Actor Joe Manganiello Details Life-Threatening Illness and Recovery in New Memoir

Joe Manganiello revealed in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir Bloodlines that a sudden, unexplained autoimmune condition forced him onto a hospital bed in 2016 while filming the series Six in Wilmington, North Carolina. The illness attacked his thyroid and intestines, causing severe pain and rapid weight loss, and ultimately required surgeons to remove his large intestine and create an ostomy.

Manganiello’s wife, actress Sofia Vergara, consented to the life-saving operation, which left him with a permanent abdominal bag and a lengthy recovery that included managing constant waste output, severe fatigue and loss of muscle mass. He described the physical adjustments required, such as changing the ostomy bag frequently, sleeping on his side to avoid leaks, and coping with frequent nighttime emergencies.

During his convalescence, Manganiello’s agent informed him that Ben Affleck was interested in discussing a role for him in the upcoming Batman film. The prospect of playing the villain Deathstroke motivated him to intensify his rehabilitation, despite ongoing health challenges and strain on his marriage.

"I just got offered the biggest role of my life," Manganiello said, recalling his reaction to the offer.

He detailed the practical difficulties of preparing for the role, including a costume fitting that required him to manage the ostomy bag while wearing multiple layers of armor and undergoing a full-body 3D scan. The actor also noted the emotional impact of his illness on his relationship with Vergara, who expressed concern about his ability to work under such conditions.

Manganiello’s memoir, scheduled for release on October 13 by Avid Reader Press, offers a candid account of his near-fatal health crisis, the surgical intervention that saved his life, and his determination to return to acting despite the physical and psychological hurdles.