Fans Wish Jimmy Osmond Well After He Suffers Stroke Following UK Theatrical Performance
The youngest sibling in the Osmond celebrity family is spending his New Year recovering from a stroke.
Jimmy Osmond was rushed to the hospital after a performance of "Peter Pan" last Thursday night.
Osmond had been performing as Captain Hook in the stage production.
He was able to push through a performance on Thursday, December 27th. The actor even signed autographs with fans before figuring out something was wrong and being rushed to the hospital.
Fans were surprised at the news.
Gutted to hear that @jimmyosmond has suffered a stroke. One of the nicest guys in show-business. Speedy recovery Ji… https://t.co/sFMhyIWy05— Líam Rudden (@Líam Rudden) 1546273661
This is such awful news. Jimmy @jimmyosmond I hope you get well soon, mate - and hope that it isn't too bad a strok… https://t.co/3xre49mZ4t— Mike Batt LVO #StandWithUkraine (@Mike Batt LVO #StandWithUkraine) 1546275907
The venue where Osmond was performing, the Hippodrome in Birmingham, England announced he would not be returning to the holiday pantomime.
They put out a statement from their Artistic Director, Fiona Allan, on their site that said:
"Everyone here at Birmingham Hippodrome has been deeply saddened to hear of Jimmy's sudden illness. Jimmy loved being a part of the Hippodrome's well-renowned panto, and his portrayal of Captain Hook was both dastardly and heartwarming. He won the adoration not just of our audiences, but also of all our staff – we all send Jimmy and his family very best wishes for a speedy recovery."
Osmond was taking part in a British tradition known as the Christmas pantomime. The modern pantomime is a family friendly performance of fairy tales or fables, with singing, slapstick and encourages the audience to sing along and shout out things to the performers.
He's received an outpouring of well wishes for a speedy recovery.
@BBCNews Oh my goodness. Feel well soon @jimmyosmond ❤️🇨🇦 xo— Teaqueen (Carolyn) (@Teaqueen (Carolyn)) 1546275549
@BhamUpdates I am very sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with Jimmy and his family. Get well soon Jimmy x— Pat Taylor (@Pat Taylor) 1546290632
@BhamUpdates Jimmy,you're still adorable after all these years. You've got this! I'm praying for you. 🙏— ✌ (@✌) 1546301208
So sorry to hear Jimmy Osmond has suffered a stroke after becoming unwell @brumhippodrome during the panto. I saw… https://t.co/AmYKZVIRm2— suzanne virdee (@suzanne virdee) 1546272085
@BBCNews Sending lots of love and hope you get well very soon. Xxxx— Valerie hardy (@Valerie hardy) 1546380966
Osmond had suffered a stroke previously, 15 years ago. He had been recording his TV show Jimmy Osmond's American Jukebox when he felt ill.
As with now, it was only after being rushed to the hospital that he discovered it was a stroke.
"It came on so fast and I could hardly see - it was as if I had tunnel vision. Somehow, I managed to get to the end of the show.."
"...The following morning I tried to get up, but felt so dizzy that I fell over. My vision was still bad and this terrible headache was gnawing away right at the base of my skull."
Jimmy Osmond will be replaced by Darren Day for the remaining performances. Osmond's understudy, Luke Redford, will cover the role until Day is ready to take on the part.