“Home Alone” actor Ken Hudson Campbell, who played Santa in the 1990 classic, is “overwhelmed” by the generosity of fans and even some famous faces who contributed to funding his cancer surgery.
His daughter, Michaela, started a GoFundMe page for the 61-year-old actor after he was diagnosed with cancer on Oct. 27.
She explained that a tumor had “elusively grown on the bottom of his mouth and it began encroaching on his teeth,” and he was scheduled for a 10-hour surgery on Dec. 7.
The family’s goal was to raise $100,000 for expenses such as physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, dental implants and caregivers. They quickly met their goal.
Steve Carell, Jeff Garlin, Tim Meadows and “Big Bang Theory” co-creator Bill Prady all donated to the fund.
The “Office” alum, 61, in particular, donated $10,000. “‘Carriage ride!’ Love you Ken,” he wrote.
“The cancer was removed successfully, and his jaw bone has been reconstructed from his fibula and attached. Despite the swelling and incisions, he looks great,” Michaela updated fans on GoFundMe on Dec. 9.
Michaela told People on Monday that her father is emotionally overwhelmed by everyone’s support.
“The first day we posted it, every time he read something, he would just burst into tears,” she said. “It was the first time he really got emotional about the whole situation. It was kind of a shock to him to feel so loved.
“It really means the world,” Michaela continued. “My family’s been struggling for a long time financially. So just having my dad’s friends come together, this is just very overwhelming and it really takes a lot of stress off of my family’s shoulders.”
In addition to “Home Alone,” Campbell appeared in “Groundhog Day” and “Armageddon.” Michaela said his successful surgery has the potential to help him return to Hollywood.
The Post has contacted a rep for Campbell for comment.
“It is possible that this procedure will affect his ability to work as an actor in the future. We are asking for your help so that Kenny can use the time ahead to return to health, and spend more time with family & friends,” Michaela wrote on GoFundMe. “Every prayer, positive thought, dollar, or gesture of support means the world to our family.”
This post was originally posted by NYPost
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