitude can turn a dire diagnosis into a manageable condition. In her words,

“80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky.”

Robert De Niro – The Power of Early Detection

Screen legend Robert De Niro, who won two Oscars (Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II in 1974 and Best Actor for Raging Bull in 1980), was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003. The diagnosis came at an early stage thanks to routine check-ups, and the then-60-year-old actor underwent surgery that led to a full recovery.

De Niro’s cancer battle was relatively private and brief – his treatment delayed filming of a movie by only a few months – yet his experience had a lasting impact. The Oscar-winner has since emphasized that proactive health screenings saved his life. Though De Niro did not speak at length publicly about his cancer, his outlook on time and life seems even more poignant after his recovery.

“Time goes on. So, whatever you’re going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait”

he once reflected. His resilience and quick return to the screen offered a hopeful example of life after cancer, especially meaningful to clinicians who stress early detection’s lifesaving potential.

Michael Douglas – Confronting Cancer with Candor

Michael Douglas, a two-time Academy Award winner (Best Actor for Wall Street in 1987 and as a producer of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Best Picture 1975), faced a serious cancer diagnosis in 2010. After nearly a year of misdiagnosed throat discomfort, Douglas was finally diagnosed with stage IV oropharyngeal (throat) cancer – later revealed to be tongue cancer – and immediately underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation.

The actor met the illness head-on with remarkable positivity.

“During the whole period of chemotherapy and radiation, it never crossed my mind that I could die,”

Douglas said. By 2011, he was declared cancer-free, and he has remained vigilant with check-ups since. Douglas was admirably candid about his condition – even when he initially chose to tell the public it was “throat cancer” to avoid media scrutiny. His honesty extended to discussing possible causes, and he became an inadvertent educator about risk factors and the importance of persistent medical inquiry when symptoms persist. Despite the toll treatment took – he lost weight and endured painful side effects – Douglas’s career didn’t slow for long. In 2013, he won an Emmy for Behind the Candelabra, and he returned to the Oscars stage in good health. Looking back, Douglas mused that

“My cancer has made me a free man.”

Chadwick Boseman – A Hero On and Off Screen

The world was stunned when Chadwick Boseman – who portrayed heroes like Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Marvel’s Black Panther – died in 2020 at just 43. Unknown to all but his closest circle, the rising star had been battling colon cancer since 2016. Even as he underwent surgeries and chemotherapy, Boseman continued to work on blockbuster films (Black Panther, Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, and his Oscar-nominated role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) without revealing his illness. In hindsight, colleagues recalled moments of Boseman’s quiet endurance on set, but he never let cancer define his public persona.

Source: People.com RICK ROWELL VIA GETTY

At the 93rd Academy Awards, Boseman received a posthumous Best Actor nomination, and although he did not win, his legacy was honored in an emotional tribute. His life remains an inspiration: a reminder that true heroes may be quietly bearing unimaginable hardships beneath their public triumphs.

William Hurt – A Private Battle with Prostate Cancer

William Hurt, known for his Oscar-winning performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. A versatile and deeply respected actor, Hurt chose to keep much of his illness private, focusing instead on his work and personal life. Unfortunately, his cancer progressed, and he passed away in 2022 at the age of 71.

Despite his illness, Hurt continued to engage in acting projects and remained a significant presence in Hollywood. His legacy endures in the form of his unforgettable performances and his quiet strength in the face of illness.

Susan Hayward – Battling Brain Cancer

Susan Hayward, who won the Best Actress Oscar for I Want to Live! (1958), was diagnosed with brain cancer in the early 1970s. She continued working despite her illness, but the disease ultimately took her life in 1975.

Hayward’s performances remain a testament to her dedication to the craft, and her personal battle with cancer highlights the challenges faced by many actors who continue their work despite serious health issues.

Jeff Bridges – “The Dude” Abides, Through Lymphoma

Known for his laid-back charm and Oscar-winning turn in Crazy Heart (2009), Jeff Bridges surprised fans with a very “Dude”-like announcement in 2020: “As the Dude would say… new s**t has come to light. I have been diagnosed with lymphoma.” Bridges’ candid, humorous disclosure endeared him to the public and medical community alike, as it highlighted the importance of attitude.

The veteran actor, then 70, underwent months of chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Complicating matters, he also contracted COVID-19 during treatment – a combination he later said made him “pretty close to the pearly gates.”Yet, by late 2021, Bridges announced his cancer was in remission; the tumor that was once 9”x12” had shrunk to “the size of a marble.” Amazingly, Bridges returned to work, starring in a new TV series (The Old Man) once he regained his strength.

Oscars 2025, Celebrities, Cancer, and OncoDaily

As the world gears up for the 2025 Oscars, it’s a moment not just to celebrate cinematic achievements but also to reflect on the personal battles many of Hollywood’s greatest stars have faced. Cancer does not discriminate between fame and anonymity—it affects actors, directors, and everyday people alike.

At OncoDaily, we believe these stories deserve to be told—not just to honor these remarkable individuals, but to inspire awareness, encourage early detection, and remind us of the strength that exists beyond the silver screen. That’s why we have launched a special series highlighting Oscar winners and nominees who have battled cancer. Their journeys reveal not only the advances in oncology and treatment but also the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward, both in their careers and in life.

From Jane Fonda’s determination to use her voice for change to Chadwick Boseman’s silent fight while delivering unforgettable performances, these stories remind us that behind every trophy lies a journey—sometimes one of unimaginable challenge. By sharing these experiences, we aim to inspire people to prioritize their health, recognize the importance of early detection, and understand that even those who seem untouchable can be affected. Cancer is a battle fought by many, but with awareness, support, and medical advancements, survival and strength continue to shine through.

Join us as we remember and honor these stars—not just for their cinematic legacy, but for their courage, perseverance, and the hope they continue to bring to millions.

Discover OncoDaily Celebrities with Cancer Special Series