Joe Manganielloknown, among other things, for the film Magic Mike XXL and the series True Blood, in his new memoir Bloodlines, he openly writes about the health problems that almost cost him his life in the past decade. The 49-year-old actor said that he had several near-death experiences over the past ten years.
In the book, he deals with his health problems and the search for his family roots. “It was the most brutal time of my life. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, but it was also my greatest adventure.” he told People magazine.
Manganiello describes in the book that his troubles began with a cascade of autoimmune diseases that affected his skin, thyroid gland, eyes, lungs and digestive system. What followed was a seven-year struggle accompanied by chronic pain and the amputation of an organ, which, according to the article, saved his life.
The actor said that when traditional medicine failed to provide answers, he turned to shamans, pagan rituals, ancient myths, long-lost family records and the renewal of his own spirituality.
“I hope that what I’ve been through on this journey can give readers hope that they can find answers and healing on the other side of whatever they’re struggling with. The process of writing this book gave me the gift of insight that helped me understand that my suffering was a cocoon from which I would emerge forever changed.” stated.
