Given the prevalence of skin cancer<\/a> in the United States, it\u2019s not surprising that so many celebrities have had the disease. In fact, one out of every five Americans<\/a> is going to get skin cancer. In our very own \u201cJust Like Us\u201d feature, we’re sharing about celebrities you may not realize have had the world\u2019s most common cancer.<\/p>\n Teddi Mellencamp\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo: @teddimellencamp on Instagram<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n In February 2025, the reality star shared an Instagram post<\/a> revealing that she would undergo emergency brain surgery to remove multiple tumors. \u201cAs I move on to the next steps in my treatment, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody for the outpouring of love and prayers. I see them, and they\u2019re definitely helping me stay strong.\u201d<\/p>\n After her surgery, her doctors told Mellencamp that she had stage IV melanoma that had metastasized to her brain and lungs. She is undergoing radiation and immunotherapy treatment. In late March 2025, two more tumors were found. “I’m fighting for my life,” Mellencamp shared.<\/p>\n Mellencamp’s battle with skin cancer began in 2022, and she has had at least 16 melanomas removed since then. She has openly shared her battle on social media, spreading awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of sun protection and early detection.<\/p>\n In post after post, Mellencamp has explained how past habits including tanning, not wearing sunscreen and not getting her skin checked may have contributed to her melanoma diagnosis. She called her skin cancer experience a \u201cwake up call\u201d and regularly urges her fans to love and protect their skin. “Sending love to you all and please book your skin checks.”<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Terry Bradshaw<\/strong> Christie Brinkley<\/strong><\/p>\n Christie Brinkley at the 2025 Champions for Change Gala<\/p><\/div>\n In March 2024, American actress, entrepreneur and author, Christie Brinkley, shared in an Instagram post that she had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC<\/a>) removed from her face. \u201cThe good news for me is we caught the basal cell carcinoma early,” she explained. Brinkley encouraged her followers to protect their skin<\/a> and check it regularly<\/a>. “The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection! I got serious a bit late so now I\u2019ll be slathering on my SPF, reapplying as needed, wearing long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. And doing regular total body check ups… that is a MUST.”<\/p>\n In May 2025, Brinkley hosted our Champions for Change Gala<\/a> in New York City and shared her personal skin cancer journey with guests in her opening remarks. \u201cI imagine no one feels ready to hear that they have skin cancer for the first time, and neither was I,\u201d she said. \u201cIt felt very personal. I hope that sharing my story changes that experience for others and reminds them to protect the lovely skin they are in.” Brinkley also attended our Gala in 2006.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photo: Rick Diamond\/Getty Images for CMT<\/span><\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n Jimmy Buffett<\/strong><\/p>\n Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett<\/a> battled Merkel cell carcinoma<\/a> \u2014 a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer \u2014 for four years prior to passing away in September 2023. Buffett, best known for his hits \u201cMargaritaville\u201d and \u201cCheeseburger in Paradise,\u201d continued to perform throughout treatment for the disease before his death at age 76. Merkel cell carcinoma has a high risk of metastasizing (spreading) within two to three years after the initial diagnosis, and only about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Witney Carson<\/strong><\/p>\n As a teen, she had frequented indoor tanning salons. At the time, she\u2019d been only dimly aware of the danger \u2014 and like many young people, she considered herself invincible. \u201cDespite my parents\u2019 brushes with skin cancer, I\u2019d never thought it would happen to me,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n In 2016, she shared her powerful story at our Champions for Change Gala<\/a> in New York City.<\/p>\n Photo: Emma McIntyr\/Getty Images<\/p><\/div>\n John Cena\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n In March 2025, actor and WWE star, John Cena, revealed that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer more than once.<\/p>\n A routine dermatology visit led to the diagnosis and removal of his first skin cancer, located on his right chest. A year later, another skin cancer was detected and removed from his back.<\/p>\n Cena admits that growing up, he did not wear sunscreen and neglected to use sun protection as an adult. He is sharing his skin cancer history to raise awareness about the importance of wearing sunscreen.<\/p>\n Jason Chambers<\/strong><\/p>\n In December 2024, Australian actor, Jason Chambers, revealed that he had melanoma.<\/p>\n \u201cWith a diagnosed melanoma biopsy, I now have an anxious wait, and what I thought was a skin spot turned in just 6 months; early detection is the key,\u201d he shared in an Instagram post.<\/p>\n He advised his fans to \u201cuse sunscreen, seek shade, wear a hat and enjoy the sun with protection.\u201d<\/p>\n Sam Champion<\/span><\/strong> Good Morning America host and weatherman Sam Champion<\/a> was diagnosed with his first skin cancer while still in his 20s, an experience he blames on his younger years of tanning. Since then, he\u2019s had multiple surgeries to remove suspicious moles and basal cell carcinomas.<\/a> Champion underwent surgery live-on-the-air in an effort to educate people about the consequences of unprotected sun exposure. In October 2024, he took to Instagram live to detail his most recent BCC surgery under his eye.<\/p>\n Since his first skin cancer scare, he has consistently urged viewers to slather on sunscreen and get their skin checked. He\u2019s even hosted the Skin Cancer Foundation\u2019s annual gala more than once!<\/p>\n Andy Cohen<\/strong><\/p>\n In November 2016, the popular talk show host, author and producer announced he had a melanoma on his lip removed after celebrity friend Kelly Ripa had urged him to have a suspicious spot checked out<\/a>. The former self-proclaimed \u201ctanorexic\u201d has said the experience changed his relationship with the sun.<\/p>\n Anderson Cooper<\/strong> Melanie Griffith<\/strong> Governor Kathy Hochul<\/strong><\/p>\n In September 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she was having a procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma from her nose.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m getting an outpatient procedure done today to remove a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. I encourage all New Yorkers to get that regular checkup on the books. Early detection saves lives,\u201d the governor wrote in an Instagram post<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hugh Jackman<\/strong> <\/b>Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men movies, the Australian actor publicly shared his skin cancer struggles with fans. Jackman has had several skin cancers removed in recent years and regularly takes to social media<\/a> to remind his fans of the importance of sun protection and regular skin exams.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Kevin Jonas<\/strong> Khloe Kardashian<\/strong><\/p>\n The reality star has been vocal about her skin cancer experiences. In a 2017 meeting with Hollywood medium Tyler Henry<\/a>, she reported that she has had two skin cancers removed (one of which was a melanoma<\/a> on her back) and that she gets skin exams every three months.<\/p>\n In October 2022<\/a>, Kardashian revealed that she had another tumor removed from her face. While she did not disclose which type of skin cancer she was diagnosed with, Kardashian said her doctors mentioned that the tumor was \u201cincredibly rare\u201d for someone her age. Kardashian has shared the ABCDEs<\/a> with her social media followers and encourages regular skin checks.<\/p>\n Diane Keaton<\/strong> Julian Lennon<\/strong><\/p>\n Musician and photographer, Julian Lennon, son of the late John Lennon, shared on Instagram that he underwent emergency skin cancer surgery in December 2024.<\/p>\n Lennon informed his followers that he had two suspicious spots removed on his forearm and shoulder after a routine skin check; one was diagnosed as melanoma. He explained that this is the second time he has had skin cancer.<\/p>\n \u201cMy lovely dermatologist caught and operated on my mole\/skin cancer a few years ago, and literally saved my life,\u201d he shared. Lennon also emphasized the importance of skin checks. \u201cPlease, for the sake of yourself, your family and friends, just go to your doctor and do what must be done.\u201d<\/p>\n Donal Logue<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When a dark spot appeared under the Jamaican musician\u2019s toenail, Marley attributed it to a recent soccer injury. The spot turned out to be a form of skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma<\/a> that often becomes aggressive because it is detected later than other melanomas. The loss of this legend serves as a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, can be affected by skin cancer.<\/p>\n Ewan McGregor<\/strong><\/p>\n The Scottish-born actor caused quite a stir in 2008 when he had a birthmark removed from his forehead, leading to speculation that he had a cosmetic procedure done. McGregor later set the record straight and explained that his doctor removed several suspicious lesions for testing. One, below the actor\u2019s eye, was indeed skin cancer.<\/p>\n The singer and musician has dealt with multiple skin cancers, the most recent of which he had removed in October 2023. Michaels, best known as the frontman of Poison, previously had a skin cancer removed in 2020 and returned to the doctor\u2019s office after losing a fellow performer to the disease.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n “With the recent passing of my friend Jimmy Buffett, I decided it was time for a more recent check up of something I thought was nothing,” Michaels said in an Instagram post. “Turns out, it was something.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The singer praised his doctor for quickly identifying and treating the skin cancer, noting that it may have saved his life. He ended the post by encouraging fellow lovers of the outdoors to get their skin checked as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Rosie O’Donnell<\/strong><\/p>\n Comedian Rosie O’Donnell shared on social media<\/a> that she was treated for a basal cell carcinoma in September 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cHad this bump near my eye. Went to the dermatologist when it started to scab. It\u2019s basal cell cancer – all removed and fine \u2013 get checked!\u201d<\/p>\n Andy Roddick<\/strong><\/p>\n During a September 2024 podcast, tennis pro Andy Roddick opened up about his ongoing battles with skin cancer.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve dealt with various types of skin cancer since since I stopped playing,\u201d Roddick said. He mentioned a recent battle with a squamous cell carcinoma on his lip and offered a PSA to his fans: \u201cUse sunscreen and put sunscreen on your kids, especially if they are tennis players.\u201d<\/p>\n Richard Simmons<\/strong><\/p>\n In spring 2024, fitness expert Richard Simmons shared a two-part Facebook post revealing that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He wrote that he was successfully treated for the basal cell carcinoma, located under his right eye. He concluded his post by sharing that he had his entire body checked for other potential skin cancers. He also encouraged his fans to be vigilant about their health, writing \u201cpromise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check up.\u201d<\/p>\n Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024.<\/p>\n Regardless of whether you have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or have never set foot in Tinseltown, everyone is at risk for skin cancer<\/a>. These celebrities\u2019 stories serve as a great reminder of the importance of daily sun protection<\/a> and the need for regular skin exams<\/a>. If you have yet to schedule your annual check-up with your dermatologist, we encourage you to do so today. When it comes to your skin health, there is no time like the present!<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Celebrities like Hugh Jackman, Kevin Jonas and Christie Brinkley have battled nonmelanoma skin cancer, while Khloe Kardashian and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave have battled melanoma. Others including Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett have passed away as a result of skin cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":3,"featured_media":1750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[14,5679,5693,5692,5653,5658,5699,5700,5694,9,5695,12,5739],"class_list":["post-1565","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-true-stories","tag-basal-cell-carcinoma","tag-bob-marley-cancer","tag-christie-brinkley","tag-hugh-jackman","tag-jimmy-buffett","tag-jimmy-buffett-death","tag-kevin-jonas","tag-kevin-jonas-skin-cancer","tag-khoe-kardashian","tag-melanoma","tag-richard-simmons","tag-squamous-cell-carcinoma","tag-teddi-mellencamp-melanoma"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/452807213_1188679278839513_1635149814993474499_n-480x600.jpg\")
\nIn the fall of 2022, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw revealed during a Fox NFL Sunday broadcast that he had battled two forms of cancer in the past year \u2014 bladder cancer and skin cancer. Bradshaw discovered a tumor on his neck that turned out to be Merkel cell carcinoma<\/a>. He received treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and told the audience that he was fortunately now \u201ccancer free and feeling great.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Christie](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Christie-at-the-Step-Repeat-2-at-SCF-CFC-2025-Gala-600x400.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MicrosoftTeams-image-47-600x437.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Witney-at-2016-SCF-Gala-200x300.jpg\")
The \u201cDancing with the Stars\u201d phenom was just 22 years of age when she discovered a melanoma on her foot<\/a>. Carson, whose parents had melanoma, has been vocal in advocating for regular skin exams and the importance of early detection.<\/p>\n![\"LOS](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-2166953146-400x600.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sam-champion-399x600.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nWhile covering the 2008 election, the popular journalist made headlines when he appeared on the air with a black eye and bandage. Cooper warned viewers before the broadcast that he had a minor procedure to remove a skin cancer that luckily hadn\u2019t spread.<\/p>\n
\nSeveral years ago, the American actress caused concern among fans when she was spotted with a black eye. She later revealed that this was the result of a skin cancer removal procedure.<\/p>\n![\"jackman_skincancer\"](\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock_000017538334_Large-340x240.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"pic](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/kevin-jonas-600x338.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
\nIn June 2024, the lead guitarist of the Jonas Brothers shared an Instagram video about his basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment. “So, today I am getting a basal cell carcinoma removed from my head.,” he said. “Yes, that is an actual little skin cancer that has started to grow and now I have to get surgery to remove it.” After his procedure was over, Jonas added a PSA to the end of his video, reminding his fans to be sure and check their skin.<\/p>\n
\nThe Oscar-winning actress was diagnosed with the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma<\/a> (BCC), at the young age of 21. Several years ago, she was diagnosed with the second most common form of the disease, squamous cell carcinoma<\/a>. Keaton encourages her fans to practice proper sun protection and has spoken openly about her family\u2019s history with the disease (both her father and brother have had BCCs removed).<\/p>\n![\"WEST](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-1438801973.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"donal-logue-skin-cancer\"](\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/donal.jpg\")
The actor, producer and writer who starred in \u201cSons of Anarchy\u201d and \u201cVikings\u201d was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma<\/a> on his forehead in 2014. While his doctor successfully removed the cancer after two rounds of surgery, the actor has said that he is at very high risk of another. In reflecting on the experience Logue said: “Today, when I\u00a0check my face in the mirror for new growths, I wish I could shake that young boy I once was, running around under the hot, desert sun without protection, for doing such ineradicable damage to his future skin.”<\/p>\n![\"bob-marley-skin-cancer\"](\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/BobMarley-340x240.png\")
Bob Marley<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bret-Michaels-600x394.jpg\")
Bret Michaels<\/strong><\/p>\nProtect Yourself, Check Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n