Fans were treated to a special bonus episode of Soapy with hosts Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. The episode featured Christian LeBlanc and Tracey E. Bregman, as LeBlanc opened up about how his Young and the Restless family quite literally helped save his life.
Rebecca and Greg pointed out how close work relationships on a long-running show can make co-stars the first to notice subtle changes in someone’s health. For LeBlanc, those little signs turned out to be life-saving.
He shared that his cancer was discovered thanks to the physical demands of his role and the attention paid to his on-screen appearance. It started with what seemed like minor issues — recurring nosebleeds and a slightly dropped eyelid. But the real red flag came when his wedding ring slipped off his hand due to sudden weight loss. Soon after, his eye began turning inward, something that could impact his ability to work on camera.
Christian LeBlanc Opens Up about His Cancer Diagnosis
That push to “show up” and look his best led him to an eye doctor, who referred him to a neurological ophthalmologist. There, a tumor was quickly found. LeBlanc says that if he hadn’t been an actor — and, in his words, “obsessed with having to show up” — he might have missed the signs altogether.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, underwent emergency surgery the very next day, and had the tumor removed through an innovative, non-invasive procedure via his nose. After that, he received a bone marrow transplant and spent 12 days in isolation.
Through it all, LeBlanc says it was the love and support of his Y&R co-stars that carried him through the toughest moments.
Check out the full episode below — it’s emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the family we build at work.
Photo Credit: CBS.
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