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On Monday The Walking Dead CCO Scott M. Gimple revealed that Erik Jensen, who played Dr. Steven Edwards in season 5, has been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Gimple shared the news on social media along with a link to a GoFundMe for the actor.
He wrote:
"One of TWD's own could use a little help. Erik Jensen, who played Dr. Steven Edwards in S5 was just diagnosed with cancer, and it's a time of great uncertainty for him and his family. If you want to send something his way."
One of TWD's own could use a little help. Erik Jensen, who played Dr. Steven Edwards in S5 was just diagnosed with cancer, and it's a time of great uncertainty for him and his family. If you want to send something his way: https://t.co/HU8bxlL2xA
— Scott M. Gimple (@ScottMGimple) October 23, 2023
The message on the GoFundMe page begins:
"After miraculously surviving a brain aneurysm just a year and a half ago, our beloved Erik Jensen was just diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer."
While the message acknowledges Jensen is a fighter and a survivor, it continues:
"But Erik and his family are in for the fight of their lives, and they need your support."
"Erik and Jess have devoted their lives to making art that hopes to make the world better in whatever way they can. They are full-time freelance artists and live without the cushion that long-term commercial work can provide."
"The lack of streaming residuals has affected Erik's family profoundly in the past few years, as it has affected so many middle class working actors."
It concludes:
“Stage IV is not a death sentence, and Erik is working incredibly hard to stay positive and fight for the shot that his doctors say he has.”
Other Walking Dead cast and crew immediately took to social media to spread the word.
TWD's Jeffrey Dean Morgan shared the message on X, writing:
"Never had the chance to work with Erik… until now anyway."
"Only have heard many things about what a great guy he is. I do know he and his could use some help…. Of any and all kind. xojd"
Producer Gale Anne Hurd echoed the sentiment.
And others on social media soon followed suit, sending their well wishes to Jensen and thanking TWD family for their support.
Both Jensen and his wife, Jessica Blank, thanked Morgan for rallying around their family.
As of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised more than $122K.