Julia Louis-Dreyfus Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Calls For Better Health Care for All Women
Julia Louis-Dreyfus has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The Emmy award-winning actress made the announcement via her personal Twitter account Thursday morning, while also making a courageous call-to-action for universal health care.
Louis-Dreyfus began with “Just when you thought…”, and then included a photo of her own stationary with a statement and her signature at the bottom.
“1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I’m the one,” she wrote at the top.
Louis-Dreyfus, who’s a long-time advocate for women’s rights, continued, “The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let’s fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality.”
Just when you thought… pic.twitter.com/SbtYChwiEj
— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) September 28, 2017
In a statement released by HBO, Louis-Dreyfus was diagnosed one day after winning two Emmys for “Veep” on September 17. The diagnosis “had no bearing” on the decision to renew “Veep” for its final season, and HBO has stated it will adjust the production schedule for Season 7 as needed.
“Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time,” per the statement from HBO. “We have every confidence she will get through this with her usual tenacity and undaunted spirit, and look forward to her return to health and to HBO for the final season of ‘Veep.'”
Her call to action at the end of her announcement is in line with Louis-Dreyfus’ ongoing political advocacy. She spoke at the women’s march in January, quoting Gloria Steinem and wearing a pink “pussyhat” that remains her Twitter profile picture today. She has been a long-term advocate for human rights and has been a strong voice in the health care debate.
This year, Louis-Dreyfus won her sixth consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. No other performer has won as many Emmys for the same role in the same series. She is also tied with Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a female performer. Including her wins for producing, Louis-Dreyfus has 11 Primetime Emmy awards.
