Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer in a tweet Thursday afternoon.
In a typed, signed note on personal stationary, the comedian wrote: “1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I’m the one.”
She went on to thank her supportive family and friends, and express concern for the majority of American women who don’t share equal access to health insurance.
“The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let’s fight all the cancers and make universal health care a reality,” the Veep and Seinfeld star wrote.
Just when you thought… pic.twitter.com/SbtYChwiEj
— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) September 28, 2017
In a statement, HBO praised Dreyfus’ “tenacity” in the face of the disease.
“Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time,” the network said. “We have every confidence she will get through this with her usual tenacity and undaunted spirit, and look forward to her return to health and to HBO for the final season of Veep.”
Louis-Dreyfus won a record-breaking sixth Emmy for her role on Veep earlier this month. She has been married to husband Brad Hall for 20 years and they have two sons.