Erik Jensen—an actor and writer best known for playing Dr. Steven Edwards in season five of AMC’s The Walking Dead—has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Jensen’s diagnosis was revealed in a GoFundMe posted by his family earlier this week, later reported by Deadline.
“After miraculously surviving a brain aneurysm just a year and a half ago, our beloved Erik Jensen was just diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer,” a message on the page begins, before explaining that while the cancer has metastasized to his liver, doctors think that they have a good chance of shrinking and removing the tumors. Erik and his wife Jess are both freelance artists, so between the strikes and “the nonexistence of streaming residuals,” Jensen’s family says money is exceptionally tight.
A number of other alumni from The Walking Dead have shown their support for Jensen and his family on social media. “One of TWD’s own could use a little help. Erik Jensen, who played Dr. Steven Edwards in S5 was just diagnosed with cancer, and it’s a time of great uncertainty for him and his family,” wrote Scott M. Gimple, who served as TWD’s showrunner for seasons four through eight. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan in the series, reposted Gimple’s message, adding: “Never had the chance to work with Erik… until now anyway. Only have heard many things about what a great guy he is. I do know he and his could use some help…. Of any and all kind.” Warren Leight, showrunner for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, also shared the fundraiser.
Jensen has been “working full time as a director and writer” throughout his treatment and even cut a film during chemotherapy, the family shared. “He is one of the most hardworking, loving, truthful and devoted people we know,” they wrote. “He needs to help his daughter grow up. He needs to stick around for the beautiful community he and Jess have built. And he has a lot more art to make in the world.”