Critical Role star Sam Riegel has revealed he’s been absent from the Dungeons & Dragons-based channel lately due to a diagnosis of and recovery from cancer.
A video published on X/Twitter, below, featured what Critical Role called its “fearless leader, bard extraordinaire, and true inspiration.” In it Riegel explained his diagnosis of oropharyngeal carcinoma, which is a “fancy word for tonsil cancer,” as he put it.
Riegel is currently on the road to recovery following surgery to remove his tonsil, part of his tongue, and part of his soft palate. “Guys, it sucked,” he said. “I spent four days in the hospital, I ate from a feeding tube, I had to relearn how to speak and swallow, which is why you may notice my diction is a bit slurry. But they got the cancer.”
He then underwent six weeks of radiation treatments to ensure the cancer didn’t spread. “And guys, that sucked even worse,” Riegel said. “I lost 20 pounds, I couldn’t taste, I got radiation burns, I could barely eat, and I cried a lot. But, I’m happy to report that today I am on the road to recovery.”
Welcome back to our fearless leader, bard extraordinaire, and a true inspiration @samriegel! ✨
Thank you one and all for your patience, kindness, and respect for Sam’s privacy as he’s been on the mend – join him below for an important message about his journey and recovery. 💕 pic.twitter.com/sEhkh55vuE
— Critical Role (@CriticalRole) July 8, 2024
Riegel said he wanted to share his story because oropharyngeal carcinoma is now 100% preventable through a vaccine, as it is initially caused by a common viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV) which can, in rare cases, develop into a cancer later in life.
“Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within two years. But sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and can cause some cancers.”
Riegel urged those watching to inquire about the vaccine, which the CDC said is “preventing cancer-causing infections and precancers” and is “very safe and effective” according to more than 15 years of data.
“When I was younger, there was no such thing as an HPV vaccine, but now there is,” Riegel said. “So, the big takeaway is, go ask your doctor about that vaccine, please. If you have kids, please consider getting them vaccinated, and even if you’re an adult, you can get vaccinated up to age 45 in some cases. And it works. You get the shot, you don’t get the cancer. So please, do not get this cancer. It is awful.”
Listen to your bodies, and get things checked when you feel weird.
“The second reason I wanted to share this is to encourage you to listen to your bodies, and get things checked when you feel weird,” he continued. “If you feel something weird in your body, please go tell a doctor.”
Riegel grew emotional towards the end of the video where he thanked his doctors, family, and friends for their support throughout his journey. “I’ve missed performing, I’ve missed my friends, I’ve missed telling stories, but mostly I miss talking and thinking about anything other than cancer,” he said through tears. “I have many more months before I will be 100%, but for now, I love you all, and it’s good to be back.”
For more information on cancer prevention please visit the CDC website. Specific information on oropharyngeal carcinoma, alongside HPV and its vaccination, can be found there too. UK readers can find information through the NHS website, again on HPV specifically and its vaccine. For more cancer-related resources, please visit the Cancer Care website.
Image Credit: Critical Role on X/Twitter
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
