Broadway veteran Aaron Lazar has received a flurry of support following the news that his ALS diagnosis has left him without the use of his limbs.
Lazar, 50, was diagnosed with slow-moving ALS in 2022. The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is currently no cure.
The actor, whose credits include the Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera, The Light in the Piazza, Oklahoma, Les Misérables and the original cast of Sting’s musical The Last Ship, released his debut solo album in 2024, which received a Grammy nomination. He is also the host of the Impossible Dreams Podcast, which he started following his ALS diagnosis.
As Lazar’s condition has progressed, his family started a GoFundMe last week, aiming to raise $500,000 — and revealing the mounting cost of the actor’s care.
“Aaron has lost the use of his legs, arms, and hands. He requires a BIPAP machine to breathe and a full-time caregiver at his side to help him throughout the day and night,” the fundraiser said.
“With his increased needs, the cost of full-time caregiving, medical equipment, and specialized therapies has grown to more than $300,000 every year. Aaron's ability to generate income for his family is severely limited. He needs help to stay in the fight,” the description continued.
“Most people would see this diagnosis and its burdens as the end of a dream. Yet Aaron has chosen a different path, dedicating himself to what he calls ‘The Impossible Dream,’ his commitment to living with hope, determination, faith, and love.”
Over $285,000 has been raised at the time of publishing.
Lazar is far from the only star to publicly share their ALS diagnosis. Just this week in an interview with Good Morning America, former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed he is fighting the disease.
The three-time Pro Bowl running back, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2008 and went on to play for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, first noticed weakness in his right hand last year — something he would later learn was a symptom of ALS.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson said on GMA. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.”
90 Day Fiancé star Jenny Slatten was diagnosed in December, one year after she first experienced symptoms.
Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and died in February this year.
