Celebrities Who Beat Cancer and Returned to Work

Cancer touches many lives, including those of well known performers, athletes, and broadcasters. The people below faced a serious diagnosis, went through treatment, and came back to their craft. Their timelines include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy, along with the long follow up that comes with recovery.

Each story includes clear details about the diagnosis and the specific work they resumed afterward. You will find the shows, films, tours, broadcasts, or projects that marked their return, along with roles and achievements that followed.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas announced a diagnosis of advanced throat cancer in 2010 that was later clarified as cancer of the tongue. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation and reported that scans showed no evidence of disease in 2011.

He went back to work with a busy slate of projects. He played Hank Pym in the Marvel film ‘Ant Man’ and returned for subsequent entries in that series. He also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Kominsky Method’ and won a Golden Globe for the role.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and received treatment that he completed successfully. His representatives stated that the disease was detected early during a regular checkup.

He continued acting without a long break. Soon after treatment he appeared in the comedy ‘Meet the Fockers’ and kept a steady film schedule through the following years. His later career included acclaimed work in ‘The Irishman’ and additional collaborations with frequent directors.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006. She chose to keep the news private during treatment, which included a lumpectomy followed by radiation, and later shared her experience publicly to support awareness and screening.

She returned to acting with the feature film continuation of ‘Sex and the City’ and kept working on stage and television. She also resumed public life and advocacy while continuing roles that included a return to the world of ‘Sex and the City’ with a new chapter.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 while working on ‘The Sopranos’. She pursued chemotherapy and continued filming during parts of her treatment with support from the production.

After completing treatment she stayed active in television and theater. She later led the series ‘Nurse Jackie’ and appeared in multiple films and limited series while maintaining a presence on stage.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She chose a double mastectomy and later reconstructive procedures and also underwent genetic testing due to family history.

She returned to screen work and completed episodes of ‘Samantha Who’ after treatment. Years later she headlined the Netflix series ‘Dead to Me’ and earned major award nominations for her performance.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005 during preparations for a world tour. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and spoke about the value of second opinions after an initial test missed the disease.

Following treatment she resumed recording and touring. She reworked her canceled dates into a homecoming run and went on to release new music and headline major festivals while maintaining regular health checks.

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2006. She had a lumpectomy followed by a course of radiation and spoke about the importance of mammograms in finding the tumor.

She returned to the studio and the road soon after finishing treatment. She released new material, performed at benefit concerts that supported screening and survivorship programs, and maintained an active touring schedule.

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge learned she had breast cancer in 2004. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and chose to appear publicly during recovery to normalize the visible effects of treatment.

She returned to work with a widely discussed live performance at the Grammy Awards in tribute to Janis Joplin. She then resumed recording and touring and became an advocate for access to screening and care.

Tom Green

Tom Green was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2000 at the height of his MTV fame. He documented the process from diagnosis to surgery and recovery, helping raise awareness among young men.

He returned to comedy, film, and television after a period of rest. His feature ‘Freddy Got Fingered’ followed soon after, and he kept performing stand up and hosting projects while speaking about early detection.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer in 1996 that had spread to his lungs and brain. He underwent orchiectomy, chemotherapy, and surgery to address the brain lesions and completed a structured rehabilitation plan.

He returned to professional cycling and resumed competition at the highest level. He later focused on cancer advocacy and survivor support while continuing to participate in media projects related to sport.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges announced a diagnosis of lymphoma in 2020. He received chemotherapy and later shared that his tumor had shrunk significantly, followed by a period of physical rehabilitation.

He returned to set to finish the television series ‘The Old Man’ after production had paused. He also resumed press and public appearances connected to that series and continued to develop new acting projects.

Mark Hoppus

Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 revealed a diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 2021. He completed chemotherapy and announced remission later that year.

He returned to the band with rehearsals, studio work, and a world tour. Blink 182 released new music and performed at festivals and arenas, with Hoppus fully back on bass and vocals.

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 while anchoring ‘Good Morning America’. She had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation and returned to the anchor desk that same year.

In 2012 she faced myelodysplastic syndrome, received a bone marrow transplant, and again returned to ‘Good Morning America’ after medical leave. She has continued daily broadcasting and has produced specials and long form interviews.

Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and later spoke about her experience to encourage screening.

She returned to ‘Today’ and built a growing role across the program. She has coanchored live coverage of major events and continued to host regular segments while supporting charities focused on research and survivorship.

Giuliana Rancic

Giuliana Rancic learned she had early stage breast cancer in 2011 during fertility testing. After initial lumpectomies she chose a double mastectomy and reconstruction and shared detailed updates to raise awareness.

She returned to ‘E! News’ and red carpet coverage after recovery. She also launched initiatives that support mammography and patient resources while continuing work as a presenter and entrepreneur.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates survived ovarian cancer in 2003 and later revealed a separate breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. She had a double mastectomy and became active in lymphedema awareness following surgery.

She returned to screen work with prominent roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and the comedy ‘Disjointed’. She also continued to appear in films and limited series while speaking about patient education and research.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara was diagnosed with thyroid cancer around 2000. She had her thyroid removed and received radioactive iodine and has since taken daily hormone medication with regular follow up.

She returned to television and became a star on ‘Modern Family’ while also working in film. She later led the limited series ‘Griselda’ and continued business ventures and judging duties on talent competitions.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci revealed that he had oral cancer several years after treatment. His care included chemotherapy, radiation, and a feeding tube during recovery, followed by a gradual return to normal eating.

He returned to screen and travel work with the CNN series ‘Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy’. He also kept acting in films and television and released a memoir that discussed food, family, and treatment.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe was diagnosed with leukemia in 1989 and faced a recurrence in the mid 1990s. He underwent aggressive treatment and spent extended time away from work before achieving remission.

He returned to acting in Japan and then in international films. His later credits include ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Inception’ and he also earned acclaim on Broadway in ‘The King and I’.

Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000. He underwent surgery that affected his voice and completed a long period of vocal therapy to regain strength and range.

He returned to the studio and resumed touring with strong ticket demand. He also released a series of standards albums and continued a Las Vegas residency while supporting charities focused on research and patient support.

Share the stories you think we missed and tell us who else you would add in the comments.