Christopher Rich Shares Journey of Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Christopher Rich candidly shared his journey of recovery following a traumatic brain injury he sustained after a massive stroke in 2018. Known for his roles on ‘Reba,’ ‘The Nanny,’ and ‘ER,’ Rich discussed his health struggles in a recent interview with Us Weekly, revealing the emotional and physical toll of the incident.

Rich described the experience of having a stroke as feeling like he had been hit by an atomic bomb. ‘After my stroke and having a brain injury, it is a hard reset,’ he said. In February 2025, he reflected on the moment he was hospitalized, stating, ‘I almost didn’t make it to the Easter service at church because I was busy having a massive stroke.’

Following his stroke, Rich faced a series of health complications, including blood clots and lung embolisms. ‘After surviving all of that crap, I’m feeling really, really good,’ he said, acknowledging the severity of his condition while maintaining an optimistic outlook on his recovery. Since his diagnosis, he has lost 50 pounds, which he attributes to a decreased appetite, but views it positively as a change in lifestyle.

Rich’s road to recovery has included receiving stem cell treatment to heal the affected areas of his brain. ‘I’ve been trying to redevelop neural pathways,’ he explained, detailing that he struggled with paralysis on his left side and difficulty with speech. He noted significant improvements in his mobility and pain levels after receiving treatments, stating, ‘I have more mobility. I’m walking better.’

In a promotional video for a Texas regenerative medicine clinic, he mentioned, ‘My left side was completely frozen. I couldn’t walk or use my left arm.’ Rich emphasized the importance of mental health during recovery, encouraging others facing similar challenges to seek support from loved ones.

The actor’s journey has also impacted his personal life. In past interviews, he reflected on the adjustments his wife, Eva, and he have made since his stroke. ‘My wife and I are still working hard to reestablish our relationship because it’s like she’s living with a different person,’ he acknowledged. The couple married in 2003 and share two daughters.

Despite the challenges he faces, Rich expressed gratitude for the support he has received from medical professionals and his family. ‘Bad stuff happens, and you can do the, ‘Why me?’ But it’s there for you to grow,’ he stated. ‘This is the beginning of a different road.’ He also mentioned his philanthropic pursuits, stating, ‘I really miss that more than I do being an actor.’

Recently, Rich made a return to television with a guest appearance on NBC’s ‘Happy’s Place,’ where he played a tattoo artist named Maverick. The role reunited him with former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman, who he described as feeling like a homecoming. ‘The crew made it feel like the old Reba set… It was a blessing. I want to go back so badly,’ he said.