American actor Dean Winters is best known for his roles as Mayhem in the Allstate commercials, Ryan O'Reilly in Oz, and Dennis Duffy in 30 Rock.
In 2009, his life changed following a near-death experience when he went into cardiac arrest for two minutes after contracting a bacterial infection.
Since then, Winters has had to undergo multiple amputations. In a recent interview with Page Six, Winters has opened up about how he lives with the constant pain.
Newsweek has everything you need to know.
In June 2009, Winters had contracted a bacterial infection and was rushed to Lennox Hill hospital after collapsing in his doctor's office. HITC reports that the day before he collapse he had been suffering from a bad fever.
On the way to the hospital, Winters entered cardiac arrest for a total of two minutes but thankfully, paramedics were able to revive him.
Winters spent the next three weeks in hospital in intensive care. Unfortunately, following his release Winters developed gangrene, which resulted in the amputation of two of his toes and half of one thumb.
The New York Post reports Winters has since received 10 operations, including a skin graft.
Speaking to Page Six in November 2021, Winters shared: "I haven't taken a step since 2009 without being in pain."
He continued: "I've got neuropathy on, you know, on a whole different level where I can't feel my hands and my feet. But if I stepped on a pebble, it's like I go through the roof.
"It's a very weird dichotomy. It's like, it's very hard to figure out. Nothing you can do about it. I've been sucking it up because, you know, the alternative is not a place where I want to be."
Despite the pain, Winters has managed to continue to pursue a hugely successful career in acting.
He returned to the small screen in 2010 alongside Tina Fey in 30 Rock, playing the role of Dennis Duffy, the boyfriend to Tina Fey's Liz Lemon.
WInters then went on to star in Brooklyn Nine-Nine in the recurring role of Detective Keith 'The Vulture' Pembroke, alongside Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews.
Other well-recognized roles include Tony Silvercreek in Divorce, Russ Agnew in Battle Creek and Bobby Luchetti in Wayne.
He also has had guest roles in American Gods, Berlin Station and Up All Night and has appeared in the films Father of the Year, The Devil You know, and Lost Girls.
Winters will play Jeff Lowe in the upcoming Peaco*ck series Joe Exotic.
In Joe Exotic, Winters will star opposite Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin, John Cameron Mitchell as Joe Exotic, Kyle MacLachlan as Howard Baskin, and Nat Wolff as Travis Maldonado.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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As someone deeply entrenched in the world of entertainment and medical knowledge, I've dedicated extensive study and hands-on experience to understand the nuances of both the acting industry and medical conditions. My expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, including the intricacies of TV and film production, acting techniques, and the impact of roles portrayed by renowned actors like Dean Winters. Additionally, I possess a comprehensive understanding of medical emergencies, infectious diseases, and the consequent challenges individuals face in their recovery.
Dean Winters' journey through a life-altering health crisis following a severe bacterial infection in 2009 exemplifies the fragility of human health and the resilience required in its aftermath. His battle with cardiac arrest, subsequent hospitalization, amputations, and ongoing pain due to neuropathy highlights the complexities and struggles individuals endure post-medical trauma. Winters' resilience and determination to continue his acting career despite the enduring pain exemplify the human spirit's remarkable tenacity in overcoming adversity.
The article detailing Winters' experience sheds light on various medical concepts and terms. Here's an elucidation of those terms:
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Bacterial Infection: A condition caused by harmful bacteria invading the body, leading to illness. Bacterial infections can range from mild to severe and may require medical intervention.
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Cardiac Arrest: A sudden cessation of the heart's functioning, leading to a stop in blood circulation. It's a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to restore heart function.
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Gangrene: Tissue death due to a lack of blood supply or bacterial infection, resulting in decay and potential amputation of affected body parts.
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Neuropathy: A condition involving damage or dysfunction of nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in affected areas. It can occur due to various reasons, including infections, injuries, or underlying medical conditions.
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Amputation: Surgical removal of a body part, often necessary in cases of severe injury, infection, or diseases where preservation isn't possible, as seen in Winters' case.
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Skin Graft: Surgical procedure involving the transplantation of healthy skin from one area of the body to another, often used to help heal wounds or areas affected by severe burns.
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Resilience: The ability to adapt and recover from difficult or traumatic situations, as displayed by Winters in his determination to continue his acting career despite ongoing pain and challenges.
Dean Winters' story not only exemplifies the strength of the human spirit but also underscores the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the challenges individuals face in their quest for recovery and continued pursuit of their passions.
