Joe Manganiello Shares Details of Past Health Crisis

Joe Manganiello recently opened up about a severe health crisis that threatened his life over seven years ago. In an interview with “CBS Mornings,” the actor discussed details from his memoir, “Bloodlines.” During the discussion, he revealed the challenges he faced while dealing with a life-threatening medical condition.

Manganiello explained how he was offered the role of the villain Deathstroke in Ben Affleck’s canceled “Batman” movie around the same time his health was deteriorating. He recounted receiving the job offer in 2016, shortly after collapsing on a film set and being hospitalized for two months.

“I got the call about a month out of the hospital after I collapsed on another set,” he said. “After about a year of feeling these mystery symptoms, I went into the hospital for two months straight. At the end of my stay, they wound up having to remove my entire large intestine to save my life.”

Joe Manganiello underwent surgery to remove his entire large intestine, which had turned to pus and posed a risk of bursting. This surgery left him with an ostomy bag and resulted in significant weight loss of 60 pounds in just two weeks. He further faced complications such as difficulty walking, cross-eyed vision, and losing his voice, alongside requiring five catheters.

The actor noted how his then-wife, Sofia Vergara, played a crucial role in his treatment decisions. While hospitalized, doctors consulted Vergara as his next of kin. She made the decision to allow the removal of his large intestine, thus buying him time though the root cause of his symptoms remained unknown.

“They had to call her as my next of kin and give her options of what she thought I would want done to me while I was unconscious. She chose the right one, and it bought me time,” he explained.

Manganiello acknowledged the significant impact his mystery illness had on his marriage to Vergara. The couple, who were married from 2015 to 2023, went through their challenges privately, with only those closest to them aware of the situation.

Gayle King, who conducted the interview, mentioned a social media post by Vergara’s son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara. The post allegedly referenced dealing with a “narcissistic” individual, sparking questions about Manganiello’s personal life. Manganiello responded by urging people to read his book to gain an accurate understanding of his experiences.

“Bloodlines: A Memoir” was released on October 13, offering readers insight into Manganiello’s personal journey through hardship and recovery.