‘Big Bang Theory’ Actress Kate Micucci Announces She Has Lung Cancer: ‘Never Smoked a Cigarette in My Life’

“Big Bang Theory” actress Kate Micucci announced she has lung cancer despite never having been a smoker.

The 43-year-old comedic actress made the announcement via social media over the weekend, using humor to share her health update with fans. 

“Hey everybody, this is not a TikTok, it’s a ‘Sick Tok,’” Micucci said in a TikTok video update. “I’m in the hospital but it’s because I had lung cancer surgery yesterday. They caught it really early.”

“It’s really weird, because I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life so uh, you know, it was a surprise,” she continued. “But also I guess, also, it happens and so the greatest news is they caught it early, they got it out, I’m all good.”

The “Raising Hope” actress was wearing a hospital gown as she delivered the news. “It’s been a little bit of a trip and [I’ll] probably be moving slow for a few weeks but then I’ll be back at it,” Micucci said, mentioning painting as one activity she’s really been missing.

“Why am I still talking … ‘cause I’m on drugs!” she joked, giving the camera a thumbs up.

Per the American Cancer Society, lung cancer found in people who don’t smoke can be caused by exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other factors. Early detection of the disease is crucial, as the publication notes early stage lung cancer that’s treated results in 70% of people living at least five more years.

Micucci is best known for her role as Lucy, a love interest of Raj (Kunal Nayyar) in seasons 6, 7, and 10 of the hit CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.” The star’s most recent project was being cast in a voice role for the upcoming animated “Angry Birds Mystery Island” TV series. 

Micucci is also known for appearances on NBC’s “Four Kings,” “Scrubs,” “Till Death,” “Raising Hope,” “Steven Universe,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and others. The celeb appeared in films including “The Last Hurrah,” “Bart Got a Room,” and “When in Rome.” 

Micucci is also a member of the comedy folk duo Garfunkel and Oates.