Actor Bruce Campbell, best known for his iconic role as Ash Williams in The Evil Dead, has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The 67-year-old said the diagnosis came as a shock and that he chose to share the news publicly because his treatment will affect work commitments in the months ahead.

Campbell announced the diagnosis in a personal note on his X account on Tuesday, describing the condition as ‘treatable but not curable’. 

Actor says treatment will take priority over work

In his message, Campbell wrote, “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. It's also called a type of cancer that's 'treatable,' not 'curable.' I apologise if that's a shock, it was to me too.”

The actor said he is sharing the information to prevent speculation and to explain upcoming professional changes. “I'm posting this because professionally, a few things will have to change, appearances and (fan conventions) and work in general need to take a back seat to treatment,” he wrote.

Campbell added that he hopes to recover enough over the summer to resume work later this year. “My plan is to get as well as I possibly can over the summer so that I can tour with my new movie 'Ernie and Emma' this fall.”

Summer appearances cancelled

Campbell confirmed that several scheduled public appearances would not go ahead. “There are several cons this year summer that I have to cancel. Big regrets on my part. Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand.”

He emphasised that he was not seeking sympathy, adding: “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.”

Who is Bruce Campbell?

Campbell made his screen debut in the late 1970s and became a cult favourite with his breakout role in the ‘Evil Dead’ franchise. He later reached wider audiences through roles in television series such as ‘Burn Notice’, ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’, and ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’.

He has appeared in films including ‘Bubba Ho-Tep’, made cameo appearances in filmmaker Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, and won a Saturn Award for ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’.

According to online estimates, Campbell’s net worth is reported as around $10 million.

While preparing for treatment, Campbell said he is focusing on the future, particularly promoting his upcoming film ‘Ernie and Emma’, which he both directs and stars in.

“That’s about it… I’m not trying to enlist sympathy or advice, I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will),” he wrote.

(With PTI inputs)