Anjelica Huston is opening up about a very personal chapter in her life—one she kept under wraps until now.
In a new interview, the 73-year-old Oscar-winning actress revealed that she quietly battled cancer several years ago, following the release of her 2019 film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
“That was a very serious moment for me. I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself,” Huston told People.
Though she didn’t disclose the specific type of cancer, Huston made it clear that the experience was life-changing. “It’s not something that came lightly,” she said. “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.”
She’s since made it a point to embrace joy, no matter how small or fleeting. “So now when the opportunity arises, I laugh, and I try not to make a big deal out of things.”
Now four years in the clear, Huston is celebrating a personal milestone. “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.”
She vividly remembers the moment she learned she was cancer-free. “I just walked in my garden and smelled the roses and thought how clever I was,” she said.
While she initially chose not to speak publicly about her diagnosis and recovery, Huston says the time felt right to share her story. “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.”
Reflecting on what the experience taught her, Huston 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.”
It’s a powerful reminder that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, it’s possible to find resilience, humour, and—ultimately—light on the other side.
