Stanley Tucci's New Taste for Life After Surviving Cancer: "I'm Lucky to Be Alive" | PEOPLE

In this exclusive interview with Stanley Tucci, the beloved actor opens up about his Emmy-winning food and travel series, 'Searching For Italy,' his emotional tongue cancer diagnosis, and how the love and support of his wife helped him through his treatment and recovery.
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Stanley Tucci's New Taste for Life After Surviving Cancer: "I'm Lucky to Be Alive" | PEOPLE
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[@EstherLilyW]

Perfect descriptions of how chemo was for me. Thank you for sharing the words I couldn't articulate. 5yrs cancer free now!!

[@giorassiccuriosity1796]

One way or form I think you’ve articulated it very well. :)

[@reikun86]

Congratulations!

[@tnetroP]

I never knew Stanley Tucci had cancer until tonight. It brings back a lot of memories for me. I lost my father to cancer and I held his hand while he died. A few years later I was diagnosed with cancer myself. It was a scary time, not just because of my own worry but because I had two very young children who needed a father to be there for them. I was lucky and beat it, being given the all clear last year, after 10 years of monitoring. I kept the fact I was being treated for cancer secret from them until they were older. One of my enduring memories, apart from how kind every nurse and every person in the hospital was including catering and cleaning staff, was a distraught woman in the same hospital whose cancer had taken a turn for the worse crying in fear on a strangers shoulder. That will stay with me for ever; her fear and anguish and the kindness being shown to her. Sadly several years ago I sat in another hospital room and held the hand of my mum as she also died of cancer. I had slept by her side for several nights and wanted to be there in her final hours. It's a horrible, horrible disease.

[@guyhancox4246]

Mr Tucci is pure class. Great actor, nice guy and clearly as sharp as a knife.

[@dennismcclendon93]

I just finished 3rd week of treatment as I have a tumor on salivary gland. Just hearing his testimony is encouraging as I have lost my taste and no desire for food now, but so hope it comes back. Each week will be more difficult but I'll get thru it. Great to see his recovery and look forward to getting to where he is now, but he is spot on in his description.

[@JamieWhiffen]

Keep your head up Dennis 🙌

[@dennismcclendon93]

Thank you so much. I now have an appreciation for every cancer patient not only what they endure but the impact on your spouse and family as support during and after. I just finished all treatments and first week to recovery and will take a day at a time. I thank my wife and honor the vow for better or for worse because she was amazing and I will reciprocate for her till death do us part. I watch Stanley's shows in Italy and just can't wait for first order of Italian food.

[@trailmix3185]

Keep going Dennis! Hope the recovery goes really well. All the best from a random person in UK haha

[@sierramobley8962]

best wishes for your recovery! i hope you get well soon, hang in there

[@fc4660]

Good luck, Dennis! 💪

[@kathleen4376]

Thank you for sharing your brave story. The world still needs more of Stanley Tucci in it.

[@Lilmonke_586]

So glad Stanley is recovering well. I was very upset when I read the news that he had been diagnosed, especially because he lost his first wife to cancer. Although Stanley is already well known and credited I believe he deserves even more praise than he gets. He’s a hell of an actor and man. Can’t wait to see what he puts out next. God bless Stanley and I hope he is around and healthy for a long time.

[@stanleytucci3178]

Thank u so much ☺️💕😥

[@johnwoods6751]

Stanley Tucci is the goat

[@kathleentyson6727]

As a retired nurse having spent five of my twenty career on an Oncology unit this brought back many memories of my terminally Ill cancer patients,I’ve been retired now for forty two years and I still remember their names and faces . All of the things Stanley Tucci mentioned came back to me in glaring detail when one of my patients would return after an unsuccessful round of chemo ,it’s incredibly difficult to see not only the patient go through this but each and every family member as well ,what a brave and sweet man he is ,I’m glad he is recovering and hopefully the cancer will not return .

[@DCBELLAFAIRY]

I’m so so very glad that he pulled through he’s such an awesome actor and I feel his true character shines through his career just one of the reasons he’s so amazing

[@scottsullivan1895]

Hello Donna how are you doing?

[@stanleytucci3178]

💕😍😍

[@DCBELLAFAIRY]

@@scottsullivan1895 Trying to live the dream,though I often hear "Living the dream" they say if you keep repeating something it eventually comes true I'm wondering,LOL have a grand summer

[@scottsullivan1895]

@Donna Gregg thank you, where are you chatting from if you don’t mind?

[@DCBELLAFAIRY]

From my KZbin ? or was that on FB? at any rate on my laptop I'm pretty sure from KZbin because that is where I watched the video of his cancer and when I had commented on hope that he was feeling better it's an awful thing to go through my sister lost her husband 7 years ago from it died in her arms he held on until she was able to be by his side in Seattle,she was here in our hometown Ketchikan and flew down by his side and a few min later after he said he loved her and gave her his finale kiss he passed it was devastating to her and it nearly killed her that is another story but I held her hand through it all

[@vickidash-slesinski746]

I loved Stanley in The Devil Wears Prada and frankly all of his work.

[@dianacraig4665]

i had similar cancer and the treatment for head and neck cancer is vicious . Extraordinary he went on to do a cooking show without the ability to swallow well and still maintained his love of food , which became my nemesis after being such a foodie.

[@Ceerads]

I love Stanley Tucci! He was in one of my favorite “Monk” episodes: “Mr. Monk and the Actor.” Hilarious! I’m so glad Mr. Tucci is healthy again. I’m reading “Taste” now. It makes me hungry!

[@jhanna9901]

One of my favorite actors! Best wishes to staying cancer free!

[@marjoriepark1198]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. I had heard another on NPR recently with Stanley Tucci which peeked (sp. ?) my interest because the intro grabbed my attention. Tucci was describing his journey with his cancer and I was riveted because I too am recovering from cancer ( of the tonsil ). His chemo-radiation regime sounded the same as mine. Mine was discovered in the lymph nodes of my neck and I too wanted to deny anything was happening. Fortunately, other specialists noticed the bulge in my neck and insisted on ENT check and residual biopsy. Returned as stage 4 cancer and within 1 week my family had me see specialists who located the source. I had been caretaker to several loved ones who had undergone chemo and or radiation and had vowed that I would NEVER go through that. Well….. never say NEVER…. When I was told by my medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and ENT specialist that I stood an 80 plus percent chance of survival if I went strictly through all the recommended treatments, I had a rethink. Mine lasted @70 days and I won’t lie… it was the toughest challenge of my 65 years. I was unable to even swallow water for @ 5 months and received all sustenance through the feeding tube. Stanley’s experience gives me hope that one day my tastebuds and saliva glands will recover to the point of tasting again. I currently call my taste buds lazy as I usually only taste the 1st few bites. Also must concentrate when chewing and swallowing as the swallow reflex is also sluggish. The liquid diet had one up side, I lost the 50 lbs. I had always wanted to lose. However, after 2 years have regained 40 of it 🙈. But once again I love to cook and try to smell. I am so grateful for life, loving friends, and a great caring medical team that I savor my survival. Thanks again. Marjorie from Georgia US

[@marthalambert9531]

Thank you for sharing your situation and progress.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bellaokojie]

*piqued. Hope you are recovered completely now. All is well Marjorie

[@mariannechitwood7330]

Thank you for sharing your story. I was also diagnosed with tonsil cancer and underwent a similar treatment plan as Stanley Tucci. I learned of his cancer this morning watching him on Ina Garten. I am almost 7 months post radiation and chemo and still struggling with eating. I did not receive a feeding tube and for over 6 months lived on protein shakes and ensures. I've lost over 100lbs which I needed to lose but not this way. It gives me much hope when I learn of others and how they have recovered. I wish you continued good health.

[@patking264]

Such a superb actor, an elegant, cultured man. So glad you are now well again, Stanley, love everything you do, you are a real treasure!

[@ShannonMoody]

An absolutely beautiful man.

[@scottsullivan1895]

Hello how are you?

[@queencandace6675]

I really enjoy the characters that he brings to life. Glad he made it through.

[@rollotomassi6374]

The GREAT Stanley Tucci ……!!!!!

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

One of my favorite actors, a drawing card to whatever he is in.💕

[@muffassa6739]

I've enjoyed his work for years Starting with the Big night, he can do it all. But I was so happy for him getting his life back. I know my 2nd time with breast cancer 🎀. He's in our thoughts and prayers.

[@leannbridwell1853]

Love Tucci !

[@traceykumer]

Favourite actor; best series and the audiobook of #TASTE is EVERYTHING

[@RatchetRalph]

I just love Stanley Tucci. He is so inspiring, praying for longer days and years with Stanley. What a beautiful man. So happy is recovering well. God Bless you Stanley.

[@the.artists.studio.london7321]

Love Mr.Tucci, so erudite and so much fun.

[@lisaheisel6679]

Thank you for this video. My husband is currently going through this exact thing. It is so good to see someone who has went through the same thing and is living a full life. God Bless. 🙏

[@johnwoods6751]

Thanks Mr Tucci, i love you.

[@louanarose]

What a beautiful person he is. He suffered so much and yet he smiles and enjoyes every moment of his life. He never let his head down. This is an example of 'never lose hope'. Wonderful. ♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

[@EphemeralProductions]

Still so handsome. Love him ❤️❤️

[@annapawlikowski6887]

I would like to hug and kiss Stanley to reassure that he will be fine .He will be. His Searching for Italy series changed my life.Thank you again for going through it and still doing this huge project for Italy and for us , KZbinrs. My LA born kid(Polish on both sides) suddenly got inspirations and wanted to go to grandfather roots and do same in Poland .This is how Stanley influenced american born kid for going back to her ancestral land and explore midland of Europe history of food. Thank You Sir . Stay happy and healthy .

[@cancerandchrist]

I had 6 round of chemo, I know how you feel, courage, god blessings upon you 🙏❤️‍🩹🤟

[@lesliethornton7461]

I didn’t know this was happening to him. He is my favorite actor and so happy that he has pulled through and doing well.

[@traceykumer]

I know the feeling of the hair coming out in the shower. So grateful for my life. So grateful for your life too! La Dolce Vita!!

[@stanleytucci3178]

❤️❤️😜

[@bethanyhunter8091]

I just love him so much. He brings a smile to my face when he smiles. People like this make happiness contagious

[@anthonycannella6163]

I also have tongue cancer but was caught early so I feel his pain because I also was hard for me to eat

[@funghouls5498]

So good to hear you’re healing and feeling better ! Thank you for sharing your experience, as hard as it was. Love your Show Searching for Italy. May you live life to the fullest and continue your travels for love of food and people

[@rivkahmiri513]

I love Tucci!

[@mra2010]

Stanley is such a cool person class and talent all in one

[@MrSullismom]

He is a real person, a very human being!

[@ovepayne]

Stanley is one of my favorite people/actor and it´s great news he pulled through the horrible cancer. The world would be a much greater place if more people were like Stanley Tucci!

[@annabellacolli4062]

I live him ❤

[@mariafantasia1191]

So much admiration for Stanley Tucci. And his description of radiotherapy and the impacts reminded me of my mother and brought me to tears. Glad Tucci is better.

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

Hearing how hard it was on him, makes it really clear how incredibly strong Chadwick Boseman was to do everything he did WHILE battling bowel cancer.

[@marialisaleone1056]

I love you Stanley!!!!!! You are special person. Thank you.

[@jeanlaubenthal698]

Great interview. Did not know he went through that.

[@shektarafdar7496]

I really really feel bad for him. When I Watched him in (Secret Window) his Performance Was Phenomenal.

[@gabrielleeast9578]

Such an amazing man

[@rhondaradench7013]

Thats a great story. Thank you for sharing Stanley Tucci.

[@CarinaPiersay]

So glad he is better 💙

[@angelsbecca]

Just love his work

[@f.h.f3615]

Such a man of life😊👍🏻

[@amaliaamada8497]

I am so happy for you!!

[@susanscottfarrell3713]

What an inspiration.

[@BestNana]

Stanley Tucci, you are a gift to us ~ I love your work and “Taste,” and please keep taking us on culinary adventures. God bless you.

[@marckolsters2279]

Wow, amazing story and thank you for sharing and stay well.

[@n.j.rihari813]

So good to see your well and back on your feet again, congrats Stanley 😊

[@SZ-og3tq]

An amazing person

[@markbutler9076]

love the guy..always admired him

[@susanyork5089]

Love this man

[@marthalambert9531]

Thank you very much for this amazing profile in Stanley Tucci ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Davide5340]

beautiful interview

[@victoriapreston5419]

I just love Stanley! I had no idea he was sick with cancer. Prayers are on the way for you and your family to keep strong. Enjoy all the love you give to eachother because it's a blessing to receive all of it. Con amores. Braci e abbracci!

[@stanleytucci3178]

Thank you so much ☺️ thanks 🙏 I love you guys

[@alicesais770]

Blessings to you and praying 🙏 for your continued health.

[@susandrosenfeldrosenfeld1289]

You are very brave glad you are ok now

[@lindafrizzell6824]

I didn’t realize you were sick…I am so glad you are better! I absolutely loved your series! It was amazing. I loved you in all your movies but loved you more when I saw your series. I could not get enough. So I am so happy you are well and we are going to be blessed to see you again in this venue. Mush Love from Canada! ❤️

[@shirinmalik2235]

I absolutely get what he’s saying about cancer. Evert day is a blessing

[@matthewdobson5593]

Well done Stanley, glad you beat it.

[@melissahamm8122]

I LOVE STANLY TUCCI,WE'RE LUCKY HE'S ALIVE !!!

[@carolking6355]

A lovely , brave man. Look forward to reading his book. 😊

[@jayneharding6650]

Bless him he’s so fun and so brave one day at a time stay happy live in the moment all the best to your family 🇬🇧✌️

[@tikacho]

Love U Stanley ♥️♥️♥️

[@barbied7650]

Beautiful story..thank you for sharing ❤️ God Bless you

[@scottsullivan1895]

Hello Barbie how are you ❤️

[@hopenunes4421]

I saw you through my beloved mother who passed way this year.

[@ginathorn5060]

Amazing man baci 💗

[@petebuck9889]

Love the Italy programme

[@tedcabana]

I started learning how to cook due to health reasons, and everyone else should to. When you by pre-made meals at the grocery store, you have no idea what chemical preservatives are in it. When you make your own meals, you know exactly what is it it, and you get to control how nutritious it can be. Cooling is a human life skill for everyone. Learn to cook, and live as healthy as you want to be. God bless you Stanley Tucci. Keep doing what makes you such an awesome guy. Peace!

[@wendyarnold5256]

Bravo Stanley 👏

[@maggiecostello7755]

Very pleased you are recovering

[@BH-oq7pz]

Uhg. This hit home....I'm still dealing with the aftermath of surviving cancer. Mine, HAD metastasized, unfortunately....and what would have been a straightforward procedure, got a bit more complicated. I haven't been able to rejoin the land of the living, and am still in that kind of isolation provoked by illness. It's comforting and motivating to see Stanley regain his "normal".

[@gengland8601]

Best of health to you

[@robertashaffer3950]

God bless him 🙏

[@jayneharding6650]

Love this program fabulous food interesting places so good makes me wont to eat and cook at same time thank you and stay strong and keep smiling 🇬🇧🙏

[@kellyvavala375]

Thank you for sharing your story! I love your show on CNN. I so appreciate your honesty with the cancer and you described it to a T. Went through breast cancer and unfortunately tested positive for the Her2new gene which that fear that your talking about, means it can come back any time, any place it wants to. Ugggh it’s like walking on egg shells. I have my faith and positivity! I’m a foodie, like you lol so food was a big factor! I was so disappointed that I couldn’t cook nor eat those things my family loved! I, like you, still don’t have certain taste back. My heart goes out to you for your wife’s loosing battle. When I rang the bell I asked if I could ring it twice. They said sure but why, I said for my Dad and all those who didn’t get a chance to. There should be another bell 🛎 because they gave it there best effort. Keep doing what your doing Stanley. Love your personality and your wit. I live next door to your cousin Dina McGuire in Lake George NY. Come and visit the Adirondacks some time hey? ❤️Stay healthy my friend

[@AqueshaDru]

Ti adoro....

[@susanbrennan5511]

I remember you so well and and have followed your career. I remember you coming into the Bakers Cafe in Katonah had an everything bagel with cream cheese. Your role in hunger games was amazing but your work with cancer put everything to shame. Thank you for fighting!

[@RolandoNispiros]

Had no idea he had tongue cancer. Love his new show! Makes me want to travel again.

[@phyllisgiardina810]

Excellent……

[@karenebanks6974]

A miracle

[@judywhiting1675]

A really great actor( if u haven't seen IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU-..he plays The most despicable character-this role is early on in his career...a small part..but VERY MEMORABLE....He's always a delight( Julie and Julia is wonderful.......

[@vernelledouglas1801]

Glad he is doing better.

[@joemacaluso4627]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏼

[@steelextra3373]

Incredibile

[@tanithjohnson2802]

My two favourite films Devil Wears Parada and Julia and Julie both have Stanley Tucci and I love love Emily Blunt she's my favourite actress

[@1425_1]

Love his clothes. Suit is divine. Shirt and trousers...divine.

[@sashakartus3435]

❤❤❤

[@deborahscofield6738]

Glad he is better! I didn't know me temporarily left his wife, Kate, for Edie Falco

[@markiecourt]

I would love to see Mr Tucci do the world 🌎..

[@alfredgherhard9845]

❤

[@KyloRen4238]

Stanleys Tucci Shows 1. Lorenzo - American Dad 2014 2. Party Host, Rich Uncle Pennybags - Robot Chicken 2012 Movies 2. Merlin, Joshua Joyce - Transformers 4 Age of Extinction, 5 The Last Knight 2014 - 2017 3. Senator - Space Chimps 1, 2 Zartog Strikes Back 2008 - 2010 4. Herb Copperbottom - Robots 2005 5. Zimsky - The Core 2003

[@woodyobi]

I love him..probably because I look like him...

[@derekmorrison4191]

🙌🙌🙌❤️