Sinbad Breaks Lengthy Instagram Hiatus With Appreciation For Fans

Sinbad has paused his social media break to praise his fans.

After seeing the overwhelming support he received in his first public sighting since suffering a stroke in 2020, the 67-year-old comedian took to social media to express his gratitude for the warm reception.

As expected, the comment section quickly flooded with excitement from many of his followers, who have been waiting for an update.

On February 29, Sinbad participated in the first leg of a ten-city tour of historically Black colleges and universities alongside fellow cast members from "A Different World" via Zoom.

The event, which started at the Atlanta University Center in Atlanta, saw attendees erupting in applause at the sight of the legendary Hollywood star.

In the days following the event, he took to Instagram to post a clip that showcased him watching the sweet moment on a phone. "Man, that was so cool," he said after the video ended, as he lifted his face to the camera.

After elaborating on "getting a chance to be on a Zoom and say something to the kids," Sinbad admitted that he was surprised that they knew who he was. 

Nevertheless, he found their knowledge of him "beautiful" and was appreciative of "everybody who's been praying" for him, "saying good things," and supporting him over the last few years.

Continuing his speech, the "Jingle All The Way" star referenced the emails he has received through his website and sent a special shoutout to people experiencing a similar "or even worse" health situation.

He then thanked "fans and friends" who have stuck with him throughout his ordeal again and wrapped up, saying:

"Expect to see more of me soon and don't freak out if you turn around and I'm standing right behind you. 'Sinbad, I can't believe you're here.' You can't believe it? You better believe it. Miracles happen."

In the caption of the reel posted on Monday, Sinbad penned, "Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They've carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line. It really is a different world out here!" 

Aside from getting over 41k likes, the video also garnered thousands of comments from supporters, including this one that read, "I almost shed a tear watching this. I am so happy to see him getting better. I pray he makes a full recovery. Sinbad is definitely the [goat emoji]."

"Hey, Bad Man!!! It is soooo good to see you! I love you, man," a second user commented, as a third person wrote, "One of the greatest! Somehow you always made us feel like we were your family through the screen so it's only right we return the love back to you one hundred fold. May God strengthen you from your head to your feet."

Celebrities also stepped into the comment section, with Yvette Nicole Brown typing, "We've missed you and we love you!!!"

Terry Crews gushed, "GREAT TO SEE YOU BROTHER," while Howie Mendel added, "So good to see and hear you."

Since his social media hiatus started, his family has been sharing health updates via his website. In an update shared on the site in November 2022, they stated:

"Sinbad appreciates all the love and support you have shown him over the last two years. Many of you have asked for updates and if there is anything Sinbad needs or what you can do to help. As a result, the family has created a site where you can keep up to date with his progress and also provide an avenue for those who wish to give."

The family previously informed the public that the patriarch, born David Atkins, suffered an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot traveling from his heart to his brain, leading to emergency surgery On October 25, 2020. 

However, despite initially promising progress, Sinbad suffered from another, smaller clot the following day, requiring a second successful surgery. Subsequently, he faced brain swelling, necessitating a craniotomy to alleviate pressure, during which a bleed was discovered. 

Over the next few months, the NAACP Image Award recipient transitioned through various acute care facilities, undergoing the process of being gradually weaned off the ventilator. Eventually, he received clearance to commence intensive therapy sessions and was allowed to return home nine months after the initial stroke.

Since then, Sinbad is said to have been receiving adequate care, which has aided in his recovery as he "is getting better every single day."