Actor Joe Manganiello is opening up about a frightening health crisis that nearly cost him his life, sharing startling hospital photos that reveal just how much his body changed during a mysterious seven-year illness.
The 49-year-old actor, best known for his roles in True Blood and Magic Mike, revealed that he lost an astonishing 60 pounds in just two weeks after undergoing major intestinal surgery.
On October 15, Manganiello posted a series of personal photographs on Instagram documenting the devastating physical effects of his illness, which he discusses in his newly released memoir, Bloodlines.
One image shows the once-muscular Hollywood star sitting shirtless beside a hospital bed, looking noticeably thinner than the physique fans remember from his television and movie roles.
“In the days following the amputation of my large intestine, my weight began to plummet,” Manganiello wrote, explaining that the dramatic weight loss occurred during the two weeks following his surgery.
He also revealed that he was using an ostomy bag, a medical device that collects digestive waste through an opening surgically created in the abdomen.
Other photographs document the effects of additional surgery and the painful skin conditions he experienced throughout his illness.
The actor’s health problems began in 2016, shortly after he married actress SofÃa Vergara. What initially seemed like digestive issues eventually developed into a debilitating medical ordeal that affected multiple parts of his body.
Manganiello suffered severe abdominal pain, recurring fevers, headaches, exhaustion and widespread skin problems. At times, the pain was so intense that he struggled to walk.
Over the next seven years, he underwent repeated hospitalizations, numerous colonoscopies and several surgical procedures as doctors attempted to understand what was happening.
The illness eventually became so serious that surgeons had to remove his large intestine.
Despite extensive testing and treatment, Manganiello said doctors never established a definitive diagnosis explaining all his symptoms. He has described the condition as an autoimmune illness involving several organs and bodily systems.
The prolonged health crisis also took an emotional toll.
In Bloodlines, released October 13, Manganiello describes how years of illness affected his personal relationships, career and outlook on life.
He has also acknowledged that his declining health placed enormous strain on his marriage to Vergara, which ended after seven years. The former couple announced their separation in 2023, and their divorce was finalized in 2024.
However, Manganiello has emphasized that his memoir is primarily about his own struggle, rather than his former marriage.
The actor says he spent years searching for answers, eventually exploring alternative and spiritual approaches alongside his medical journey. Although he credits some of those experiences with helping him emotionally, the precise cause of his recovery remains unknown.
Today, Manganiello says his health has dramatically improved.
He recently revealed that his symptoms unexpectedly disappeared approximately three years ago, and he has remained symptom-free since then.
Now feeling healthier and looking toward the future, the actor is engaged to actress Caitlin O’Connor and says he is grateful to have survived an experience that once left him uncertain whether he would live.
“I can’t believe I’m alive,” Manganiello said while reflecting on his recovery. “I feel like I was reborn.”
By sharing photographs from one of the most difficult periods of his life, Manganiello hopes to show fans a side of himself that remained hidden during much of his Hollywood career.
His story also highlights the challenges patients can face when serious symptoms persist without a clear diagnosis, even after years of medical treatment.
For an actor once celebrated primarily for his muscular appearance, the photographs reveal a deeply personal journey that went far beyond anything audiences saw on screen.
Seems weird that he married Vergara then all hid symptoms started. After the divorce he is better. Maybe she was poisoning him. Lol
Bless his heart. I’m very glad he survived and is doing so well. Unfortunately, so much for “For better, for worse; for richer for poorer; in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, till death do us part”. Having a chronically ill spouse for years on end ain’t fun. But you made a covenant.