Trigger warning: This article mentions ALS diagnosis. Reader discretion is advised.Russell Andrews has publicly shared his ALS diagnosis for the first time, revealing that he is living with the fatal neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The 64-year-old actor, known for his work in ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Insecure,’ spoke about his condition on Saturday, May 16, while appearing beside his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel. She said she still wants to marry him as she steps into the role of caregiver.
Russell Andrews confirms ALS diagnosis on CNN
Speaking on CNN’s ‘The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,’ Andrews said, “I am a person living with ALS.” CNN reported that Tazel will now take on the role of caregiver as the couple faces his diagnosis together. Andrews said he learned about the condition in late fall last 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.”ALS destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to the Mayo Clinic, it causes muscle weakness, slurred speech and eventual paralysis. The Muscular Dystrophy Association says there is no cure, and many people live three to five years after diagnosis, though some live for decades.
Erica Tazel says she still wants to marry Russell Andrews
Andrews said he first thought he had suffered a stroke during the COVID pandemic. He also linked that period to stress, lack of work and the back-to-back strikes. “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 said.He noticed “twitches” and thought he “was having pinched nerves in my neck.” Later, 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 noticed small changes too. “It took him longer to clean the pool,” she said. “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 said he lost insurance while out of work during the strike. Once he had coverage again, he saw 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 said she felt “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 said the journey taught her “that there are cases where it is truly unconditional.”
More about Russell Andrews
Russell Andrews is an actor, director and producer. He is also a founding member of StageWalkers Productions, a Los Angeles-based stage company. His screen work includes ‘Insecure,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘NCIS: New Orleans,’ ‘Shameless,’ ‘CSI: Miami,’ ‘Boston Legal,’ ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ and ‘Sports Night.’On film, Andrews has appeared in ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ ‘The Punisher,’ ‘The In-Laws,’ ‘Runaway Island,’ ‘Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland,’ ‘Deadly Sibling Rivalry’ and ‘Peppermint.’ His official bio says he received 2016 Emmy consideration for his role in TV One’s ‘Runaway Island’ and appeared in Season 2 of HBO’s ‘Insecure.’ He also played Vice Principal Charles Gaines in ‘Insecure.’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.
