‘Home Alone’ actor ‘burst into tears’ over GoFundMe support as Steve Carell and more donate
“Home Alone” actor Ken Hudson Campbell, who played Santa in the 1990 classic, is “overwhelmed” by the generosity of fans and even some famous faces who contributed to funding his cancer surgery.
“I am so grateful to my many generous friends,” Campbell, 61, told The Post in a statement on Tuesday. “Some have given and given big.”
“But I am equally touched by friends and fans who gave what they could and some who could not afford that.I am touched beyond belief by every single donation by everyone who made one. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will beat this with your help,” he concluded.
Campbell’s daughter, Michaela, started a GoFundMe page for the actor after he was diagnosed with cancer on Oct. 27.
She explained that a tumor had “elusively grown on the bottom of his mouth and it began encroaching on his teeth,” and he was scheduled for a 10-hour surgery on Dec. 7.
The family’s goal was to raise $100,000 for expenses such as physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, dental implants and caregivers. They quickly met their goal.
Steve Carell, Jeff Garlin, Tim Meadows and “Big Bang Theory” co-creator Bill Prady all donated to the fund.
The “Office” alum, 61, in particular, donated $10,000. “‘Carriage ride!’ Love you Ken,” he wrote.
“The cancer was removed successfully, and his jaw bone has been reconstructed from his fibula and attached. Despite the swelling and incisions, he looks great,” Michaela updated fans on GoFundMe on Dec. 9.
Michaela told The Post on Tuesday that her father is emotionally overwhelmed by everyone’s support.
“My dad is healing very well,” Michaela wrote. “He gets teary eyed when he read his friends and fans kind words. In this lifetime, most people don’t get to hear how much they mean to someone else or how their work resonates with people who have seen it.”
She continued, “It’s a healing and very affirming thing. The support has been heartwarming and I can’t express how thankful I am for everybody showing my dad so much love.”
In addition to “Home Alone,” Campbell appeared in “Groundhog Day” and “Armageddon.” Michaela said his successful surgery has the potential to help him return to Hollywood.
“It is possible that this procedure will affect his ability to work as an actor in the future. We are asking for your help so that Kenny can use the time ahead to return to health, and spend more time with family & friends,” Michaela wrote on GoFundMe. “Every prayer, positive thought, dollar, or gesture of support means the world to our family.”
