Former SNL Star Victoria Jackson Reveals Devastating Health Diagnosis

Former SNL Star Victoria Jackson Reveals Devastating Health Diagnosis

As a movie critic who grew up during the golden age of Saturday Night Live, I have always held a special place in my heart for the quirky and talented Victoria Jackson. Her unique brand of comedy, delivered with her high-pitched voice and ukulele, was a staple of the show during its most iconic years.


Previously part of the “Saturday Night Live” troupe, comedian Victoria Jackson, now 65, has disclosed a potential life span of less than three years following the discovery of an inoperable, cancerous growth on her windpipe. Jackson shared this news on Instagram Wednesday evening, mentioning that medical professionals identified a pea-sized tumor which cannot be surgically removed. Earlier in the year, Jackson had mentioned that her cancer had resurfaced, nine years after she triumphantly beat breast cancer.

For six seasons, from 1986 to 1992, Jackson was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, appearing in a total of 109 episodes and primetime specials. More recently, especially following her cancer diagnosis in 2016, she has become more active on social media, frequently sharing her original songs, a talent she showcased during her time on SNL. In a recent Instagram post, she revealed that those using her latest medication typically survive less than three years. This revelation has led her to reflect upon the finite amount of time she might have left.

I’ve had a wonderful life.

In her video message, Jackson explained that doctors can’t remove a tumor in her chest, which resembles a “marble” and obstructs her windpipe, as doing so would lead to suffocation. Instead, they recommended Ribociclib, a medication that targets cancer proteins, effectively halting the growth of the tumor. Jackson described this treatment as a “magic pill,” explaining it will be delivered to her home within the next 12 hours. She added that the medicine is based on Ribociclib and should help shrink the marble-like tumor, giving her approximately 32.6 more months to live according to online research.

Jackson expressed her desire to witness the birth of her grandson, Jimmy, in October, as well as future grandchildren if her health allows. She added that it would be a joy for her to get acquainted with Jimmy and see her daughter Aubrey give birth. It’s important to clarify that this time frame is based on information she found online, not an official prediction from her doctor.

Victoria Jackson’s Comedic Career Extended Beyond SNL

Former SNL Star Victoria Jackson Reveals Devastating Health Diagnosis

Victoria Jackson began her acting career in the early ’80s, when Johnny Crawford, a well-known child actor from The Rifleman, invited her to join his nightclub act following her work in summer theater. Her standup comedy eventually landed her a spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where she made 20 appearances. Her impressions on the show gained her a place on the Saturday Night Live cast for six seasons, during which she was recognized for her unique songs (usually played on the ukulele) and “Weekend Update” sketches. Known for her distinctive, high-pitched voice, she often portrayed the dimwitted blonde character in various skits and was frequently asked to impersonate celebrities like Roseanne Barr, Sally Struthers, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Following my departure from Saturday Night Live, I graced the big screen in several movies such as Baby Boom, Weird Al Yankovic’s timeless masterpiece UHF, The Pick-up Artist, and Casual Sex? alongside Lea Thompson. In the realm of television during the ’90s, my work encompassed In the Heat of the Night, a captivating episode of The X-Files, and stints on Hollywood Squares. As the new millennium unfolded, I continued to grace TV screens, but in more recent times, after my initial cancer diagnosis, I’ve chosen to reduce public appearances. Instead, I’ve been dedicating my time to recording songs on my beloved ukulele and engaging with fans through social media platforms.

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2024-08-17 03:31