Dolph Lundgren, widely recognized for his portrayal of Ivan Drago, Rocky Balboa’s formidable Russian opponent in Rocky IV, has built a prolific acting career, starring in over 75 movies that collectively grossed billions worldwide. Recently, Lundgren has opened up in the documentary Dolph: Unbreakable, reflecting on both his Hollywood success and personal struggles.
Facing and Overcoming a Life-Threatening Diagnosis
In a conversation with Derek Hough from Extra, Lundgren shared the challenges he faced after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015. Regarding his current health, he said,
I feel great now. I had surgery. I was supposed to be gone after 5 years… ben cancer-free now for 3 years.
He added,
I thought it was really nice to speak about it and try to just make people feel like they’re not alone.
Lundgren credited his much younger wife, Emma, for providing crucial emotional support during his fight against the disease. He expressed,
Emma has been fantastic. I mean, without her, I don’t know if I would have made it.
He also noted that their 39-year age difference brought a unique energy to their relationship, saying,
She’s also much younger than me, so there’s a natural optimism. It’s hard for them to think in negative terms.
Hints of a Role in the Upcoming Masters of the Universe Movie
Looking ahead, fans are curious whether Lundgren, famously known as the original He-Man, will appear in the new Masters of the Universe film. When asked about a possible involvement, he teased,
Maybe, you’ll have to check it out when it comes out.
The Lasting Impact of Lundgren’s Career and Personal Journey
Dolph Lundgren’s story is one of resilience, marked by both iconic cinematic moments and triumphant health battles. His openness in Dolph: Unbreakable provides hope to those facing similar challenges. Additionally, his potential return to a beloved franchise excites longtime fans while illustrating his enduring presence in the entertainment world. As the new Masters of the Universe movie approaches, audiences will be eager to see if Lundgren’s legacy as He-Man continues into this next chapter.
