David Ramsey is opening up about a deeply personal health journey he kept private for years.
The 54-year-old actor recently shared on the Inside of You podcast that he is a testicular cancer survivor, revealing that doctors first discovered signs of concern when he was just 28. After noticing that one testicle was significantly smaller than the other while kickboxing, he sought medical attention. An ultrasound revealed microlithiasis — a condition that can be present in individuals with testicular cancer but can also appear without malignancy.
Rather than move forward with immediate surgery, doctors monitored his condition for nearly a decade under a “watch and advise” approach.
Eight and a half years later, the situation escalated when one testicle suddenly swelled dramatically. Though he experienced no pain, physicians determined that surgical removal was necessary. Ramsey then underwent chemotherapy as part of his treatment.
He shared that one of the most impactful aspects of the experience wasn’t the physical toll of chemotherapy, but the perspective gained while sitting alongside young children also undergoing treatment. That experience, he said, shifted his outlook on life and career in a profound way.
Ramsey acknowledged that his decision to keep the diagnosis private wasn’t about secrecy, but simply his personality. However, with what he sees as a noticeable increase in cancer cases, including testicular cancer, he now feels compelled to speak more openly about his experience.
The actor is best known for his role as John Diggle/Spartan in Arrow and across the Arrowverse, including appearances on The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, and Superman & Lois. His television credits also include roles on Dexter, Blue Bloods and Bel-Air.
Ramsey says the experience fundamentally changed how he approaches his work. Instead of focusing on career milestones or perceived setbacks, he now views every opportunity through a lens of gratitude.
His story adds to the ongoing conversation around early detection, health advocacy, and the importance of listening to changes in your body — especially when symptoms are subtle or painless.