MICHAEL'S NIGHTMARE
Seinfeld’s Michael Richards reveals prostate cancer battle and says ‘he would have died’ without surgery in new memoir
He revealed how a family member motivated him to seek treatment
SEINFELD star Michael Richards has opened up about his battle with prostate cancer that nearly ended his life.
The actor shared his diagnosis in an interview with People, revealing it changed everything for him six years ago.
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"I thought, well, this is my time. I'm ready to go," Michael, 74, about receiving the news.
"But then my son came to mind just a few seconds later and I heard myself saying, 'I've got a 9-year-old and I'd like to be around for him. Is there any way I can get a little more life going?'" the TV star confessed.
He underwent surgery to remove his entire prostate after a concerning biopsy.
"It had to be contained quickly," Michael explained. "I had to go for the full surgery. If I hadn't, I probably would have been dead in about eight months."
NEW PROJECT
Michael further discusses his health scare in his new memoir, Entrances and Exits, dropping June 4.
"I had over 40 journals I’d kept over the years and wanted to do a full review of my life," the TV personality said about his decision to write the book.
"I’m turning 75, so maybe wanting to do that is something that comes with being my age. I wanted to connect with feelings and memory. I’m surprised at how much I was able to remember," he added.
What are the symptoms every man needs to know?
In most cases, prostate cancer doesn’t have any symptoms until the growth is big enough to put pressure on the urethra – that tube you pee through.
Symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Weak flow
- Straining and taking a long time while peeing
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
Many men’s prostates get larger as they age because of the non-cancerous conditions, prostate enlargement, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In fact, these two conditions are more common than prostate cancer – but that doesn’t mean the symptoms should be ignored.
The signs that cancer has SPREAD include bone, back, or testicular pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
Michael is best known for playing Cosmo Kramer in the popular 1990s sitcom, Seinfeld.
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He has primarily stayed out of the limelight for the last 17 years, though he was spotted in October seemingly in good spirits during a family outing.
The U.S. Sun exclusively obtained photos of the comedian out with his wife, Beth Skipp, and their son, Antonio, at a local park and grabbing food at In-N-Out Burger.
Michael Richards EXC
It was a rare sighting of the Problem Child star, as he's kept to himself following his widely-heard tirade during a stand-up performance at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, California.
Michael repeatedly said the N-word in front of the large crowd, which quickly spread throughout Hollywood.
The comic immediately apologized for his rant and hasn't performed stand-up in 17 years.
Michael has expressed his regret numerous times since the incident.
I had to go for the full surgery. If I hadn't, I probably would have been dead in about eight months.
Michael Richards
One time was when his former co-star, Jerry Seinfeld, 70, invited him on The David Letterman Show, where he apologized for his actions.
Another was during a 2012 appearance on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
"I busted up after that event seven years ago," the California native admitted. "It broke me down. It still kicks me around."
Jerry offered encouraging words for his old friend, saying, "That’s up to you, to say, 'I’ve been carrying this bag long enough. I’m going to put it down.'"
SEINFELD'S RETURN?
Last year, Seinfeld celebrated its 25th anniversary of when the hit NBC show ended its nearly decade-long run.
The main cast included Jerry, Michael, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jason Alexander.
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Jerry previously revealed that he and the show's co-creator, Larry David, 76, had considered rebooting the series, though nothing has since been announced.
Fans have also begged for a reunion special, with many saying it would be the only one "worth watching."
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