He has long been known by fans for his role opposite Sandra Bullock in the 2009 sports drama, but supporters said his impact extends beyond the film.
ATLANTA — Quinton Aaron, the actor known for bringing gentle giant Michael Oher to life in the film “The Blind Side,” is hospitalized and on life support as he battles a severe blood infection at an Atlanta hospital, according to a message shared by his loved ones in an online fundraiser.
According to TMZ, the 40-year-old actor took a fall after collapsing at his home several days ago. He has now been hospitalized in Atlanta for the past three days after his legs gave out and he was rushed to the hospital, which later revealed a blood infection.
The cautiously optimistic news from Aaron’s manager is that he is stable at the hospital, talking to family and receiving the care he needs, but there is no update on his overall health or exactly what caused his fall at his home, TMZ reports.
Aaron has long been known by fans for his role opposite Sandra Bullock in the 2009 sports drama, but supporters said his impact extends beyond film through personal encouragement and outreach to others, while his family deals with the emotional and financial burden of his health battle and hospitalization.
“Quinton is one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet. He shows up for others. He encourages, uplifts, and gives freely of himself, often without asking for anything in return. Today, he needs us to show up for him,” the online fundraiser said.
Loved ones said that the illness has created mounting medical expenses and ongoing living costs as his family focuses on his care and recovery.
“When someone is this critically ill, life doesn’t pause,” the message said, noting that bills and other obligations continue while families navigate uncertainty.
A fundraiser has been organized to help cover Aaron’s medical needs and provide financial stability for his family during what supporters called an “incredibly difficult time.” Organizers said donations of any size are welcome and encouraged those unable to give financially to share the effort with others.
TMZ also reported that Aaron has battled health issues for a number of years, saying that he was rushed to a hospital in March of last year after he had a fever and was coughing up blood.
But later last year, he shared his weight loss journey with TMZ, saying that he had lost 200 pounds to help improve his health.
Those organizing the effort are also asking the public to keep Aaron in their thoughts and prayers as he undergoes treatment.
