Home Alone actor undergoes challenging surgery to combat cancer
Ken Hudson Campbell, aged 61 and known for his role in Home Alone, has received a cancer diagnosis. His family has initiated a fundraiser to assist with the substantial expenses involved.
Campbell, known for roles in movies such as Armageddon and Groundhog Day, portrayed the quick-witted Santa in the 1990s hit Home Alone alongside Macaulay Culkin.
Following a diagnosis of cancer on October 27, doctors identified a tumour that had developed underneath his mouth, posing a threat to his teeth.
As explained in the statement on his GoFundMe page, Campbell is scheduled for a 10-hour surgery on Thursday (December 7) to extract the tumour. The procedure will necessitate the removal of a substantial portion of his jawbone, lymph nodes, and a segment of his leg bone, which will be employed in the reconstruction of his jaw.
In addition to the surgery, Campbell is expected to undergo radiation therapy and possibly chemotherapy during a challenging six-month recovery phase.
Regrettably, he lost his Sag-Aftra health insurance in January 2022, a coverage he relied on for more than three decades in his career. Despite transitioning to a new insurer that Campbell holds in high regard, his family anticipates considerable additional expenses.
In any case, he faces a week’s stay in the hospital, undergoing procedures such as a feeding tube insertion, skin grafts, and a tracheotomy. Additionally, we’re exploring options for extended recovery, potentially including nursing homes. Although physical and speech therapy expenses are covered, we anticipate substantial out-of-pocket costs for skilled nursing, caregiver services, insurance premiums, medical equipment, transportation, dental implants, dentures, and various other necessities,” the statement on his fundraising page stated.
“Our immediate family—Kathleen, Richard, and Michaela—is committed to providing as much care as possible throughout this lengthy journey,” it continued.
“Ken Campbell is a devoted family man, a loving father of two children, with an inspiring zest for life and a deep passion for acting, writing, and sports.
It also indicated the potential for the procedure to ‘impact his future capacity to work as an actor’.
‘We appeal for your assistance so that Kenny can utilise the forthcoming period to regain his health and allocate more time with family and friends,’ it further stated.
‘Each prayer, optimistic notion, contribution, or show of support holds immense value for our family.
At the time of publication, £51,000 out of the £79,500 goal has been pledged, with £65,000 already secured.
Campbell made a significant impact in the beloved Christmas film ‘Home Alone’, believed to mark his debut onscreen appearance. In a memorable scene, Kevin McCallister, played by Culkin, asks Campbell’s character to deliver a festive message pleading for his family’s return.
Playing the role of Santa, the actor deals with a parking ticket after concluding his duties at the grotto for the day. He hastily conceals the fact that he’s been smoking from the young McCallister.
He willingly accepts Kevin’s ‘extremely important’ message for the ‘real Santa’, whom the eight-year-old insists Campbell’s Santa works for. He expresses that he ‘just wants his family back’, prioritising this over presents.
The Home Alone Santa affectionately offers Kevin some mints to round off his experience, revealing that his elf took the candy canes home for her boyfriend.
Earlier this month, Culkin, now 42, was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Schitt’s Creek actress Catherine O’Hara, who portrayed his onscreen mother in the Home Alone franchise, moved him to tears with her heartfelt tribute.
Catherine’s praise for his work, both on and off the screen, brought the former child star to tears.
