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Glen Powell is opening up about the difficult period when both of his parents were diagnosed with cancer at the same time, recalling how powerless he felt while trying to help them.
In Esquire's October/November cover story, the 37-year-old Chad Powers actor reflected on his parents' health struggles and the lengths he went to support them. Powell was only 24 when his mother, Cyndy Powell, and father, Glen Powell Sr., were both diagnosed with cancer.
His mother's condition was particularly serious, and Powell said he still remembers the moment he learned about her diagnosis.
"I remember exactly where I was getting that news," he told the magazine, recalling both his own reaction and how his mother felt at the time.
At the time, Cyndy was a stay-at-home parent while Glen Sr. worked as an executive coach. The family also did not have significant financial resources, while Powell himself had yet to achieve his breakthrough in Hollywood. With limited options available, the young actor became determined to find a way to help his parents access the care they needed.
Powell said he began reaching out to virtually anyone who might be able to assist, describing himself as being like a telemarketer as he called people he believed could help.
"I was poor, and I had nothing going on. I had no resources to help my mom," Powell said. He also recalled knowing people whose parents had died because they were unable to access quality medical care.
Fortunately, both of Powell's parents eventually recovered. The experience, however, had a lasting impact on him and became a major motivation for achieving financial stability.
"In terms of financial motivation, that was it," he said, explaining that he wanted to ensure he would be able to help his family if another medical crisis arose.
Years later, Powell said his parents faced additional health challenges, although they were unrelated to their earlier cancer diagnoses. By then, his acting career had taken off, allowing him to cover their treatment and provide access to concierge doctors and comprehensive medical plans.
"I can't tell you the feeling I had afterward," Powell said of seeing his parents recover.
Powell has remained close to his parents, who also have daughters Lauren and Leslie. Cyndy and Glen Sr. have frequently supported their son at major career milestones and have even appeared in several of his movies.
The couple have made cameos in films including Spy Kids 3, Anyone But You and Chad Powers, making their presence a recurring part of Powell's Hollywood journey.
