A rising star from Netflix's festive film lineup has bravely shared details of a devastating health crisis that left him with significant brain damage and erased half a year of his memories.
The festive hit and a hidden struggle
Pierson Fodé, the 34-year-old actor who charmed audiences as Chet in the Christmas rom-com A Merry Little Ex-Mas, has revealed a traumatic chapter of his life far removed from the seasonal cheer. While the film, featuring '90s icons Melissa Joan Hart and Alicia Silverstone, has become a holiday favourite, Fodé's personal journey involved a gruelling recovery from a serious neurological injury.
Speaking candidly on the Hinesights Podcast, Fodé described a period where he was "like a vegetable" following the medical ordeal. The crisis began in 2018 with a seemingly routine sinus infection. He was prescribed antibiotics, but suffered a severe allergic reaction he was unaware of.
A life put on hold
The allergic response triggered dangerous inflammation and swelling in his brain. This led to a cascade of frightening symptoms, including seizures, blackouts, and cardiac arrhythmia. The most profound impact, however, was on his memory.
"I lost six months of my life from my memory," Fodé stated. He recounted terrifying instances where his short-term memory would completely fail mid-conversation. "You and I could be having a conversation, and I would start panicking because I'd reset in the middle of the conversation. I'd forget where I was, who I was talking to," he explained.
The erosion of his memory extended to his long-term recall and even his sense of self. "To the point where I would look in the mirror, and I couldn't figure out who the guy was in the mirror," he revealed. This loss, coupled with the physical trauma, plunged him into a period of depression and forced him to confront the fragility of life.
Recovery and a renewed purpose
Thankfully, Fodé reports that he has now fully recovered from the injury. The experience has given him a deep sense of empathy, and he is now committed to supporting others who have endured serious trauma.
Fodé's career has been steadily building since his debut in 2012 on Nickelodeon's iCarly. Fans may also recognise him from The Bold and the Beautiful, Tacoma FD, and the film The Wrong Paris, where he starred opposite Miranda Cosgrove. Beyond acting, he has worked as a model for major brands and is an avid motorcyclist and skydiver who volunteers with several charities.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas, the film that has introduced him to a wider global audience, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
