But lately, his reel life can’t compete with his real life.
The 55-year-old Los Angeles resident just celebrated the birth of his son Weston (named after Lloyd’s hometown), only to complain of headaches he figured came from a new parent’s lack of sleep.
A doctor, suggesting Lloyd might have a sinus problem, ordered a CT scan. That, in turn, revealed an inoperable brain tumor and discovery of cancer in Lloyd’s lungs, liver, jaw and spine.
Lloyd somehow has stayed positive, rooting for the New England Patriots from his hospital bed even as a nurse asked him to “cheer quieter.”
“What are they gonna do — kill me?” he told family and friends.
Former “Scrubs” producer Tim Hobert, wrestling with his own response to the situation, has created a “Help Sam Lloyd Beat Cancer” GoFundMe campaign as a way for the public to post messages and pledge money for medical expenses.
“So many friends have reached out, wanting to know how they can help support him and his family during this difficult time,” Hobert writes on the page. “Every prayer, every positive thought, every dollar, and every gesture of support is greatly appreciated.”
Within hours after the campaign’s launch last week, dozens of media outlets ranging from People magazine to the Paris Match had reported the news.
(“Sam Lloyd: L’hilarant Ted de ‘Scrubs’ souffre d’un cancer généralisé,” reads the latter publication’s headline.)
More than 3,000 fans and friends, for their part, smashed the campaign’s $100,000 fundraising goal in two days.
“I will of course be getting involved — please send him your love,” “Scrubs” star Zach Braff tweeted.
Tragic news from our beloved Sam (aka, Ted the Lawyer). I will of course be getting involved. Please send him your love. https://t.co/ivcKvmbi3K
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 5, 2019
“Bon courage depuis la France,” wrote a French donor, joining people identifying themselves from Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Russia and the United States.
Sam Lloyd Jr. has returned to his hometown’s Weston Playhouse over the years to perform with his father, who died in 2017, and his uncle Christopher Lloyd, most famous for hair-pulling antics in the “Back to the Future” movie trilogy.
“We learned of troubling news about our dear Samuel Lloyd, Jr.,” the playhouse posted on its Facebook page. “Sending Weston Love to Sam and his family.”
Lloyd is appreciating the collective attention.
“I am overwhelmed,” he wrote in an online post. “And I am beyond grateful to all of you.”
The actor, now working on a treatment plan, adds he’s not alone in fighting cancer — just someone with more experience living life in the spotlight.
“We sympathize with the many people who have gone through, and are going through, similar battles,” he concludes. “We will remain prayerful and will always believe in miracles that happen every day.”
