Sandra Bullock Discusses Late Partner Bryan Randall's Private ALS Battle on Podcast

Actress Sandra Bullock spoke about the late Bryan Randall’s private battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during an early-access episode of the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. Bullock said she was asked not to discuss Randall’s diagnosis publicly and that she honored his request, noting that the pandemic added to her sense of isolation.

"I wasn’t allowed to speak about it. That was the request and I tried — I honored it," Bullock told the podcast.

Randall, a model-turned-photographer, died in 2023 at age 57. Bullock explained that only her sister initially knew of the illness, and she later confided in close friends including Jennifer Aniston and Amanda Anka. She said she began grieving four years before his death, as the disease affected him for half of their relationship.

The actress, who publicly confirmed her relationship with Randall in 2015, co-parented her two children, Louis and Laila, with him, along with Randall’s daughter Skylar. Bullock described the emotional toll of caring for a partner with a progressive neurodegenerative disease and praised the nurses who assisted her.

Bullock added that she does not fear illness itself but was concerned about the impact on her young children, especially her daughter who saw Randall as a father figure. Earlier this year she told People that she focused on healing and supporting her family before returning to work. She is currently promoting the upcoming film "Practical Magic 2," scheduled for release next month. The SmartLess episode will be available on podcast platforms on August 24.