The Blind Side star Quinton Aaron has made a steady recovery following his recent spinal stroke, and revealed that he was feeling “strong and empowered” in the wake of the health scare.
“I went through a lot, but I’m focusing on God, my recovery, my family and close friends as well as my career,” he told People, adding that he was still in the hospital but on the mend.
“He’s excited about the future opportunities life will present to him,” his family added, stating that he was “fully alert” and “interacting with his family and approved visitors”.
Quinton also has “feeling in his legs” and is “focused on his recovery and successfully doing things like practising writing, doing puzzles.” In January, the actor suffered a spinal stroke, which is an incredibly rare medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the spinal cord is blocked by a clot or hemorrhage. It can lead to paralysis, numbness and incontinence.
Quinton’s family thanked his fans for their support in January, following his hospitalization. “We appreciate the overwhelming love, support and prayers that Quinton has received over the past few days from his fans, the public, and our concerned community,” they said in a statement.
“The Aaron family has a lot to deal with for the betterment of their loved one. But will be sure to keep everyone posted regarding Quinton’s health as we see fit.”
© InstagramThe 41-year-old has suffered several health setbacks in recent years, including a stint in hospital in February 2025 after contracting the flu and pneumonia, and a severe upper respiratory infection that he contracted in 2019.
See Quinton in The Blind Side trailer below…
Quinton portrayed Michael Oher in the Oscar-winning 2009 film The Blind Side, which was based on a book by Michael Lewis. The film followed the true story of Michael, a homeless high schooler who was taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. The wealthy white couple then helped him pursue his dreams of playing in the NFL.
More than a decade after his starring role, Quinton embarked on a health journey amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The actor had gained weight after contracting COVID-19 and decided to make a change in his life.
© Moviestore/Shutterstock“I’m at that point in my life where I feel like I’m getting older. When you get older, your body starts talking to you. And I started listening,” he told Today.com. “When I was at my heaviest, I didn’t want to do anything that involved stairs or lots of walking because my knee would just give me so many problems,” he continued.
© Getty Images“Something just clicked in me to make a change. I want to be healthy. I want a family one day, and I want to be healthy enough to be present and active with my family.”
In order to achieve his weight loss goal, Quinton cut down on sugary and salty foods, ate smaller portions, and practised intermittent fasting. At his heaviest, he weighed 559 lbs, and had lost 200 lbs by October 2025 with the goal of losing a further 55.
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