09 December 2023 , 19:55
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Home Alone actor Ken Hudson Campbell is believed to have undergone a successful operation to remove a cancerous tumour in his mouth.
The beloved actor, who played Father Christmas in the popular film, went into surgery on Thursday morning after a fundraiser was launched to help him afford the expensive medical bills. The surgery saw Ken have a large portion of his jawbone removed in order to tackle the tumour.
His daughter, Michaela Campbell, said the family were able to visit him after the surgery. It's believed the 61-year-old will have to remain in an intensive care unit for another few days before being transferred to regular inpatient hospital care.
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Ken Hudson Campbell is now out of surgery (Getty Images)
His family had set up a fundraiser (CBS via Getty Images)Ken will remain in regular inpatient hospital care for about another week. Michaela told TMZ her dad is "awake and doing really well". She said it would take about six weeks of rest and recovery before he can get back to his normal activities.
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Ken announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in October after a tumour "elusively grew on the bottom of his mouth and began encroaching on his teeth." His daughter set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise money to cover Ken's medical bills.
At the time of publication, they've raised $98,261 (£78,000) of a $100,000 (£79,500) target. In a heartfelt message to Ken's fans, his family wrote: "We are asking for your help so that Kenny can use the time ahead to return to health and spend more time with family & friends. Every prayer, positive thought, dollar, or gesture of support means the world to our family."
The actor is well-known for his role in Home Alone (20th Century Fox)Fans and those who have donated have flocked to the comments section of the page to offer well-wishes. One person wrote: "You gotta help Santa at Christmas! My wife and kids have Home Alone on heavy rotation this time every year. Thanks for helping us get through the holidays…now it’s our turn to help you. Hang in there!"
Another said: "Ken is a friend and colleague. With our help, he can beat this. Best wishes to you Kenny from me and my family." And a third penned: "Kenny! I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. I miss our talks in the old lobby. Love you, man. Hang in there!"
Someone else, who donated $2,000 (£1,500), then said: "Back rent from 1993 when Aliza and I moved here and you put us up." Another who donated $250 (£200) wrote: "You are the greatest."