From learning to skate as a child to dealing with the death of his mother from breast cancer in 1977, renowned Scott Hamilton has faced many obstacles in his life. In 1997, the Olympic legend also battled testicular cancer, which he overcame with treatment and surgery. When Hamilton found out that a pituitary tumour in his brain had returned for the third time in 2016, he faced his worries once more. He has now received a heartbreaking update on his health. Read on to find out more.

The gold medallist told People, “They told me it’s back when they gave me the diagnosis.” They then brought in a young, skilled surgeon who suggested that we perform the procedure once more. It would be difficult, but if you’re open to it, we could bring in some really bright individuals, and I’m confident we could succeed.

However, according to Men’s Journal, he was worried about going through a similar experience because he had already had surgery twice, once in 2004 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour and then in 2010 when it returned. He recalled nine more procedures after an artery in his brain was nicked, saying, “The second time around proved to be extremely complicated.” Hamilton decided to concentrate on building up his strength in order to prevent a recurrence of the situation. “Don’t worry about this,” was all I could think. “Just get strong and go home,” he said…

Hamilton’s choice later produced favourable outcomes. “It has been amazing,” he remarked. “They said it hadn’t grown when I returned for the scan three months later. When I return three months later, they say that it has decreased by 45%.

But further tests showed that the tumour had grown. In contrast to past health scares, he decided without seeking treatment, and according to Fox News, he is now comfortable with his choice. “Don’t worry about this,” was all I could think. Simply go home and strengthen yourself. “Well, what do you want to do?” they ask. “I think I’m going to go home and get strong,” I said, he added. As he considers his path, Hamilton acknowledges that his strategy is still somewhat unclear and speculates that he would treat the tumour if the need arises. “The fact that there is now a targeted radiation therapy that will shrink the tumour is my ace in the hole,” he said.

Hamilton is thankful for his life’s achievements and his family as he celebrates his 66th birthday this year and marks the 40th anniversary of his gold medal victory in the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics.

Hamilton added that when he thought about his family, he was continually amazed by the unanticipated gifts life had bestowed upon him. He thanked his wife and kids, as well as the chance to help cancer research and give back to his sport, saying, “I never would’ve thought to dream any of it.”

Regarding the Scott Hamilton and Friends ice show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in November 2024, Scott talked to People. The goal of the event was to collect money for his CARES Foundation, which supports cancer research. As a survivor and someone who lost his mother to the disease, he holds this cause in high regard. “I’m feeling fantastic,” Scott continued, adding, “I’m 66 years old, and when I consider my future, I know that I’ll be volunteering in that field as long as there is cancer in the world.”

Viggo Mortensen has spent decades captivating audiences with his intense performances, rugged charm, and fearless approach to acting. But beyond the roles he plays, there’s another side to the Hollywood star that has sparked curiosity.

Over the years, Mortensen has been photographed passionately kissing a certain man in his life — again and again. These moments have led to whispers, speculation, and one burning question: Is there more to the story?

Now, the actor himself is finally addressing the topic. And what he has to say may surprise you…

Viggo Mortensen, 66, needs no introduction — he’s been nominated for an Academy Award three times and won hearts worldwide as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. But beyond the sword fights and Hollywood glamour, there’s another side to Mortensen — one that involves a passionate, decades-long connection with a very special man in his life.

Born in Watertown, New York, to a Danish father and an American mother, Mortensen’s childhood was anything but ordinary. He lived in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before settling back in the U.S. at age 11. His path to stardom wasn’t straightforward —after graduating from St. Lawrence University, he took odd jobs in Denmark, driving trucks and selling flowers. Acting wasn’t even on the horizon.

His first scenes in his first movie was deleted

But in 1982, at 24, Mortensen returned to the U.S. to pursue his Hollywood dreams. His first film appearance in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) never saw the light of day — his scenes were cut. Yet, he persisted, slowly carving out a name for himself.

Undeterred, he steadily built a solid career, landing roles in various films without quite reaching superstar status. That all changed in 1997 when he starred alongside Demi Moore in G.I. Jane.

With a hefty $50 million budget, G.I. Jane was Mortensen’s most high-profile project at the time. While the film itself struggled at the box office and Demi Moore faced heavy criticism for her performance, Mortensen emerged largely unscathed.

In fact, his portrayal of Command Master Chief John James ‘Jack’ Urgayle was widely praised.

After the G.I. Jane debacle, not many would have predicted that Viggo Mortensen would go on to create one of the most iconic characters in movie history. But just a few years later, he did exactly that — stepping into the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and making cinematic magic.

The best swordsman in Lord of the Rings

Mortensen wasn’t just playing a warrior — he became one. The film’s sword master even called him ”the best swordsman I’ve ever trained.” In fact, Mortensen was so committed to the role that he performed most of his own stunts, even when it meant getting injured. (Yes, those two broken toes? All part of the job.)

And his love for horses? That wasn’t just acting — he did all his own riding stunts in Hidalgo (2004) too.

According to the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended Edition DVD, Mortensen was actually a last-minute replacement for Stuart Townsend. He almost didn’t take the role — until his son, a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan, convinced him to say yes.

And he got so into character that director Peter Jackson once called him ”Aragorn” for over half an hour… and Mortensen never even noticed. Now that’s dedication!

A love story in Hollywood

While Mortensen’s on-screen presence is legendary, it’s his real-life chemistry with Canadian director David Cronenberg that has fascinated fans for years.

The two first met at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where Mortensen was celebrating The Lord of the Rings. It was instant magic and they vowed to work together one day.

That day came with A History of Violence (2005). Initially unimpressed with the script, Mortensen only agreed to the project after meeting with Cronenberg.

The film was a smash hit, hailed as one of the best of the decade. Their professional bond deepened. Mortensen declared, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more like I was on the same wavelength with a director as I am with David.”

Their connection wasn’t just artistic — it was deeply personal. At a press event in 2006, fresh off their cinematic triumph, the two men shared a lingering, affectionate kiss in front of flashing cameras. It was a moment that spoke volumes.

”My kind of actor”

Their collaborations continued — Eastern Promises (2007), A Dangerous Method (2011) — each film strengthening their unique connection.

”Viggo’s my kind of actor,” Cronenberg said, explaining that Mortensen had the rare ability to blend the presence of a leading man with the depth and versatility of a character actor.

In 2014, the duo took it a step further. At the Canadian Screen Awards, Mortensen presented Cronenberg with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

He stood on stage, full of admiration, calling him “the finest director and the sanest man I know.” Then, right there, in front of an audience of Hollywood elites, he leaned in and kissed him again.

The moment was electric, a testament to their enduring bond. Mortensen, never one to hold back, used the opportunity to criticize the film industry for overlooking Cronenberg’s genius. Despite a four-decade career as a director, the Academy Awards never once recognized Cronenberg with a nomination.

“Mainstream movie business people, much as they might praise him from time to time, seem very reluctant to reward him officially. I can understand that because David basically is not one of them,” Mortensen said.

Is Viggo Mortensen gay?

With a relationship as affectionate and openly intimate as theirs, it’s no wonder that Mortensen has faced speculation about his sexuality. In a candid interview, he addressed the topic with his signature nonchalance: “People ask if I’m gay or straight. I guess you could say I’m not entirely straight.”

Mortensen got the question in connection with the movie Falling, which Viggo Mortensen both wrote and stars in. There, he portrays a gay man (John) who ends up caring for his racist and homophobic father.

The Lord of the Rings star was asked to respond to criticism about whether it was appropriate for him, a man who appears to be heterosexual, to play the role of John.

He replied, ”How do you know what my life is? You’re assuming that I’m completely straight. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. And it’s frankly none of your business.”

“I want my movie to work, and I want the character of John to be effective. If I didn’t think it was a good idea I wouldn’t do it.”

Inside their professional relationship

Interestingly, David Cronenberg also has a small role in the movie Falling. The roles were actually reversed this time.

While filming Cronenberg’s scene as a proctologist, Viggo noticed that Cronenberg kept moving his gloved hand closer to the camera lens. When Viggo pointed out that this was creating an exaggerated perspective, making the hand appear unnaturally large, Cronenberg responded, “Yes, I’m quite aware of that.”

For Mortensen, love isn’t about labels — it’s about connection. And his connection with David Cronenberg? Undeniably one of the most passionate, professional and visually striking friendships Hollywood has ever seen.

“We are professionals, unbelievable as it seems, so it means  that we can say no to each other. If I offered Viggo a role, and he  really feels he’s not right for or doesn’t connect with it, he has to be  able to say no, and I am not going to be shattered and think he’s not  my friend anymore. And the reverse is true. If Viggo had a project or a  script that he wanted me to direct, I would have to say no if I really  didn’t want to do it. So there’s that respect and that professionalism  despite the tomfoolery that we enjoy,” Cronenberg says.

Viggo Mortensen girlfriend

When it comes to Viggo Mortensen’s love life, there are a few things we know:

He met singer Exene Cervenka in 1986 while working on the comedy Salvation!, and they tied the knot in 1987. A year later, they welcomed their son, Henry, who would later play Viggo’s on-screen son in Crimson Tide (1995).

Interestingly, Viggo also cast Henry in a small role in Falling. Henry impressed his father during a script read-through by showing off a perfect upstate New York accent. He even shaved his long hair and grew a mustache to better resemble a 1977 state trooper.

Viggo Mortensen and Exene Cervenka parted ways in 1992 and officially divorced in 1997. Since 2009, Viggo has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.

David Cronenberg, now 81, first married Margaret Hindson in 1972. Their seven-year marriage ended in 1979 due to personal and professional differences. They had one daughter together, Cassandra Cronenberg. His second wife was film editor Carolyn Zeifman, whom he was married to from 1979 until her passing in 2017.

When we share our lives on the internet, we often open them up to criticism. This young couple who just enjoys sharing pictures with one another received backlash from people for their relationship.

However, their response to the criticism is brilliant and a stark reminder of the importance of having the conviction of your beliefs.

The story of Matt and Brittany Montgomery is one that is quite common but nevertheless wonderful. The couple met, fell in love, and then started their lives together.

While it may sound like a common situation, the couple has a unique element in their story; their size difference. Brittany has had a hard time finding acceptance her entire life. She did not have the most secure relationship with her parents who were often controlling and her interactions with them would often leave her feeling drained.

All of this led to her having little confidence in herself and her body. Being plus-sized, she would often find herself with two kinds of men; those who would either want her to lose weight or those who fetishized her curves. These bad experiences led to her wanting to quit dating altogether and close herself off from the possibility of love.

But fate had something else in store for her! In August 2020, she crossed paths with Matt Montgomery on Facebook. While their physical builds had a stark difference between them, their souls connected on a level like never before!

Brittany recalled, “I was a bit hesitant at first. I’ve been in relationships where guys have told me that they will dump me if I don’t start dieting or trying to lose weight. It did affect my self-confidence, and at one point, I did start working out and trying to change my size.”

But the two of them were sure of one another and deeply in love. Matt proposed on January 30, 2022 and the couple began planning their lives together.

While they fully accept one another, they shared how the world judges their relationship. Matt shared, “People comment on Instagram and suggest that I’m not big enough or man enough for her.” He added, “I do notice people staring when we walk down the street…”

Despite all the criticism they receive on their relationship from people who fail to understand their deep connection, the couple have nothing but love for one another.

Matt has in his past had bad experiences with conventionally sized women. How Brittany makes him feel is what inspired Matt into realizing that she really is his true soulmate.

Perfect response

He accepts her the way she is and focuses on making her happy. He is not shy about expressing his appreciation for her publicly, in a post for her he wrote, “You are worthy, you are deserving of infinite love every single day and more. The way I look at you and feel for you and the way you look and feel for me is how I know that we are meant to be.”

His caption shows people leaving rude comments on the couples’ pictures that he loves his wife and that they have a connection that goes much beyond the physical. What a solid response to the haters!

The couple wants to remove the stigma behind ‘mixed-weight’ relationships. “I wish mixed-weight relationships were more common and more in the norm,” she said.

The young couple welcomed their child Lakelyn in March 2022 and just last month announced that they are expecting their second child together in September 2023. We wish them all the best!

Truly, there are no set parameters when it comes to finding true love and what makes someone happy. We should all accept and love one another regardless of anything else!