Julia Louis-Dreyfus, star of Veep, reveals she has breast cancer; makes a point about universal healthcare

Julia Louis-Dreyfus says she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The star of Veep and Seinfeld posted word of her illness on 28 September on social media. [caption id=“attachment_4093695” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Image from Twitter/@IanWilliam1987[/caption] A spokeswoman for Louis-Dreyfus confirmed the posts were authentic. Louis-Dreyfus’ publicist said no further details about her condition would be provided at this time, adding that the actress “is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and well wishes.” On her Twitter account, the actress wrote that one in eight women get breast cancer. Here’s her tweet:    

Hundreds of messages from well-wishers quickly poured in on Twitter. “Sending you love and light and prayers of support,” actress and producer Roma Downey wrote. “We love you,” Veep co-star Tony Hale tweeted. Louis-Dreyfus won her sixth Emmy Award on 17 September for her portrayal of former POTUS Selina Meyer in HBO’S Veep. “Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time. 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,” HBO said in a statement. Louis-Dreyfus received the diagnosis the day after the Emmys aired, and it played no part in the previously announced decision to end the show after next season, HBO said. HBO said on 6 September that the comedy’s producers decided to bring it to a close after season seven, with an air date yet to be announced. Veep writers will continue working on scripts and production will be adjusted as needed, HBO said.