Aaron Sorkin Reveals He Suffered a Stroke, Shares Update About His Condition
Aaron Sorkin is revealing that he suffered a stroke.
The 61-year-old West Wing and Social Network writer confirmed in a new interview that he had a stroke back in November, which he’s only now opening up about for the first time.
During an interview with the New York Times, Aaron said the stroke occurred during the writing process for Camelot, his first Broadway musical adaptation.
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“There was a minute when I was concerned that I was never going to be able to write again and I was concerned in the short term that I wasn’t going to be able to continue writing Camelot. Let me make this very, very clear. I’m fine. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I can’t work. I’m fine,” he said.
He went on to explain that the reason for the stroke was a result of high blood pressure, with his doctor telling him: “you’re supposed to be dead.”
Symptoms of the stroke included bumping into walls, spilling his orange juice, and being disoriented while walking.
He still cannot taste food and only recently has been able to sign his name. He slurred his words for approximately a month afterward as well.
“Mostly it was a loud wake-up call. I thought I was one of those people who could eat whatever he wanted, smoke as much as he wanted, and it’s not going to affect me. Boy, was I wrong,” he said of his habits, which include smoking since high school.
He has since quit cold turkey, works out daily, and takes “a lot of medicine.”
“You can hear the pills rattling around in me,” he added.
He is speaking out now to create awareness, and says: “[But] if it’ll get one person to stop smoking, then it’ll be helpful.” We’re happy to hear that Aaron Sorkin is doing better.
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