Edward James Olmos, Latino Acting Legend, Reveals He Had Throat Cancer

Legendary Emmy Award-winning "Miami Vice" actor Edward James Olmos appeared on the "Mando & Friends" podcast on Friday and revealed he had throat cancer.

According to CNN, Olmos acknowledged in the podcast that this was the first time he opened up about having the deadly disease. He called it "an experience that changed" him.

The "Selena" and "Blade Runner" actor stated that he has already finished treatment after undergoing months of chemotherapy.

"I just finished getting through it. December 20 was my last radiation. The week before, I'd finished my chemo and [for] months and months I was on radiation and chemo as it attacked my throat." he said.

Doctors Warned Edward James Olmos That His Voice Might Change After Cancer Treatment

During his appearance on the "Mando & Friends" podcast, Olmos was candid about his battle with cancer, saying, "I still have right here [on my throat] a bump where my lymph nodes, they burned them out because they shot this area with radiation."

He added that he had five doctors treating him and he admitted that they told him that they do not know what he would sound like after his cancer treatment.

Olmos was undergoing chemotherapy, where doctors would blast his throat with radiation. The throat was considered one of "the hardest place to shoot, to use radiation and chemo."

Olmos did admit that having cancer is scary and added, "A lot of my friends have passed because of this. It's a very strong disease." He also admitted that the disease "took a lot" out of him, revealing that he lost 55 pounds and all of his muscle as he underwent treatment. He also added that it took over four months to regain his strength.

While he was candid about it, Olmos admitted that he suffered as the treatment went on, stating that he did not want to take food in his stomach and that the doctors "wanted to put tubes in and feed me nutrients because I couldn't swallow. They had to get 2,500 calories into my body every day. That was ridiculous, that was so hard."

The Legendary Career of Edward James Olmos

Born to a Mexican immigrant father and a Mexican-American mother, Edward James Olmos is considered an acting legend in Hollywood. He received most of his accolades during the 1980s with an Emmy win and an Oscar nomination.

According to The Daily Mail, Olmos was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Jaime Escalante in the 1988 movie, "Stand and Deliver," which he also received a Golden Globe nomination for.

He also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Lieutenant Martin "Marty" Castillo in "Miami Vice," as well as a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Series, Miniseries or Television Film for that same role.

Edward James Olmos is also known for acting in various films and TV series, such as "Selena," "Battle Star Galactica," and "Blade Runner."

Olmos is also known for his social activism, especially on issues that affect the Hispanic community in the United States. He led a community cleanup initiative in Los Angeles as well as founding the Latino Public Broadcasting which funds public television programming that focuses on issues affecting Hispanics.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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