NEWS VIDEO + ARTICLE:
Leading Hollywood comedian Will Ferrell is on the run from an Alzheimer’s firestorm. Outrage over a Hollywood satire of former President Ronald Reagan’s dementia has resulted in Mr. Ferrell’s official refusal to continue to star in the film. (In the movie, Reagan is suffering from Alzheimer’s and is led to believe he’s an actor playing The President.) Ferrell’s change of heart follows appeals from Reagan’s children that may ultimately prevent the film from ever getting made. See more about the intense backlash.
Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, spoke strong words to Hollywood regarding the propsed comedy on Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is appalled that anyone would plan to develop a film that satirizes an individual living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Would filmmakers consider using a fatal form of cancer or another deadly disease for comedy? It’s time to stop this forever.
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“The idea that a film depicting President Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s, or anyone with dementia, as a comedic device is offensive. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and their 15 million family caregivers provide support every day. This disease is not a joke. In addition to its devastating impact, it is fatal. The Alzheimer’s Association will rally against anyone who marginalizes the devastating and deadly impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
“President Reagan and his family were champions in raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the need to fund research for its cure. The Alzheimer’s Association and our advocates will continue to work to ensure all those living with this disease have the care and support they need while striving toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”
Also See:
Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s Letter: Still Poignant, Still Relevant
Nancy Reagan’s Impact on Fighting Alzheimer’s
Ferell you bastard, my dear aunt is suffering with a disease that you find funny you are a low life
An awful disease! My mom passed away in September from Alzheimers and there are no words to explain how awful this disease is for the person living with it and for the family watching their family member slowly digress with it. I still have nightmares as i remember how awful it was for my mom. Shame on anyone trying to make a comedy over something so awful. I will never watch another Ferell movie again!
As if we needed another example of how pathetic the entertainment industry in general and Hollywood in particular has become.
I can't believe even Hollywood would stoop this low.
Why would anyone be surprised. Nothing is sacred anymore, hasn't been for a very long time. We are going to Hell in a hand basket.