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24 Feb 2026 19:10
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  •   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

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