Rick Springfield reveals brain damage diagnosis from fall 25 years ago
The actor reveals how facing cancer three times has reshaped his view on strength, vulnerability, and support
Colin Egglesfield, star of All My Children, has survived cancer three times—and now, he’s opening up about how it changed his life and why asking for help is one of the bravest things a person can do.
Back in 2006, Colin Egglesfield had just started a promising role on the popular soap opera All My Children. What fans didn’t know was that the actor was facing a terrifying diagnosis behind the scenes—testicular cancer. He kept it a secret from everyone on set, choosing instead to power through radiation treatments in the mornings and filming in the afternoons.
“I decided to be Maximus from Gladiator,” he said on Shannen Doherty’s Let’s Be Clear podcast, referencing the brave warrior from the film. But eventually, the emotional and physical toll became too much.
One day on set, a director noticed something was off. “Colin, are you alright? You don’t look so good,” the director asked. At that moment, Egglesfield broke down. “I realized that I couldn’t hold it in any longer,” he shared.
Support makes all the difference
For three months, the actor suffered in silence, worried that speaking up might affect his career. But when he finally told his co-workers, their support was immediate and overwhelming. They brought him food, gave him rides to appointments, and stood by him through the hardest days.
“That support made all the difference,” Egglesfield said. “It helped me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore.”
Sadly, his cancer journey wasn’t over.
A third diagnosis—and a new outlook
A year later, doctors found cancer had spread to his other testicle. And most recently, in early 2025, Egglesfield was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He chose to be proactive and undergo surgery.
In a Facebook post, he shared his decision to face the new challenge with “resilience, faith, courage, grace and inspiration.” And on February 24, he posted the news everyone was hoping to hear: he is cancer-free for the third time.
Still, he admits the experience was scary. “I have to keep reminding myself that it’s okay to feel scared and anxious,” he wrote. “It’s courageous to ask for help when you need it.”
Learning to let others in
Egglesfield says his third cancer diagnosis taught him something powerful—how to be more open and honest about what he needs. “This has been an incredible experience because so many people have shown up to support me,” he shared.
Now, the actor is using his voice to encourage others to reach out when they’re struggling. “It is actually courageous, and it requires strength to ask for support.”
Colin Egglesfield’s journey is not just about fighting cancer—it’s about breaking the silence around pain and vulnerability, especially for men. In a world that often teaches people to stay strong by staying quiet, his story is a reminder that true strength can come from being open, emotional, and willing to lean on others.
Whether you’re facing a health issue, a mental health struggle, or just a tough season in life, Egglesfield’s message is simple but powerful: You don’t have to go through it alone.
Why men’s mental health needs more voices like Colin’s
While cancer is the main story, Egglesfield also shines a light on the mental and emotional struggles men face when dealing with illness. His initial reluctance to share his diagnosis highlights how social pressure can make men feel like they have to “tough it out” alone. By speaking up, he’s helping break down harmful stereotypes and encouraging a healthier way
Colin Egglesfield’s story is one of survival, but more importantly, it’s a story of emotional growth. After three cancer battles, he’s not just fighting for his health—he’s also fighting for openness, connection, and mental well-being. His journey shows that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a powerful step toward healing—not just physically, but emotionally.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. As Colin reminds us, it’s okay to ask for help.
Let us know your thoughts on Colin’s story—and share this article with someone who could use a reminder that they’re not alone.
