Joe Manganiello Opens Up About Life-Threatening Illness, Organ Amputation

Joe Manganiello is revealing the harrowing health battle that nearly cost him his life.

The actor disclosed that he endured a seven-year struggle with what he called “a cascade of autoimmune-related illnesses,” which ultimately led to an organ amputation, as reported by Page Six.

In the synopsis for his upcoming memoir, “Bloodlines,” Manganiello, 49, described how the illnesses severely affected his thyroid, digestive system, skin, lungs, and eyes.

Joe Manganiello appeared to be the picture of health and fitness throughout his career, but behind-the-scenes, he was dealing with a shocking health battle that nearly took his life.https://t.co/8dopgI8TLC

— WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) June 24, 2026

Throughout this period, he said he experienced “chronic pain, a life-saving organ amputation, existential crisis and a prolonged fight for survival that left doctors with few answers and no clear explanation.”

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When medical professionals were unable to diagnose or effectively treat his condition, the “Magic Mike” and “Spider-Man” star began exploring other paths to healing.

According to the book’s description, Manganiello turned to “shamans, pagan rituals, ancient myths, long-lost family records and the rebirth of his own spirituality” as part of his effort to recover.

His search for answers also led him to delve into his family history, where he uncovered stories of ancestors who had survived the Armenian genocide and others who lived with chronic illness.

Speaking to People, the actor described the experience as both devastating and transformative. “It was the most brutally difficult time of my life, one I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, but also my greatest adventure,” he said.

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He shared that writing “Bloodlines” helped him find meaning in his suffering.

“The process of writing this book gave me the gift of perspective that helped me to see that my suffering was a cocoon from which I would emerge forever changed.”

Manganiello expressed hope that his story would encourage others facing similar struggles. “I hope that what I went through on this journey can give readers hope that answers and healing may lie for them on the other side of whatever they are fighting through,” he added.

It remains unclear when exactly Manganiello faced the illnesses that he describes in the memoir.

The “True Blood” actor was previously married to Sofía Vergara from 2015 to 2024. Their split reportedly occurred because Vergara did not want to have more children.

Manganiello later proposed to Catlin O’Connor in June 2025.

“Bloodlines,” which chronicles his experience of survival, heritage, and personal transformation, is scheduled to be released on October 13.

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