Comedian Moshe Kasher reveals tonsil cancer diagnosis on Father's Day
Kasher says his cancer has a cure rate in the 95% zone and awaits a radiation decision
- Kasher discovered the tonsil cancer bump three months ago on a film set
- He underwent a five-hour procedure at Cedars Sinai two days before his post
- His cancer carries a cure rate in the 95% zone, with a radiation decision pending
Comedian and actor Moshe Kasher revealed on Father's Day Sunday that he has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, disclosing that he underwent a five-hour surgical procedure at Cedars Sinai hospital just two days before announcing on Instagram. Kasher said he first noticed something was wrong approximately three months ago, when he "found a bump" on his tonsil while working on The Comeback, the forthcoming project from filmmaker Judd Apatow and actor Glen Powell. He described the surgery as an ordeal in which "a Jewish robot yanked my jaw open for five hours" to remove the cancer.
Diagnosis during filming
Kasher, who has appeared on Whitney, Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Pitt, said the discovery came unexpectedly in the middle of a production schedule. His stand-up work has been showcased on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show. Reflecting on the weeks that followed, he wrote on Instagram: "My life has been terror, meditation, tears and medical planning."
Positive prognosis, radiation decision still pending
Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Kasher struck a cautiously optimistic note about his medical outlook. "The good news," he wrote, "is the cancer I have has an incredibly high cure rate (in the 95% zone)." A decision on whether he will require radiation treatment is expected to be made next week.
Gratitude for wife and colleagues
Kasher used his post to thank his wife, fellow comedian Natasha Leggero, as well as Judd Apatow, for being "kind, supportive and nurturing" throughout his time on set and during his treatment. He also revealed that he and Leggero sat down to record a full hour of conversation in the days immediately before his surgery, which will be released on their podcast, The Endless Honeymoon Podcast. He closed his Father's Day message on a personal note, writing: "I'm so grateful I have a life that's worth living and a kid to raise this Father's Day."
