Joe Manganiello is opening up about a private health nightmare that nearly took his life.
The Magic Mike and Spider-Man actor, 49, reveals in his upcoming memoir, Bloodlines, that he spent seven years battling a brutal autoimmune disease while the public knew him best for his ripped physique and action-star image.
According to the book’s synopsis, Manganiello’s body was hit by “a cascade of autoimmune-related illnesses” that attacked his skin, thyroid, eyes, lungs and digestive system. The battle reportedly left him dealing with chronic pain, a life-saving organ amputation and a deep personal crisis that forced him to rethink almost everything about his life.
The actor, who was previously married to Modern Family star Sofia Vergara and is now engaged to model Caitlin O’Connor, kept much of the health battle out of the spotlight as he searched for answers.
Bloodlines, set for release on October 13, will dig into illness, family history, masculinity, faith, ambition and the identities people build in order to survive.
But Manganiello’s road back was far from ordinary.
The memoir details how he followed what is described as an “unorthodox path” toward healing, one that included shamans, pagan rituals, ancient myths, long-lost family records and a renewed sense of spirituality.
In a statement to People, Manganiello said he hopes his story gives others strength while they fight their own private battles.
“Answers and healing may lie for them on the other side of whatever they are fighting through,” he said.
For years, fans saw Manganiello as the picture of strength. Now, he is revealing the painful fight that was happening behind the scenes.
