Bruce Campbell's Optimistic Spirit Shines Through Cancer Revelation

There are a few people in show business who stand out for being precisely what they are, and nothing else. These people aren't necessarily great acting talents, but not every part calls for an Olivier or a Gary Oldman. Some parts were meant for not an actor, but a movie/TV star. Take John Wayne: The Duke wasn't an actor, he was a movie star. He played John Wayne, no matter what his character was named in any given film, and nobody ever John Wayned better than John Wayne.

There are people like that in television, too; William Shatner comes immediately to mind.

Bruce Campbell is another such, in both movies and television. He makes any movie or show he appears in 66.8 percent more awesome just by being onscreen. The appearance of his chin alone brings the awesome rating up by at least 12 points. He can deliver lines that, coming from anyone else, would be lame, but when Bruce does it, we all shudder in admiration at how cool he is.

On Tuesday, we were saddened to learn that Bruce Campbell has received a treatable but incurable cancer diagnosis.

"The Evil Dead" star Bruce Campbell announced he's been diagnosed with cancer and will be canceling upcoming appearances.

On Monday night, Campbell took to X to share that he has a "treatable" but not "curable" type of cancer. "I apologize if that was a shock — it was for me too," he wrote.

"I’m posting this, because professionally, a few things will have to change — appearances and cons and work in general need to take [a] back seat to treatment," Campbell continued.

Mr. Campbell isn't looking to have us wringing our hands.

Campbell kept the rest of his message short and sweet, explaining that he's "not trying to enlist sympathy — or advice."

"I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will). Fear not, I am a tough old son-of-a-b---- and I have great support, so I expect to be around a while. As always, you’re the greatest fans in the world and I hope to see you soon!" Campbell concluded.

If anyone can kick cancer in the teeth, it would be Bruce Campbell.

I've long been a fan of Mr. Campbell's work, including not only the Evil Dead world he is known best for, but also for some lesser-known small screen efforts, like the 2000 series Jack of All Trades, and the great 1993-1994 Western series The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. - both great, both underappreciated. He appeared in a lot of Sam Raimi films, including low-key cameos in all three of Raimi's Spider-Man flicks.

But Mr. Campbell is and always be known for the Evil Dead films and shows, my favorite of which is the wonderfully campy Sam Raimi film "Army of Darkness," the third in the original Evil Dead trilogy, which featured Bruce at his best in scenes like these: 

Take it easy, Mr. Campbell. You have the best wishes of legions of fans, and the Deadites aren't anywhere near getting you yet. If they come close, we, your fans, will grab our boomsticks and come help.