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Filmmaker Kevin Smith posted to his social media accounts today that he survived a “massive” heart attack last night after his stand-up performance at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA.
The 47-year-old filmmaker, best known for writing and directing Clerks and Chasing Amy, as well as starring in said films as the latter part of stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, wrote that he went to the hospital after feeling ill after the first of two planned shows for the night. After cancelling his second performance to seek medical treatment, Smith said that the doctors discovered that he had had a “massive heart attack” with 100% blockage of the LAD artery, aka “the Widow-Maker.”
See below to read Smith’s full Facebook post, where he describes his ordeal and gives his thoughts about this near-death experience.
Now that I’ve done my journalist duty by bringing you the news, allow me to say…
THANK YOU FOR NOT DYING, Kevin Smith!
If I were a filmmaker, that would likely be the title of my next project.
I’m so happy right now that I’m not writing the headline “‘Clerks’ Director Kevin Smith Dead At 47.” Although I’m sure it would have been one hell of an obit. But I’d be crying. And my husband and I would be sitting here in disbelief, going why? WHY? WHY!?!?!?!? Why Kevin Smith!?!?! We’d be sobbing through all of your movies, yes, all of them, going “I’d take a Jersey Girl sequel if it meant that Kevin Smith was still alive!”
Kevin Smith, you are so fucking awesome. You are a self-depreciating guy and you’ve been very open and honest about your trolls and haters, but seriously, you are amazing. I love you, man. And I wouldn’t need your death to make me realize this, as I’ve known this all along. There’s not many out there like you.
So please please take care of yourself. You mentioned possibly going vegan, which is a great idea! A few of us here at Geeks Of Doom follow the veg lifestyle and would love to have you join us. (One of us, one of us…) Follow in the footsteps of your wise vegan daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, and it will surely do you good. Like Carl Grimes has said, “Sometimes kids have to show their parents the way.” And, of course, continue to not let the aforementioned trolls and haters deter you.
I’m having my Kevin Smith movie marathon anyway tonight in honor of your continued life, but no mournful tears – just joy.
I really am so fucking happy right now. There will be an extra thanks about you in tonight’s prayers for sure.
The world needs Kevin Smith!!!
In case you can’t read the above embed from Facebook, here’s the full text below:
I was trying to do a killer standup special this evening but I might’ve gone too far. After the first show, I felt kinda nauseous. I threw up a little but it didn’t seem to help. Then I started sweating buckets and my chest felt heavy. Turns out I had a massive heart attack. The Doctor who saved my life at the #glendale hospital told me I had 100% blockage of my LAD artery (also known as “the Widow-Maker” because when it goes, you’re a goner). If I hadn’t canceled the second show to go to the hospital, the Doc said I would’ve died tonight. For now, I’m still above ground! But this is what I learned about myself during this crisis: death was always the thing I was most terrified of in life. When the time came, I never imagined I’d ever be able to die with dignity – I assumed I’d die screaming, like my Dad (who lost his life to a massive heart attack). But even as they cut into my groin to slip a stent into the lethal Widow-Maker, I was filled with a sense of calm. I’ve had a great life: loved by parents who raised me to become the individual I am. I’ve had a weird, wonderful career in all sorts of media, amazing friends, the best wife in the world and an incredible daughter who made me a Dad. But as I stared into the infinite, I realized I was relatively content. Yes, I’d miss life as it moved on without me – and I was bummed we weren’t gonna get to make #jayandsilentbobreboot before I shuffled loose the mortal coil. But generally speaking, I was okay with the end, if this was gonna be it. I’ve gotten to do so many cool things and I’ve had so many adventures – how could I be shitty about finally paying the tab. But the good folks at the Glendale hospital had other plans and the expertise to mend me. Total strangers saved my life tonight (as well as my friends @jordanmonsanto & @iamemilydawn, who called the ambulance). This is all a part of my mythology now and I’m sure I’ll be facing some lifestyle changes (maybe it’s time to go Vegan). But the point of this post is to tell you that I faced my greatest fear tonight… and it wasn’t as bad as I’ve always imagined it’d be. I don’t want my life to end but if it ends, I can’t complain. It was such a gift. #KevinSmith
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