'Walking Dead' Actor Erik Jensen Shares Sad Health Update
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Erik Jensen, who previously appeared on the hit show The Walking Dead, is dealing with some difficult news regarding his health.
The actor, 53, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, as revealed by a GoFundMe fundraiser page set up on his behalf earlier this month.
"The cancer has metastasized to his liver, but Erik is young and strong (cutting a film during chemo, working full-time as a director and writer throughout)," the fundraiser page states, noting that Jensen's doctors "think they have a shot at shrinking the tumors enough to do two very major surgeries and get them all out."
The organizer of the fundraiser, Jensen's wife, Jessica Blank, is asking for help from friends, family and fans in order to get the actor the treatment he needs, after Jensen's previous health issues, the strikes going on in Hollywood and his current diagnosis have put their family in "an extremely precarious financial position."
As a result of the strikes, Jensen and his family are also at risk of losing their health insurance for 2025, which they have received through SAG and WGA employment for the past 23 years.
The family is hoping to raise money to help cover "massive medical costs," as well as all the "additional expenses associated with intensive treatment."
Jensen—who is a father to 13-year-old daughter Sadie—is described on the fundraising page as having a "beloved young family, and has so much more good work to do in the world."
His family notes that Stage 4 cancer is "not a death sentence," and that Jensen is "working incredibly hard" to stay positive amid an extremely scary situation.
"Erik's got a shot at surviving this—but they won't be able to make it through without support," the GoFundMe page notes. "We are so grateful in advance for whatever you can give."
Following the news of Jensen's condition, members of the Walking Dead cast and crew have spoken out in support, including series star Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
"Never had the chance to work with Erik… until now anyway," Morgan wrote on social media on Tuesday, Oct. 24. "Only have heard many things about what a great guy he is. I do know he and his could use some help…. Of any and all kind. xojd."
The franchise's chief content officer Scott Gimple also posted a message online, sharing the link to the fundraiser and encouraging others to help if they can.
