Amy Schumer is once again at the center of attention, this time not just for her latest projects but for her health revelations as well. The acclaimed comedian and actress recently opened up about her diagnosis of exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, which she first announced to the public in February 2024. The announcement came at the same time as the promotion of her new Netflix film, ‘Kinda Pregnant’, showcasing the ups and downs of her life.
Cushing’s syndrome—specifically, the exogenous type—occurs when there are elevated levels of cortisol due to external factors, with steroids being common culprits. Schumer was compelled to share her experiences after viewers started pointing out her noticeably “puffier” face, which can be attributed to the condition often referred to as 'moon face'. She addressed the comments with her trademark wit, stating, “I’m okay... there are some medical and hormonal things going on.”
During her interview with Jessica Yellin for the ‘News Not Noise’ newsletter, Schumer reflected on the unnerving experience of being publicly critiqued for her appearance. “I’ve enjoyed feedback and deliberation about my appearance as all women do for almost 20 years,” she quipped sarcastically. The turning point occurred when accidental comments about her health from doctors online prompted her to seek medical advice.
After undergoing extensive testing involving MRIs and blood draws, Schumer was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome. She expressed feeling “reborn” upon discovering her affliction was of the nonfatal variety, stating, “Finding out I have the kind of Cushing's...that will just work itself out and I’m healthy was the greatest news imaginable.” This overwhelming relief underscored her resilience, especially as she considered the potential for more severe forms of the disease.
Meanwhile, Schumer’s film ‘Kinda Pregnant’, released on Netflix, constitutes another layer of her busy career portfolio. The movie tells the story of Lainy, played by Schumer, who pretends to be pregnant out of jealousy for her best friend who is genuinely expecting. The plot tracks Lainy’s ethical dilemmas and mishaps, encapsulating the sort of romantic comedy charm Schumer has become known for.
Critics have weighed in on the film's execution, noting the challenges faced by the central character and the rather dubious moral choices she makes. Despite these hurdles, Schumer's performance juxtaposes her character's struggles with her comedic flair, bringing moments of levity even as the premise strays toward absurdity.
Reviewing ‘Kinda Pregnant’, one critic remarked, “Lainy’s crush Josh, played by Will Forte, treats her with kindness, contrasting sharply with Lainy's deceptive behavior.” This dynamic reinforces the film's shallow approach toward emotional engagement, testing the limits of audience empathy toward Schumer’s character.
While the narrative encompasses familiar rom-com tropes of misunderstandings and eventual reconciliation, it leans heavily on Schumer’s comedic capabilities, which at times feel juxtaposed against the seriousness of her health narrative. The character's antics and the film's production have revealed mixed reactions, with some viewers advocating for her return to more authentic portrayals seen during the height of her successful sketch series, ‘Inside Amy Schumer’.
Years ago, Schumer seemed poised for everlasting success in the comedy sphere with projects like ‘Trainwreck’. While the movie grossed over $140 million worldwide on a modest budget, some recent releases, like 'Snatched' and 'I Feel Pretty', didn’t fare as well, triggering discussions about the sustainability of her brand of comedy.
Still, her latest health scare, juxtaposed with her new project, highlights not only her career’s resilience but also her ability to adapt. Schumer has not shied away from addressing tough personal matters and turning them to comedic gold, endearing her to fans even during trying times.
Looking forward, Schumer’s commitment to her craft promises continued evolution. Her recent experiences and reflections on health and wellness are shaping her perspective, both as a creator and as a human being. Whether she will be able to reclaim her place as a leading light of romantic comedies remains to be seen, but for now, Amy Schumer is balancing her health with her craft, offering insights and humor all the same.