Actor Quinton Aaron, who shared the screen with Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side,” is reportedly showing signs of improvement after being hospitalized for a blood infection last week.
Margarita Aaron, the actor's wife, told Fox News and TMZ on Monday that her husband is “making significant progress” in his recovery, making minor body movements such as opening his eyes and raising his thumb. Although the actor is partially breathing on his own, Margarita Aaron said her husband continues to receive respiratory assistance and antibiotics, according to Fox News.
A representative for Aaron did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
“He's a fighter; he's a very strong fighter, and you know, he's progressing day by day,” he told Fox News, “and I believe God has him, and he believes God has him.”
The 41-year-old actor was hospitalized last week in Atlanta after collapsing while walking up the stairs of his apartment, TMZ reported. He reportedly experienced neck and back pain days before the collapse and lost feeling in his legs before he fell. Aaron's wife said she called 911 and that her husband was fading in and out of consciousness on the way to the hospital, where he has since undergone several tests, according to TMZ. The outlet reported Tuesday that doctors found a “rare cyst” on the actor's spine.
The nonprofit Veterans Aid Network organized a GoFundMe page in support of Aaron, whom the organization described as “part of a veteran family.” The organization said it has a “long-standing relationship” with the actor and is seeking to raise $35,000 to help his loved ones pay for medical expenses and other costs related to recovery. Donors have raised more than $40,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Quinton has spent his life inspiring others, reminding us that compassion and humanity still matter in this world,” the GoFundMe description reads. “Now, as he faces one of the toughest battles of his life, let us surround him and his loved ones with the same compassion, strength and care.”
In an update shared for the fundraiser on Monday, Veterans Aid Network said Aaron “opened his eyes and feels something in his foot.” The update also says he remains on life support and will need a wheelchair when he is released.
Aaron has acted in dozens of films, according to his IMDb page, but is best known for his role in “The Blind Side.” The 2009 drama was based on Michael Lewis' 2006 book of the same name, which followed the story of soccer star Michael Oher, who was lifted out of homelessness and poverty when he was taken in by wealthy couple Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy. The family is credited with Oher's football success. Oher was an All-American player at Mississippi and a first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
Aaron played Oher and Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and earned Bullock an award in the actress in a leading role category.
“The Blind Side” made headlines again in 2023 when Oher sued his self-proclaimed adoptive parents, claiming the couple never officially adopted him and tricked him in 2004 into signing a legal document deeming them his guardians. The couple denied the allegations and said the athlete's demand was “extortion.”
In September 2023, a Tennessee judge ordered the end of the conservatorship.
