Trigger warning: This article mentions ALS diagnosis. Reader discretion is advised.
Actor Russell Andrews has publicly disclosed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, for the first time. The 64-year-old performer, recognized for his roles in 'Straight Outta Compton,' 'Better Call Saul,' and 'Insecure,' shared the news on Saturday, May 16, while appearing alongside his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel. Tazel affirmed her commitment to marry him as she prepares to take on the role of caregiver.
Russell Andrews Confirms ALS Diagnosis on CNN
Speaking on CNN's 'The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,' Andrews stated, "I am a person living with ALS." According to CNN, Tazel will assume the responsibilities of a caregiver as the couple confronts his diagnosis together. Andrews revealed that he learned of his condition in late fall of the previous year. "And it's been humbling but there's… Elex, there's also something in the fact that I walked into a family of very caring people I did not know a year ago — the cliché family, but they have not let us miss a step in terms of care, the attention, the awareness and the ability to get me here today," he said.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to the Mayo Clinic, it leads to muscle weakness, slurred speech, and eventual paralysis. The Muscular Dystrophy Association reports that there is no cure, and many individuals live three to five years after diagnosis, though some survive for decades.
Erica Tazel Says She Still Wants to Marry Russell Andrews
Andrews initially believed he had suffered a stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. He attributed that period to stress, lack of work, and the back-to-back strikes in the entertainment industry. "It was a stressful time. We didn't work for three years, about, and then we had the back-to-back strikes and so a lot was going on," he explained.
He noticed "twitches" and thought he "was having pinched nerves in my neck." Subsequently, he said, "I was not able to do things that I normally do." He added, "I was dropping cups and glasses at night. It felt like things were running up and down my arm at different times and it was the nerves."
Tazel also observed subtle changes. "It took him longer to clean the pool," she recalled. "The way he walked, there was just the subtle little things like that and I had questions. I was like, 'Something is definitely wrong.'"
Andrews mentioned that he lost his health insurance while out of work during the strike. Once he regained coverage, he consulted a doctor. "Within 15 minutes, the primary care [physician] said she would like me to see a neurologist," he said. "One thing led to another."
Tazel described feeling "uncharacteristically calm" when doctors confirmed the diagnosis. "At least now we know what it is, and I still want to be your wife," she told him. She noted that the journey taught her "that there are cases where it is truly unconditional."
More About Russell Andrews
Russell Andrews is an accomplished actor, director, and producer. He is a founding member of StageWalkers Productions, a Los Angeles-based theater company. His extensive screen credits include 'Insecure,' 'Better Call Saul,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'NCIS: New Orleans,' 'Shameless,' 'CSI: Miami,' 'Boston Legal,' 'The Bernie Mac Show,' and 'Sports Night.'
On the big screen, Andrews has appeared in 'Straight Outta Compton,' 'The Punisher,' 'The In-Laws,' 'Runaway Island,' 'Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland,' 'Deadly Sibling Rivalry,' and 'Peppermint.' According to his official biography, he received Emmy consideration in 2016 for his role in TV One's 'Runaway Island' and appeared in Season 2 of HBO's 'Insecure,' where he also portrayed Vice Principal Charles Gaines.
Disclaimer: The medical information and health-related details outlined in this article are sourced from public interviews and reputable health organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This content is intended purely for informational purposes and should not be treated as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
