Actor David Ramsey, best known for playing John Diggle on the CW superhero series Arrow and its spin-offs, has opened up for the first time about his private battle with testicular cancer, revealing that he underwent surgery to remove one testicle during the early years of his career.
In an emotional and candid interview on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast Inside of You, released on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the 54-year-old actor described the diagnosis, treatment, and emotional aftermath in detail—sharing the story publicly for the first time after keeping it hidden for nearly two decades.
Ramsey explained that the cancer was discovered during routine medical checks in his early 30s, around the time he was building his career with roles in films like Mother and Child (2009) and television series including Dexter and Blue Bloods. He recalled noticing subtle symptoms—swelling and discomfort—but initially dismissing them until a doctor’s visit confirmed the presence of a tumor.
“I lost a testicle to cancer,” Ramsey said plainly on the podcast. “It was caught early, thank God. They took it out, did the surgery, and that was it—no chemo, no radiation, just monitoring after that. But it changes you. You go from feeling invincible to realizing how fragile everything is in one moment.”
The actor emphasized that he chose to keep the diagnosis and surgery completely private, even from most of his close friends and colleagues in Hollywood. He continued working steadily through recovery, appearing on screen without any visible signs of illness or time off.
“I didn’t tell anybody,” he admitted. “Not my agents, not the cast, not even a lot of my family knew the full story at the time. I just wanted to keep working, keep moving forward. I didn’t want pity, and I didn’t want it to define me or change how people saw me in the industry.”
Ramsey credited early detection and the relatively straightforward treatment for his full recovery. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught in its early stages, with cure rates exceeding 95% for localized cases, according to the American Cancer Society.
The actor said the experience profoundly shaped his perspective on life, health, and vulnerability. He now uses the story to encourage men—particularly Black men, who face higher mortality rates from testicular cancer due to later diagnosis on average—to prioritize regular self-exams and medical check-ups.
“I want guys to hear this and think, ‘If David Ramsey can go through that quietly and still show up every day, maybe I should get checked,’” he told Rosenbaum. “It’s not about being macho or hiding it. It’s about staying alive and being there for the people who depend on you.”
Ramsey has been married to his wife, Tracey, since 2005, and the couple has two children. He continues to act, direct, and produce, with recent credits including The Flash, Arrowverse crossovers, and independent film projects.
The revelation has drawn widespread support from fans and fellow actors across social media. Co-stars from the Arrow universe, including Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards, shared messages of admiration for his courage in coming forward. Many praised Ramsey not only for his resilience but for using his platform to raise awareness about men’s health and cancer screening.
Testicular cancer awareness advocates have welcomed Ramsey’s disclosure, noting that public figures sharing personal stories significantly increase early detection rates. Organizations such as the Testicular Cancer Society and Movember have amplified clips from the podcast interview, encouraging men to perform monthly self-exams and seek prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms.
Ramsey concluded the segment by expressing gratitude for his health today and a renewed commitment to living fully. “I’m still here, still working, still grateful,” he said. “That’s the win.”
The full episode of Inside of You with David Ramsey is available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
