A beloved Hollywood star recently admitted that after both of his parents were diagnosed with cancer, they became "like a telemarketer," cold-calling anyone and everyone for help.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Top Gun: Maverick actor Glen Powell opened up about the harrowing chapter of his life, which took place well before his Hollywood fame, in a new cover story for Esquire. The Chad Powers star was just 24 when his parents, Cyndy Powell, a stay-at-home mother, and Glen Powell Sr., an executive coach, were both diagnosed with cancer, with the actor's mother's case being particularly severe.
"I remember exactly where I was getting that news," Powell recalled to Esquire. "And how I felt, and how she felt at that time."
The Running Man star explained that his parents weren't exactly rolling in cash, and he was in no place financially to lend a hand. This led to the actor using his charisma while cold-calling anyone he thought might be able to lend a buck or two to the cause.
"I was like a telemarketer. Calling everyone I knew who could have donated to a hospital, ever," Powell told the outlet. "I was poor, and I had nothing going on; I had no resources to help my mom. And I know people who, because they couldn't get good care, their parents died."
Luckily, the star's parents' health crisis had a positive conclusion. Powell's parents remain red-carpet regulars at his premieres to this day. However, the grim situation inspired Powell to get his finances in order for another rainy day.
"In terms of financial motivation, that was it," the 37-year-old insisted.
Glen Powell's Parents Had Another Health Crisis, But He Didn't Need to Cold-Call Anyone That Time Out
Sure enough, that day came, once again in the guise of his parents hitting more (but less severe) health issues.
Now an established Hollywood star, Powell didn't need to cold-call anyone. He flexed to Esquire that this time out, he lavished his parents with concierge doctors and detailed treatment plans. He also paid every dime of their medical bills.
Not only was Powell happy to flip the bill, but he was also relieved when his parents fully recovered.
"I can't tell you the feeling I had afterward," he revealed.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Esquire piece, Powell opened up about his own medical emergency while shooting his recent action film, The Running Man. During a stunt, a prop knife malfunctioned, actually managing to stab the actor's hand. Though he soldiered through to complete the shoot, eventually, the wound became septic and required surgery.
"This is the real deal," he recalled being told by doctors.
Before going under for surgery, Powell recalled staff admitting he might wake up without a hand.
Of course, the surgery was a success. Powell claimed that he was on the set of The Running Man the next day, with the bandaged wound being written into the script.
