Television veteran Michael Barrymore has revealed he has been diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 73, following a mini stroke that left him battling “uncontrollable seizures.”
The comedian, who has reinvented himself as a social media sensation with millions of followers, shared the shocking health update from his hospital bed in an emotional TikTok video. Barrymore disclosed that he suffers from cluster seizures, which affect a quarter of epilepsy patients and involve multiple seizures occurring in rapid succession.
“A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures,” the former Strike It Lucky host explained to his 3.8 million TikTok followers. “I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time.”
‘Scary’ Risk of Fatal Complications
The entertainment icon, who ruled Saturday night television throughout the 1980s and 90s, admitted finding his diagnosis “scary” due to the potentially life-threatening complications.
“It’s scary because there’s a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention,” Barrymore revealed. “I’ve had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure.”
Despite the severity of his condition, the 73-year-old maintained a positive outlook, stating: “It doesn’t really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it.”
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people worldwide, is characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While the condition typically manifests in young children or people over 50, it can develop at any age.
Social Media Renaissance
Barrymore’s health revelation comes as he enjoys an unexpected career renaissance on social media platforms, particularly among Generation Z audiences who have embraced his witty and self-deprecating content.
The comedian, whose real name is Michael Parker, has amassed 3.8 million followers and an extraordinary 261 million likes on TikTok alone. His videos range from nostalgic clips of his hit shows Kids Say The Funniest Things and Strike It Lucky to contemporary sketches and trend participation.
Even pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has taken notice, reposting one of his videos and prompting an excited response from Barrymore: “Gang I just woke up to find that Sabrina Carpenter knows I exist. I am fangirling so hard right now!!”
A friend of the entertainer recently told The Sun: “Michael is having a great time. He lives to entertain people, and while he may not be getting the TV offers he once did, this way he gets to create his own content on his own terms.”
From Television Titan to TikTok Star
Barrymore’s journey to social media stardom marks a remarkable transformation for a man whose mainstream television career effectively ended following the death of Stuart Lubbock at his Essex home in 2001.
Lubbock, 31, was found dead in Barrymore’s swimming pool following a party on 31 March 2001. A post-mortem examination revealed serious injuries and traces of alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine in his bloodstream. Despite multiple investigations and arrests, including Barrymore himself in 2007, no one has ever been charged in connection with the death.
Barrymore has always maintained his innocence and successfully sued Essex Police for wrongful arrest, though he was awarded only nominal damages. The entertainer lost his ITV contract in 2003 and largely disappeared from mainstream television, save for appearances on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 and Dancing on Ice, from which he withdrew due to injury in 2020.
Building Bridges with New Generations
The comedian’s social media renaissance began in 2022 when he started posting vintage clips from his television heyday. His content has since evolved to include day-in-the-life videos, reviews of Gen Z trends, and comedic sketches that resonate with younger audiences.
Speaking to ITV News last year about his newfound fame, Barrymore said: “TikTok reconnected me with my audience and all those who grew up with me. Plus, I have a world market watching my old clips and me doing current trends – my version of it and I’m 71.”
His most popular video, featuring him playing Rock Paper Scissors with himself, has garnered 37.3 million views and 4.1 million likes. He regularly achieves over 100,000 views per video, with fans appreciating what they describe as his “wholesome” content.
Epilepsy Support and Understanding
Barrymore’s openness about his diagnosis highlights the reality that epilepsy can strike at any age. According to the NHS, the condition affects more than 600,000 people in the UK alone, with symptoms varying widely between individuals.
The World Health Organisation reports that up to 70% of people with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. However, the risk of premature death in epilepsy patients is up to three times higher than the general population, making prompt medical attention crucial.
For those experiencing symptoms or concerned about epilepsy, the NHS advises seeking medical attention if you believe you’ve had a seizure for the first time or if seizures return after a long period without them. Emergency services should be called if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person does not regain consciousness afterwards.
Epilepsy charities including Epilepsy Action and the Epilepsy Society offer support and information for those affected by the condition, providing helplines and online resources for patients and their families.
Looking Forward
Despite his health challenges, Barrymore continues to engage with his online audience daily, posting content that bridges generational gaps and proves that reinvention is possible at any age.
“What started as a bit of a hobby online has now become a way of connecting with his fans again, flexing his funny bone and getting back to doing what he loves without the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being on the nation’s TV screens every week,” his friend explained.
As Barrymore navigates this latest health challenge, his millions of followers continue to offer support, with many sharing their own experiences of epilepsy in response to his candid revelation. The entertainer’s journey from Saturday night television titan to TikTok sensation serves as a testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of both personal and professional adversity.
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