‘Law & Order: SVU’ star Ned Eisenberg has died after battling two rare forms of cancer — cholangiocarcinoma, and ocular melanoma.
The actor, who also stars in ‘Mare of Easttown,’ passed away over the weekend at the age of 65, after fighting the aggressive disease. The actor’s wife, Patricia, confirmed the death and issued a statement regarding his battle with cancer.
“As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family,” she wrote.
‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star Suffering From Rare Eye Cancer
According to cancer.gov, cholangiocarcinoma is ‘bile duct cancer’ and is a rare disease where malignant cancer cells form in the bile ducts. Bile ducts are branched tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. They carry bile, which is a fluid that helps the body digest fats that are in food. Unfortunately, this specific type of cancer gives patients a very poor prognosis, and studies report a survival rate of about 6 months.
The actor also stuffed from ocular melanoma, which is eye cancer. According to a website devoted to the disease, it is the “most common primary cancer of the eye in adults. It is diagnosed in about 2,500 adults every year in the United States and occurs most often in lightly pigmented individuals with a median age of 55 years. However, it can occur in all races and at any age.”
Ned Eisenberg Diagnosed With Cancer Of The Bile Ducts
It continues, “OM is a malignant tumor that can grow and spread to other parts of the body – this process, known as metastasis, is often fatal and occurs in about half of all cases. Although produced from the same cells in the body, called melanocytes, OM is different from skin (or cutaneous) melanoma and is not related to sun exposure.”
If you are a huge Law & Order: SVU fan, you know Ned as the character Roger Kressler. The actor is one of the more regular supporting characters on the show — including spots on the original ‘Law & Order’ show.
The actor was born and raised in New York City and got his first film in Hollywood in 1980. He starred in several big movies including ‘Million Dollar Baby,’ ‘Last Man Standing,’ ‘Flags of Our Fathers,’ and ‘Limitless.’ Interestingly, he co-founded the Naked Angels Theatre Company in 1987.
Late ‘Law & Order’ Star Is Well Known For His Character Acting
Unfortunately, Ned only starred on the hit HBO show ‘Mare of Easttown’ in a limited capacity due to his ongoing health issues. He played Detective Hauser, starring alongside Kate Winslet. Also, he is well known for a single episode of ‘The Sopranos’ for a character named Ariel.
Ned is survived by his wife and son Lino.
R.I.P.
