'You're supposed to be dead': Aaron Sorkin says stroke was a 'loud wake up call', almost ended his career
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 2022, Aaron Sorkin disclosed having a stroke that was almost fatal. The well-known screenwriter, widely recognized for his witty dialogue, began by penning plays for the Broadway stage. He then achieved prominence as the creator of 'The West Wing' and the writer of 'The Social Network', for which he received an Oscar. His life and illustrious career, however, were almost recently cut short by a significant health crisis.
Sorkin revealed to The New York Times that he had a stroke in November of last year as his Broadway version of 'Camelot' was getting ready to debut. Almost two months prior to 'Camelot', his blood pressure was so high that it almost became fatal. Sorkin has recovered from his stroke, despite going through all the typical after-effects and fearing he would never be able to write again. After originally keeping his stroke a secret, Sorkin made the decision to talk about it publicly as a warning against unhealthy lives.
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'It was a wake-up call'
Speaking with The New York Times, Sorkin revealed what it was like when underwent a stroke in 2022. He said, "Mostly it was a loud wake-up call. I thought I was one of those people who could eat whatever he wanted, smoke as much as he wanted, and it’s not going to affect me. Boy, was I wrong. If it’ll get one person to stop smoking, then it’ll be helpful. There was a minute when I was concerned that I was never going to be able to write again and I was concerned in the short-term that I wasn’t going to be able to continue writing Camelot. Let me make this very, very clear. I’m fine. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I can’t work. I’m fine."
Sorkin couldn't sign his name until recently, but he saw the ability was gradually returning thanks to fans lining up outside Broadway theatres to get their autographs. In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices, Sorkin made the decision to publicly share his health scare. The stroke, according to Sorkin, was caused by high blood pressure, and his doctor told him, "You're supposed to be dead." The stroke caused him to run into things, spill his orange juice, and get disoriented when walking.
What is next for Sorkin?
'Being the Ricardos', directed by Sorkin in 2021, was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor for Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, and JK Simmons. It was a biopic about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz from the 'I Love Lucy' television series. The only viable project for Sorkin after that movie is a television adaptation of the courtroom drama 'A Few Good Men', which he wrote and had its Broadway premiere in 1989. Sorkin hasn't yet announced his follow-up to that movie. The 2018 adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Sorkin, which received nine Tony Award nominations, was his final Broadway production. He is now making a comeback to Broadway with a musical adaption of 'Camelot' that debuts on April 13 and is directed by Phillipa Soo of 'Hamilton'.
