Anjelica Huston Reveals Private Cancer Battle: ‘I’m Proud I Survived It’

Anjelica Huston has shared publicly for the first time that she was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. The 73-year-old actress, known for her powerful performances on screen, has now revealed that she is “in the clear,” having overcome the illness.

While Huston declined to specify the type of cancer she battled, she confirmed to People magazine that the diagnosis came shortly after the release of her 2019 film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

A Serious Turning Point

“That was a very serious moment for me,” Huston said during a phone conversation from her California ranch near the Sierra Nevada mountain range. “I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself.”

Although she chose to keep the nature of the illness private, Huston reflected on the gravity of the situation.

“It’s not something that came lightly. It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn’t do, of places I shouldn’t go. One of those places was taking life too seriously. So now when the opportunity arises, I laugh, and I try not to make a big deal out of things.”

Four Years Cancer-Free

Huston, who continues to undergo regular scans, revealed that she has now been “in the clear” for four years. “I’m at the four-year mark, and that means so much to me,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic thing. I’m very proud of myself, and I’ve been very lucky. My doctors have been wonderful.”

Instead of a grand celebration, she chose a quieter, more personal way to mark the milestone. “I just walked in my garden and smelled the roses and thought how clever I was,” she shared.

Breaking Her Silence

Huston explained that she decided to speak out about her diagnosis and recovery in hopes of offering encouragement to others.

“Sometimes you feel like you don’t want to talk about it for the obvious reasons, but there’s a lot to be said for talking about it and getting it out there and celebrating the fact that one’s come through,” she said.

Reflecting on the experience, she added, “Life is tenuous and wonderful. It also gives you the idea that the world is big and you can somehow match up to it. That you’re ready for whatever happens.”

A Return to the Screen

While Huston has largely taken on voice roles in recent years—such as in Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch and the animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch—she is now back with a lead role in a new BBC Agatha Christie series Towards Zero.

Huston plays Lady Tressilian in the three-part murder mystery limited series, which premieres on BritBox on April 16, with subsequent episodes airing over the following two days.

Filming took place in the English countryside, which reminded Huston of her upbringing.

“The landscape around Bath is very much what I grew up with,” she said. “It was lovely. The local gentry were very reminiscent of the women I grew up with in the west of Ireland who were horse-loving riders, farmers, noble women.”

A Unique Role and No Plans to Retire

Huston particularly enjoyed playing a character who spent most of her scenes in bed. “I loved playing from bed,” she said. “It was very relaxing and wonderfully undemanding. I’ve always liked bed anyway. It’s one of my preferences and now I’m convinced, absolutely. It’s almost a prerequisite.”

When asked whether she had ever considered retirement, Huston responded without hesitation. “I can’t imagine such a thing,” she said. “I think it would be too much, even for me.”

A Story of Strength and Resilience

After six years of keeping her cancer journey private, Anjelica Huston’s decision to share her experience reflects her strength and resilience.

Her words not only highlight a deeply personal victory but also serve as inspiration for those facing similar challenges.

With new roles ahead and no signs of slowing down, Huston continues to be a vital presence in the world of entertainment, embracing life with humour, grace, and courage.