Chad Michael Murray experienced a life-threatening medical crisis at age 15 that nearly ended his life and, unexpectedly, helped launch his career in Hollywood. During this severe ordeal, he lost half of his blood after his intestines twisted, which put him on the brink of death before a timely blood transfusion saved him.
The Critical Hospitalization That Changed His Life
Recalling his near death experience, Chad Michael Murray described how at 15 he was rushed to the hospital after his intestines twisted, requiring a prolonged stay of two and a half months. During this time, he suffered internal bleeding that caused him to lose an estimated 50 percent of his blood volume. Positioned precariously on his deathbed, he became disoriented and drifted intermittently in and out of consciousness.
In his reflections shared during an August 8 podcast appearance, Murray recalled the emotional weight of that period. He remembered visions of a weakened father by his bedside and a priest administering last rites as they prepared for the worst. Despite the bleak circumstances, the lifesaving intervention of his nurse through a blood transfusion turned the tide and ultimately preserved his life.
Unexpected Beginnings: How His Nurses Influenced His Future
Murray’s hospital stay not only saved his life but also played an unexpected role in his entry into the entertainment industry. One of his nurses, who was also a model, encouraged him toward modeling as a potential avenue. Despite his initial desire solely to pursue acting, he was persuaded that modeling could serve as a stepping stone toward his true passion for film and television.
She arranged for him to attend a modeling convention in Orlando, exposing him to opportunities that led him to an acting competition—an experience that marked the beginning of his career in acting. Chad credits this pivotal moment in the hospital as a turning point both personally and professionally.
Personal Growth and Family Bonds During Recovery
Beyond the physical recovery, Chad Michael Murray’s hospitalization deepened his personal relationships, especially with his father. Raised by a single dad who cared for five children, Murray noted how his father’s constant support through daily hospital visits and overnight stays forged a stronger bond between them. This time of vulnerability also became a period where Chad began to develop a spiritual connection, starting a relationship with God as a source of comfort amid his health struggle.
He expressed gratitude for the sacrifices his father made and the lessons learned during those uncertain days, highlighting how the experience reshaped his perspective on life.
Other Celebrity Health Challenges Highlight the Fragility of Life
Wrestler Nikki Garcia’s Breast Implant Accident
Nikki Garcia of Total Bellas faced a notable injury in July 2025 when an elbow strike from fellow WWE star Piper Niven caused one of her breast implants to shift. Despite the pain and immediate damage, Nikki assured her sister Bella Garcia that she planned to have corrective surgery in the future as she focused on recovery.
“We’re going to get it fixed one day. I told the doctor, I go, ‘Newly divorced, so the minute the boots are hung up, I’m going to come back to you and we’re going to make these girls look real good, because these girls are going to get some action in the future and that can’t look like that.’” —Nikki Garcia, Wrestler
Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o’s Battle with Uterine Fibroids
Lupita Nyong’o, acclaimed for her role in 12 Years a Slave, revealed in 2025 that she had lived with uterine fibroids—a benign growth inside or near the uterus—for over a decade, only sharing the diagnosis publicly many years after first learning of it. She described the pain many women endure in silence as a normalized but misunderstood experience.
“When we reach puberty, we’re taught periods mean pain, and that pain is simply part of being a woman. We’re struggling alone with something that affects us most.” —Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Model Suki Waterhouse’s Hernia Caused by Tight Pants
In mid-2025, actress and model Suki Waterhouse disclosed she had been hospitalized due to a hernia caused by tight clothing, a condition where an opening forms in the muscular wall, typically in the abdomen or groin.
“Have you ever considered I wore pants so tight 6 months ago it caused a hernia & I’ve been too scared to tell you?”
Brian Austin Green’s Close Call with a Perforated Appendix
Brian Austin Green revealed in April 2025 that he underwent emergency surgery after suffering from a nearly ruptured appendix, describing significant stomach pain prior to his hospital visit. He candidly shared that this was his first experience with major surgery, emphasizing the severity of the condition and the challenging recovery process.
“Last week, I started feeling some pain in my stomach. I ended up going to the emergency room, and I had a perforated appendix. Not quite burst, but just before.” —Brian Austin Green, Actor
“I’m on the road to recovery. It’s not an easy process. This is my first major surgery.” —Brian Austin Green, Actor
Adam Devine Continues to Cope with Childhood Accident Injuries
Comedian Adam Devine revealed that injuries sustained from being struck by a cement truck at age 11 continue to affect his body today, causing spasms and chronic pain. He described how doctors warned him in recent years of potentially fatal consequences and noted the ongoing impact on his health and physical abilities.
“I have spasms all over. For a while, [the doctors] told me I was dying—literally, within this last year.” —Adam Devine, Comedian
“My body has all these things that are a little wonky and a little wrong with it.” —Adam Devine, Comedian
Jason Tartick’s Severe Back Injury and Rehabilitation
Jason Tartick from Bachelor Nation detailed an intense episode where back pain left him unable to walk properly, forcing him to crawl to the hospital. Prior to the injury, he was able to squat nearly 300 pounds, but afterward even one-legged squats were impossible. After treatment with specialists and steroids, he reports making progress in his recovery.
“Right now, knees to my toes, it’s, like, still tingly, which is crazy.”
“To put in perspective, I don’t know, man, like not to sound douchey, but like two, three weeks ago, maybe a month ago, I was squatting probably like 295 pounds. And right now, I can’t do a squat on my foot. I can’t do a one legged squat, I fall. It’s like I had a stroke or something.” —Jason Tartick, Reality TV Personality
Heart Attack Survivor Matt Kirschenheiter’s Story
Matt Kirschenheiter, ex-husband of The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Gina Kirschenheiter, survived a heart attack in March 2025. The incident, shared publicly by Gina, was severe but not fatal, highlighting the importance of timely medical attention in cardiac events.
Comedian Tracy Morgan’s Unexpected Medical Emergency
During a New York Knicks game in March 2025, Tracy Morgan experienced a sudden health scare that required hospital care and removal from Madison Square Garden. Morgan later confirmed through social media that the cause was food poisoning and expressed gratitude for his recovery.
Actress Christy Carlson Romano’s Eye Injury from Clay Pigeon Shooting
In early 2025, Christy Carlson Romano was seriously injured during a celebratory clay pigeon shoot, when stray gunfire hit her face in five places, narrowly missing her right eye. Despite the severity of the injury and the presence of a fragment lodged behind her eye, she retains normal vision and has adapted to ongoing medical monitoring.
“There was another party with us and they unsafely fired in the wrong direction and shot me in the face.”
“@thebrendanrooney immediately sprung into action, assessed me, and rushed me to the hospital. I was hit in 5 places, one was less than an inch from hitting me directly in my right eye.” —Christy Carlson Romano, Actress
“Unfortunately a fragment got lodged behind my eye and it is too risky to remove surgically at this time. Doctors will continue to monitor me (I can see normally at the moment).” —Christy Carlson Romano, Actress
“I love my daughters, husband, family, and friends so much. I saw my life flash before my eyes and I’m telling you, hug the people around you every chance you can. Life can change in an instant.” —Christy Carlson Romano, Actress
Amy Schumer’s Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome
Amy Schumer credits the internet for helping diagnose her with Cushing syndrome, a disorder caused by abnormal steroid hormone levels that affected her physical appearance. Initially mocked online for her puffier face, she was later supported by doctors who suggested the diagnosis, connected to steroid injections she received post-surgeries. Thankfully, she learned that her type of Cushing would resolve on its own, and she is healthy today.
“The internet really came for me after doing a bunch of press, and I was like, ‘OK everybody, relax.’ But then doctors were chiming in in the comments and they were like, ‘No no, we think something’s really up. Your face looks so crazy that we think something’s up. And I’m like, ‘Wait, I’m getting trolled by doctors?’” —Amy Schumer, Comedian
“Wait, I have been getting steroid injections in my scars.”
“I had a breast reduction, a C-section, whatever, and so I was getting these steroid injections, So it gave me this thing called Cushing syndrome, which I wouldn’t have known if the internet hadn’t come for me so hard.” —Amy Schumer, Comedian
“Finding out I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I’m healthy was the greatest news imaginable.” —Amy Schumer, Comedian
Hockey Player Casey Fitzgerald’s Injury From Opponent’s Skate
In December 2024, AHL player Casey Fitzgerald suffered a serious neck injury from a skate blade during a game, requiring 25 stitches. His father, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, expressed relief following his son’s full recovery.
“We’re very lucky. I don’t wish that on any parent.” —Tom Fitzgerald, New Jersey Devils GM
Hailey Bieber’s Near Stroke and Hidden Heart Condition
Hailey Bieber experienced stroke-like symptoms while having breakfast with her husband Justin Bieber in March 2022. Unable to speak and with facial drooping, she sought emergency care and was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by a small blood clot in her brain. Further medical evaluation revealed a patent foramen ovale, a hole in her heart that allowed the clot to bypass her lungs and reach her brain. After successfully undergoing a closure procedure, Hailey is now recovering fully.
“Justin was like, ‘Are you OK?’ and I just didn’t respond because I wasn’t sure. And then he asked me again and when I went to respond, I couldn’t speak. The right side of my face started drooping. I couldn’t get a sentence out.” —Hailey Bieber, Model
“They did some scans and they were able to see that I had suffered a small blood clot to my brain, which they labeled and categorized as something called a TIA [Transient Ischemic Attack].” —Hailey Bieber, Model
Justin Bieber’s Battle with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
In June 2022, Justin Bieber announced he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused paralysis of the nerves in his face and led him to cancel the remainder of his Justice World Tour. This rare viral infection blocked facial movement on one side, impairing his ability to blink, smile, and even making eating progressively difficult. After treatment and recovery, he has regained function and is doing well.
“It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis.”
“As you can see, this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move. So, there’s full paralysis on this side of my face.” —Justin Bieber, Singer
“He’s doing really well.”
“He’s feeling a lot better. Obviously, it was just a very scary and random situation to happen, but he’s going to be totally OK and I’m just grateful that he’s fine.” —Hailey Bieber, Model
Jamie Foxx’s Stroke and Recovery Journey
Jamie Foxx revealed his painful and frightening experience during an April 2023 hospital stay, which stemmed from a brain bleed leading to a stroke. Initially misdiagnosed and sent home with medication, his condition worsened until his sister intervened and took him to a hospital. After surgery and 20 days of unconsciousness, he awoke unable to walk and underwent extensive rehabilitation, crediting prayers and support for his recovery.
“I was having such a bad headache, so I asked my boy, I said, ‘Listen, I need an aspirin,’ Before I could get the Aspirin, I went out. I don’t remember 20 days.” —Jamie Foxx, Actor
“All I can tell you is that I appreciate every prayer because I needed every prayer.” —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Emilia Clarke’s Life-Threatening Brain Aneurysm
Emilia Clarke faced multiple brain aneurysms that nearly cost her life while filming Game of Thrones. Her first subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2011 caused severe pain and vomiting, leading to emergency surgery. A failed procedure a week later required an invasive second operation through her skull. Despite early aphasia and lingering effects, Clarke eventually made a full recovery. Years later, she required surgery again for a growing aneurysm, underscoring the ongoing challenges from this condition.
“I reached the toilet, sank to my knees, and proceeded to be violently, voluminously ill.”
“The diagnosis was quick and ominous: a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a life-threatening type of stroke, caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain.” —Emilia Clarke, Actress
“I’d had an aneurysm, an arterial rupture.” —Emilia Clarke, Actress
“When they woke me, I was screaming in pain. The procedure had failed. I had a massive bleed and the doctors made it plain that my chances of surviving were precarious if they didn’t operate again.” —Emilia Clarke, Actress
She now reports being at full health and continues to advocate for awareness of neurological disorders.
Cori Broadus’s Stroke and Ongoing Challenges
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus suffered a severe stroke in January 2024 that required a hospital stay complicated by lupus and kidney issues. Family rallied around her for support, and she continues to make progress in recovery, particularly rebuilding motor skills.
“I texted them that I just had a stroke and sent them a picture. Everybody just came to my rescue.” —Cori Broadus, TV Star
“I could have went home after my stroke, but my lupus wasn’t doing so well. My kidneys were failing. It was a lot going on.” —Cori Broadus, TV Star
“I’m doing great. I just had a little bit of motor skills that I had to work back on. But other than that, I was fine.” —Cori Broadus, TV Star
Shailene Woodley’s Decade-Long Health Struggle
Shailene Woodley endured a difficult health period during her early 20s, marked by symptoms including hearing loss, severe fatigue, and stomach pain that lasted for about ten years. Despite conflicting medical opinions, she combined traditional medicine with holistic healing and herbalism in search of answers. This prolonged battle also affected her relationship with food and mental health, but today she reports being healthy and grateful.
“It got to the point where I was losing my hearing. I couldn’t walk for longer than five minutes at a time without having to lay down for hours, and hours and sleep. Everything I ate hurt my stomach.” —Shailene Woodley, Actress
“It was this conflation of issues and diagnoses and different doctors telling me different things.” —Shailene Woodley, Actress
“I come from a very holistic background and study herbalism. So I was very keen on, ‘I’m going to work with real MDs, [and] I’m also going to work with independent kind of healers.’ Just trying to search for some sense of comfort in my own skin.” —Shailene Woodley, Actress
“Throughout that decade, a lot of other things came from feeling so much discomfort physically, which was, ‘My gosh, if everything I eat hurts my stomach, I’m now suddenly afraid of food.’ And then going into the kind of mental f–ckery that can happen with that of body dysmorphia and confusion about identity and feeling safe in my own capsule, in my own skin, what that meant, and what that should be.” —Shailene Woodley, Actress
“It was a journey that ultimately physically resolved itself, and I am very healthy. I’m so happy to be able to say that.” —Shailene Woodley, Actress
