Hollywood celebrities who fought skin cancer and changed their habits: Hugh Jackman, Gordon Ramsay and more

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and yet it remains one of the most under-discussed health concerns in popular culture. These celebrities have chosen to change that, sharing their diagnoses openly and using their platforms to urge fans to wear sunscreen, get regular skin checks and take sun exposure seriously before it is too late. Here are some of the most notable names who have spoken out.

Disclaimer: This article contains mention of cancer and personal experiences related to the disease, which readers may find sensitive. The information shared is based on personal accounts or reported events and is for general awareness only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The world-famous Michelin-starred chef and television personality shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he had undergone surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from the side of his jaw, posting photos of the bandage and resulting stitches. His message to followers was simple and direct. "Please don't forget your sunscreen this weekend," he urged in his caption. It was a rare personal moment from someone known for keeping his private life largely out of the spotlight.

The Oscar-nominated actor best known for playing Wolverine in the Marvel franchise received his first skin cancer diagnosis in 2013 after his then-wife Deborra-Lee Furness urged him to get a mark on his nose checked, and has since had multiple biopsies and surgeries for basal cell carcinoma. On 'The Howard Stern Show' in December 2025, he revealed he had dealt with around six skin cancers, saying, "Even after the first one I had, I was like, 'Ah, but it'd still be good to get a tan when I go away.' I'm like, what was I thinking? You're an idiot. Be the pasty skin guy. Who cares?" His message to fans has been consistent, urging them to "please get skin checks often, please don't think it won't happen to you."

The Jonas Brothers guitarist and Camp Rock alum shared an Instagram reel in June 2024 documenting the removal of a basal cell carcinoma from his head, posting a close-up of the mark and describing it as an "actual little skin cancer guy" that had started to grow and required surgery. He ended his post with a straightforward plea to his fans. "Make sure to get those moles checked, people!" The post resonated widely, drawing attention to the fact that skin cancer does not discriminate by age.

The legendary supermodel and pop culture icon discovered her basal cell carcinoma almost by accident, asking a dermatologist to look at a spot on the side of her face at the end of her daughter's appointment, only to be told a biopsy was needed immediately. She shared the experience on Instagram in March 2024, committing to SPF 30, long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats going forward. "Make your own good luck by making that check-up appointment today. And slather up my friends!" she urged her followers.

The acclaimed actress known for her roles in 'Mission: Impossible III' and 'True Detective' turned her melanoma diagnosis from fifteen years ago into a long-term awareness campaign, and in recent years wrote a children's book called 'A Kids Book About Sun Safety' after noticing tanning bed content appearing on her teenage daughter's social media feeds. She has pointed out that "80% of sun damage happens before the age of 18," making early education about SPF critically important. Her goal is for children to see sunscreen application as "as much of a part of their health routine as brushing your teeth or going to the dentist."

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum and wellness entrepreneur has been candid about her ongoing struggle with melanoma, and in September 2024, was diagnosed with her thirteenth melanoma. "Skin checks are essential," she has said. "We've seen how quickly it can turn from one melanoma to 12. So when your doctor says, 'See you in three months,' it's three months."

The host of 'Watch What Happens Live' and longtime Bravo executive had his melanoma spotted not by a doctor but by his friend Kelly Ripa, who noticed a black dot on his lip and told him to see a dermatologist. "It really taught me because I am tanorexic. I love the sun, I really do," he admitted on television. "And I, of course, never thought that that kind of thing would happen to me, and it will change my relationship to the sun."

The Sister Wives star initially mistook the mark on her lip for a cold sore, writing in a March 2021 Instagram post that "It never developed and just stayed" and that "over the next year or so it slowly increased in size" before she finally got it checked and received a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis. Despite being someone who had always been diligent about sun protection, she wrote, "You have to know that I am very very careful to always apply sunscreen. I have always burned so easily, so really cannot go out, ever, without some sort of protection." She ended her post with a message to her followers, writing "I hope this share will be helpful to some. I am sharing to say that, even if it seems like it couldn't be skin cancer, it doesn't hurt to have your doctor look at it."