“Home Alone” actor Ken Hudson Campbell was recently diagnosed with cancer, and has launched a GoFundMe to help pay for surgery. Campbell played Santa in the beloved 1990 holiday classic opposite Macaulay Culkin.
Campbell, 61, was diagnosed with cancer on Oct. 27. His daughter, Michaela, shared a statement about his health on the page, which was created one week ago. She explained that a tumor had “elusively grown on the bottom of his mouth and it began encroaching on his teeth” and he was scheduled for a 10-hour surgery on Dec. 7.
“Surgeons plan to reconstruct a new jaw for Ken from this leg bone, install it, and treat him with radiation. He will have a 6-month recovery period & Chemo may be needed afterwards as well,” she went on. “He’s looking at a week in the hospital, dealing with a feeding tube, skin grafts, and a Tracheotomy, and we are looking at further recovery possibilities like nursing homes.”
She continued: “Even though physical therapy and speech therapy are covered, we are anticipating huge out-of-pocket costs for caregivers/skilled nursing, insurance premiums, medical equipment, transportation, dental implants, dentures and who knows what else.”
Campbell’s loved ones are hoping to raise $100,000 and, as of Friday, are at more than $84,000 toward their goal.
Michaela noted that the actor is a “loving father of two children with an admirable lust for life, and a passion for actin, writing and sports.”
“It is possible that this procedure will affect his ability to work as an actor in the future. We are asking for your help so that Kenny can use the time ahead to return to health, and spend more time with family & friends,” she added. “Every prayer, positive thought, dollar, or gesture of support means the world to our family.”
Campbell is also known for his roles in “Groundhog’s Day” and “Armageddon.” In “Home Alone,” he had a standout scene with Culkin’s Kevin McAllister, where he nearly loses his fake Santa beard and is spotted smoking as he leaves work for the day. He appears confused when Kevin asks for his “family back” for the holidays, but gives him some Tic Tacs after their exchange.
“Wait, hold on a second. My elf took the last of the candy canes to her boyfriend,” he says. “There you go. Don’t spoil your dinner.” As Kevin walks off, Campbell’s St. Nick gets into his beat up car and the engine gives out.
Last week, Culkin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was joined by his “Home Alone” onscreen mom Catherine O’Hara, who gave a speech.
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