It's Been A While

A triumphant return and important message from Sam Riegel.

Thank you to USC Keck Medical Center & Sam's care team for keeping our boy Sam healthy. While Sam is not a doctor, we do encourage you to check in with your professional medical care team for guidance related to your own health.

And, of course, thank YOU for your patience, understanding, and respect for Sam’s privacy while he's been on the mend. We appreciate you!

#SamRiegel #CriticalRole #CancerAwareness

[Vergilius]

Ashley's little picture of Sam on the table for the past few months takes on a whole different meaning all of a sudden. So happy you are better, Sam. You're literally the best.

[leanderdegoede]

Damn.... For a voice actor, having to relearn how to speak must have been terrifying. Glad to see he's doing well.

[AllieKitaguchi]

I hope I can speak for all critters and say that while having Sam back is a blessing, having him be healthy and happy is of the utmost importance. If there's anything anyone can do, any support than can be offered, I hope Sam knows he has it in spades. Love you, Sam! <3

[mattmitchey]

Stage IV colo/rectal survivor here. Glad you are still with us.

[SoutarDG]

Now we know exactly why he said "see you in season 4" he thought he'd be on a very long road to recovery, so glad he's doing well!

[JamieChambers]

When my daughter had cancer eight years ago Sam and other members of the CR cast sent messages of support and shared links that meant so much to our family. I'm so glad Sam received successful treatment and that we have medical technology to both cure and — more importantly, prevent — this type of cancer. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, people.

[Cryodrake]

For those who didn't notice, when Sam introduced his new character he had a neck wound and he was dying asking for his friends to help heal him, absolutely amazing acting Sam. I hope you continue to heal.

[argentfox]

It's so painful to see Sam cry... He always makes me laugh and forget my daily adult life struggles. Wish you complete recovery.

[dashabiletska]

I love the fact that they didn't cut the talk. He repeated everything for them to be able to make a clean cut and yet they didn't.
And Sam? All the love from your critter family. We're there for you every step of the way!

[licensegame]

When he returned in the live show his character had a wound on his throat and was gasping for air. The thought behind that is kind of poetic if you ask me. Swift recovery Sam and keep strong!

[howenhiem]

when i first saw laura say " im gonna cry" and her and ashley both cried when sam came back during the live show, i just thought they were happy to finally play with their friend again. To hear this, to see they all went through this with him and saw his hardest days. I get now it meant something so much more to them, because they knew everything he went through to get back on that stage. They must of been so proud of him. Our Faithful Care Giver 💛

[aa-oyil]

Seeing this man's bright smile dashed by tears and pain absolutely guts me.

[WolfiePH]

After losing a bit of his voice/throat/tongue functionality especially, Sam still chose to play another talkative bard with a gruff accent.
He's didn't just beat cancer, he's rising above it and didn't let it limit his choices.
You are the best of us Sam Riegel. Hope your recovery is as easy as being a lovable human being that you are.

[sinbushido]

"But mostly, I miss talking and thinking about anything other than cancer" Really put into perspective how dominating it is over your life. It's not just a threat or an illness, it's a process. It's survival. It's staying alive, but slow as possible while also having to somehow juggle the rest of your life because it doesn't just stop because you're in pain. And still coming back to deliver us smiles and laughter, in spite of wounds and utter exhaustion. Godspeed, Sam Riegel, Godspeed.

[Popers]

I work in the manufacturing of HPV vaccine and this makes me proud of the work I have done in the last three years that I contributed to helping prevent cancer like this. Please get the Vaccine folks its takes a lot of work from a lot of different people to make and can save your life!

[LadyoftheDreamless]

i dont even go here and yet when sam started to cry i did too. Im very very happy to hear hes doing better. I wish him a very speedy, but restful recovery.

[valeriekhall]

**immediately crying when Sam chokes up**

Welcome back, Sam. Take your time, & know you are loved.

[lalkorcan]

In Turkish we say “geçmiş olsun” meaning “May this stay in the past” instead of “get well soon”. May this journey stay in the past for you dear Sam, and I wish you and your family the best❤

[washtubz]

What a cruel diagnosis for someone who makes his living off his voice. You can tell he fought hard to get it back, what a legend.

[ShadowsAlpha]

Worst thing about having and battling cancer for me was probably that fact that friends and family couldn't adequately cope. All the more important is our job to talk openly about it like we should with every other disease - physical or mental.

So, thanks for doing so, Sam.