Hollywood star Harrison Ford forced to miss Oscars due to health woes

Hollywood icon Harrison Ford has been forced to miss this year’s Oscars and drop out of presenting at the prestigious awards ceremony after being diagnosed with shingles.

The 82-year-old Indiana Jones star had been expected to take to the stage at the prestigious Hollywood event but had to pull out due to the viral infection, which causes a painful rash on the skin.

Despite the troubling diagnosis, Ford is said to be “doing okay and resting”.

As news of his condition spread, fans quickly took to social media to express their support and wish him a speedy recovery.

Oh no. My grandmother has dealt with that for years, it’s awful. Prayers up for Harrison Ford

— Boston Brand (@DeadmanBostonB) March 1, 2025

Shingles is no joke, hope he’s taking care of himself

— Cici (@dreamyycici) March 2, 2025

I am praying for his safety and recovery

— Anvavxxx (@Anvavxx) March 2, 2025

Wish him a speedy recovery

— Homie Santo (@HomieSanto) March 1, 2025

Hope he feels better

— joseph villarroel (@friezsnake) March 2, 2025

Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox (also known as the varicella zoster virus), resulting in a painful, blistering skin rash. It’s a disease that can affect anyone, at any age who has had chickenpox, but it is most common in people 50 years of age and older.

The risk of developing shingles increases as we get older. This is because as we age, particularly after 50, our immune system naturally declines. Other risk factors for shingles include having a weakened immune system or contracting chickenpox in the first year of life.

The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, which can feel itchy and turn into painful blisters that can take several weeks to heal. You may also experience fever, headache, chills, sensitivity to light and touch, an upset stomach and an overall sense of not feeling well.

Shingles usually affects one side of the body or face and can develop on your torso, arms, thighs, or head – including in your eyes or ears. However, most people develop shingles around their chest area and abdomen.

People often describe the pain of shingles as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like. As a result, shingles has the potential to impact your ability to do simple, everyday activities like getting dressed, walking, and sleeping. In some cases, people report early symptoms such as pain, itching, tingling or numbness 48-72 hours before the rash develops in the area.

-with BANG.