French-American actor Christopher Lambert, best known for his role as Connor MacLeod in the Highlander franchise, was hospitalised after suffering a medical emergency at Steel City Con in Pittsburgh this weekend. The 69-year-old was signing autographs when he 'suddenly collapsed', according to a witness, and was taken to hospital via ambulance.
Convention organisers confirm departure
Organisers later confirmed on Facebook that Lambert had to leave the event due to a 'personal issue', with a return time to be determined and his photo op cancelled. Concerned fans took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery, with one attendee, Beth Monroe, writing: 'I was getting an autograph from him when it happened. I hope he's going to be okay.'
Reps say actor is 'perfectly OK'
Fortunately, Lambert's representatives said he is 'perfectly OK' and resting in his hotel. They attributed the fainting to a drop in blood sugar caused by a lack of sleep the night before and not eating much that day. After some downtime, the convention announced he would return for its second day, sharing on social media: 'Christopher Lambert will be attending Sunday. He will be there at 11:30 AM.'
Lambert is also due to attend FAN EXPO Chicago next week, which his team insists he will be well enough to do. This is not his first health scare in recent years; last March, he suffered a 'serious accident' after falling down stairs at his hotel, forcing him to withdraw from a scheduled appearance at Swedish sci-fi convention SciFi World. He underwent physical therapy for a back injury just weeks before filming began for his latest project, Tulipomania.
Career and legacy
Lambert became a cultural icon thanks to the international success of the Highlander franchise, in which he played an immortal Scottish swordsman. Speaking in 2018, he shared: 'New generations keep being introduced to the movie. All these years later, it is still a cult film. I think that's down to the vision of the director and the incredible soundtrack by Queen.'
Beyond Highlander, his career has spanned action, thriller, and science fiction films, with recent appearances in 2025's The Creeps and 2024's Falla Girare 2. In 2023, he lent his voice and likeness to a Raiden skin in Mortal Kombat 1. While still active in the industry, he is often found at conventions meeting fans.
