Busy Philipps smiling at a celebrity event on the red carpet
Celebrity

Busy Philipps Reveals Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Surgeries

The former Dawson's Creek star opens up about undergoing two surgeries during what she called the weirdest six months of her life.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 1 min read

Actress Busy Philipps is opening up about a deeply personal medical battle, revealing that she was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor. The unexpected health revelation follows what the television star has characterized as an intense and surreal half-year behind the scenes. According to a new report, the former *Dawson's Creek* fan favorite has already undergone two surgical procedures to address the condition. The star chose to step forward with her diagnosis after navigating months of intense medical care away from the public eye. ## What happened to Busy Philipps In her emotional disclosure, the 47-year-old actress characterized the previous half-year as the "weirdest six months" of her life. Dealing with a rare brain tumor required swift medical action, leading directly to a pair of surgeries designed to treat the malignant growth. Surgeries of this nature require extensive preparation and recovery time, making her ability to navigate the situation behind closed doors particularly notable. By keeping the initial stages of her treatment private, Philipps was able to focus entirely on her physical health and recovery process alongside her loved ones. ## Busy Philipps health update Philipps first captured widespread attention in popular Hollywood productions, most notably starring in the hit teen drama series *Dawson's Creek*. Over her decades-long career in the entertainment industry, she has built a reputation for being remarkably open and relatable with her fanbase, often offering filter-free glimpses into her daily life. Her willingness to share such a serious medical diagnosis continues that legacy of honesty. Navigating a serious illness while balancing a public career presents unique challenges, yet Philipps has chosen to use her platform to offer a direct look into her ongoing health journey. The outpouring of affection from fans and Hollywood peers has been immediate following the news. As she continues to process the past several months, the actress remains focused on her health after facing one of the most unexpected medical battles of her life.

The photos · 7

Busy Philipps smiling at a celebrity event on the red carpet
The actress (pictured above on Aug. 12) is “grateful to be alive.”
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum (pictured above on Jan. 20) discovered the grade 2 oligodendroglioma in February.
Philipps (pictured above in December 2025) was “hyperventilating and trying to breathe” over the news.
The “Freaks and Geeks” alum (pictured above on June 23) had the mass removed in March.
Philipps (pictured above with daughter Birdie in January 2024) went under the knife again in April.
for Create & Cultivate and Mastercard

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People also ask

What health issue was Busy Philipps diagnosed with?
Busy Philipps revealed that she was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor.
How many surgeries did Busy Philipps have?
The actress underwent two surgical procedures following her diagnosis over the past six months.