Ever since I can remember, rumors of Harry Connick Jr. having a stroke have always been on the internet. Perhaps it’s because of his slightly uneven facial features, but every time he cancels a show or gets sick, people speculate it’s because of a stroke.
Yet, the truth is, no credible sources say Harry Connick Jr. had a stroke in the past. Harry Connick Jr. himself has never confirmed having a stroke.
So, what actually happened when he canceled his performances due to health reasons? Find out in this article!
Who Is Harry Connick Jr.?
Harry Connick Jr. is an American jazz singer, actor, producer, and composer. His career spans over three decades, and he has received multiple Grammy and Emmy awards for his work.
Image source: Billboard
Some of Harry Connick Jr.’s most popular songs include Blue Light, Red Light, It Had to Be You, and Only You. He has been a judge on American Idol. Plus, he has been in films like Hope Floats and Independence Day!
Quick Facts
| Name | Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1967 (age 57) |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, musician, actor |
| Genres | Jazz, funk, romantic ballads |
| Masterpiece | When Harry Met Sally… |
| Years Active | 1987 to present |
| Wife | Jill Goodacre |
Did Harry Connick Jr. Have a Stroke?
No. Rumors about Harry Connick Jr. having a stroke are not true. However, he has canceled shows in the past due to health reasons.
On June 11, 2015, Harry Connick Jr. canceled his performance at The Egg because of a severe viral infection. He quickly refunded the tickets and invited the attendees to watch his show at The Palace Theatre instead.
In another incident, Harry Connick Jr. canceled a show at The Fontanel Amphitheater a few hours before it was supposed to begin. This was because of structural concerns with the stage’s roof.
Why Do People Think Harry Connick Jr. Had a Stroke?
Image source: Google
One of the common signs of a stroke is a noticeable drooping of the face or mouth. During a performance of “My Time of Day,” Harry Connick Jr. appeared deeply immersed in the moment, and the natural asymmetry of his face — along with the way his mouth tilted during the performance — led some viewers to speculate that he may have suffered a stroke. However, facial asymmetry alone is not definitive proof of a stroke.
Another key symptom of a stroke is slurred or unclear speech, which Harry clearly did not exhibit. Based on these observations, it’s unlikely that he had a stroke.
Harry Connick Jr.’s History of Health Battles
Even though Harry Connick Jr. has never had a stroke, he and his family have faced other health battles.
Image source: Google
According to the singer, one of his darkest days was when his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, Harry Connick Jr.’s mom succumbed to her illness when he was just 13.
Moreover, in 2012, Harry Connick Jr.’s wife, Jill Goodacre, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. She battled it for five years before finally recovering.
These health scares undoubtedly affected Harry. He became more health-conscious, and he adapted to a healthier lifestyle.
What Measures Does Harry Connick Jr. Take to Maintain His Health?
Harry Connick Jr. is well-known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here’s what he does to stay in shape.
1. Diet
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In 2018, Harry Connick Jr. began adopting a semi-fasting diet. He only eats between noon and 8 pm, which limits his food intake. Intermittent fasting, as it’s called, is a type of diet that improves your body’s insulin response.
Harry Connick Jr. also avoids carbs. Instead, he prefers clean, low-fat food and fruit smoothies to help him stay focused.
2. Lifestyle Habits
Harry Connick Jr. makes a point of not getting too stressed with work.
Image source: People
He tells his daughter not to worry about the grind. One should step back and look at the bigger picture. If you have your health and your family, that’s all that matters!
To stay away from stress, Harry Connick Jr. has admitted to getting massages and traveling to his hometown.
3. Exercise
Exercise is essential for Harry Connick Jr. He often gets up early each day to do 30 minutes of kettlebells.
In an interview with TODAY, the singer also says he never misses a day at the gym. He’s worked out seven days a week since 2010!
4. Regular Checkups
Finally, Harry Connick Jr. urges his fans to get regular checkups. His wife’s cancer was discovered early on because of a routine mammogram. Without it, she may not be here today.
Connick is particularly outspoken when it comes to colon cancer. He believes that everyone over 50 should get screened for it. That’s because colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer. Yet, it’s easily treatable if doctors catch it early on.
Harry and His Wife Launched a Colon Cancer Benefit
Because of their personal health challenges, Harry Connick Jr. and his wife have become advocates for cancer awareness. They partnered with Exact Sciences to launch The New 50.
The New 50 is a public education campaign that aims to urge people over 50 to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
Personally, I think what makes their advocacy encouraging is the fact that modern screening is no longer invasive. Even taking at-home stool tests can make a difference!
Conclusion
To sum it up, the rumors about Harry Connick Jr.’s stroke are not true. However, he has experienced other health challenges like a severe viral infection. On top of this, the people close to him have had cancer.
For this reason, Harry Connick Jr. has become an advocate for health and wellness. He encourages everyone to exercise and eat a healthy diet. Lastly, he says regular checkups and screenings make cancer more treatable.
I hope Harry Connick Jr.’s message inspires you to schedule a doctor’s visit today!
Featured image source: Google
