Dolph Lundgren, the Swedish actor famous for his portrayal of Soviet-Russian boxer Ivan Drago in the Rocky film franchise, has revealed that he has been secretly battling cancer for several years.
In a candid interview on In Depth With Graham Bensinger, Lundgren confirmed that his condition is now terminal.
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Lundgren’s film credits include He-Man (1987), The Punisher (1989), and The Expendables (2010). Doctors first found a tumor in his kidney eight years ago, which was successfully removed. However, in 2020, scans revealed “more tumors” and Lundgren was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer had spread to his lungs, spine, liver, and stomach, and was deemed too large for surgery. Lundgren was eventually told that the cancer was terminal.
Despite the grave nature of his situation, Lundgren sought a second opinion and within three months, the tumors began to shrink. Lundgren’s oncologist hopes to keep him on medication for as long as possible, while continuing to monitor his condition.
Lundgren’s use of steroids earlier in his life has prompted him to wonder if it could be related to his cancer. Nonetheless, he is now focused on his treatment and expressed more concern for his loved ones, including his fiancée Emma Krokdal and his two daughters Ida Lundgren and Greta Lundgren.