News | Entertainment
24 Feb 2026 18:10
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Gabourey Sidibe's husband Brandon Frankel has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer

    Frankel - who has been married to the Precious actress since 2021 - revealed his Stage I Papillary Thyroid cancer was caught early but only because he "pushed for an ultrasound my doctor didn't think I needed".


    He posted a carousel of pictures of himself and Gabourey in the hospital and at home recovering with their twins Cooper and Maya and wrote: "Things I never thought I'd have to post: I was diagnosed with Stage I Papillary Thyroid cancer. I found it very early because I pushed for an ultrasound my doctor didn't think I needed.

    "I refused to 'wait and see'. I refused to come back in 6-9 months. I made the calls. I leveraged connections. I chased cancellations. I made a LOT of noise. It worked. Surgery went well. I'm okay for now."

    While his surgery was successful, Frankel admitted it is a "more aggressive cell type" so he will need to be monitored.

    He said: "Pathology showed a more aggressive cell type, so there's more monitoring ahead. But we caught it early. I'm extremely proactive so I can be around for my family."

    And Brandon went on to share that he knows how lucky he is that he had access to excellent health care.

    He said: "Here's the uncomfortable truth: Early detection didn't just save my life. Access and advocating for myself did. I had insurance. I had time. I had people who could help move things faster. Too many don't.

    "Healthcare shouldn't reward the loudest, the most connected, or the most financially secure. It shouldn't require strategy, privilege, and stamina just to feel safe."

    He went on to praise American Horror Story actress Gabourey for "holding everything down" while he was unwell.

    He said: "My wife carried our family through all of this- holding everything down while I handled appointments, surgery, and recovery. I don't know how anyone does this without that kind of love and support. I'm grateful. I'm lucky.

    "But luck and means shouldn't be a healthcare plan. The system is broken. Healthcare should be a basic human right. PLEASE advocate for yourself, and be proactive!"

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     24 Feb: Judy Greer has "carried [Jennifer Garner] through the last 20 years
     24 Feb: Eric Dane's friends have launched a GoFundMe for his daughters
     24 Feb: Timothy Busfield has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse
     24 Feb: Liza Minnelli claims she was "ordered" to use a wheelchair when presenting with Lady Gaga at the 2022 Academy Awards
     24 Feb: Conan O'Brien "was in shock for quite a while after" Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths
     24 Feb: Kayla Nicole said Travis Kelce was the "right person [at the] wrong time"
     24 Feb: Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has been diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Early positive signs for young Highlanders' loose forward Lucas Casey More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Mercury's putting a surge in revenue down to improved hydro-conditions - and lower operating costs More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    Police have arrested a second person over a Flaxmere man's alleged murder in February last year 18:07

    Entertainment:
    Judy Greer has "carried [Jennifer Garner] through the last 20 years 17:51

    Living & Travel:
    Wellington's mayor says he'd be comfortable swimming on Wellington's southern coast - on current information available 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Eric Dane's friends have launched a GoFundMe for his daughters 17:21

    Rugby League:
    Kiwis forward Scott Sorensen is heading west 16:57

    Entertainment:
    Timothy Busfield has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse 16:51

    Business:
    Mercury's putting a surge in revenue down to improved hydro-conditions - and lower operating costs 16:17

    Motoring:
    Violent aftermath of Mexico’s ‘El Mencho’ killing follows pattern of other high-profile cartel hits 16:07

    International:
    For some families, the social media ban has made things harder. Here's why 16:07

    Rugby League:
    The Warriors are adamant Mitchell Barnett will see out the 2026 NRL season with them before he heads home early 15:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd