Joe Manganiello has disclosed a severe health challenge that nearly claimed his life over seven years ago. In a conversation with ‘CBS Mornings,’ he discussed his health issues and his new memoir, ‘Bloodlines.’ Manganiello mentioned that he was offered the role of Deathstroke, the primary antagonist in Ben Affleck’s since-canceled ‘Batman’ film, while battling his illness.
He stated that, during the time he received the job offer in 2016, he felt as though he was ‘dying.’ Manganiello, after collapsing on a different set, was hospitalized about a month before receiving the call for the movie role. He endured two months in the hospital before doctors removed his entire large intestine, a procedure that ultimately saved his life.
“I went into the hospital for two months straight, and at the end of my stay, they wound up having to remove my entire large intestine to save my life.” — Joe Manganiello
While appearing on the show, Manganiello recounted the severity of his situation. He said that his entire large intestine had become pus-filled and was on the verge of exploding. The surgery left him with an ostomy bag, and he lost 60 pounds in two weeks. He faced multiple physical challenges, including cross-eyed vision, loss of voice, and being unable to walk, receiving five catheters in total.
During this tumultuous time, Manganiello was still married to Sofia Vergara. Vergara played a crucial role in his survival. As his next of kin, she was contacted by the medical team to make a vital decision, opting to save his life by removing his large intestine. Despite her decision not resolving the underlying issue, it provided him critical time.
Vergara’s decision contributed to saving Manganiello’s life, though the root cause remained unidentified. Manganiello credited her for this life-saving choice during his interview with Gayle King.
King highlighted how Manganiello’s mysterious illness impacted his marriage with Vergara. The couple, who wed in 2015, ended their marriage in 2023 and completed their divorce by 2024. Manganiello expressed that the ordeal affected both of them differently over seven years, noting that only those closest to him were aware of his struggle.
King also referenced a post purportedly shared by Vergara’s son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, about dealing with a ‘narcissistic’ man. Manganiello, confronted with this during the interview, suggested reading his memoir to understand his experiences and struggles, emphasizing that the book focuses on his suffering.
‘Bloodlines: A Memoir’ was released on October 13. It offers readers insight into Manganiello’s seven-year battle with his health condition, revealing how it influenced his personal and professional life.
Leave a Reply