Dawn Lin has made a “significant recovery” after a long battle with her health that has left her family with mounting medical costs.
The former child star of the ’60s sitcom My Three Sons and sister of teen idol Leif Garrett was put into a coma in October 2022 after undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. Her co-star Stanley Livingston told Fox News Digital that the actress is still recovering and that she hopes she will be back on her feet by next year.
“I talked to her a little bit,” the 72-year-old said. “She was struggling with her speech, but she was communicating verbally. We hope to visit her in the next few weeks.”
‘My Three Sons’ actress Dawn Lin is recovering from brain surgery and coma, co-star says ‘miracles happen’
Dawn Lin played Dodie Harper Douglas on the CBS television family comedy show “My Three Sons” circa 1969. (CBS via Getty Images)
Livingston, who played Chip Douglas on the series, spoke for Lynne’s husband, John Reese, and said he was by his spouse’s side throughout her ordeal.
“Needless to say, it was stressful for my husband,” Livingston said. “And it was very scary… You can get insurance, you can get great insurance, but for people who are staying for a long time… there’s a certain cap on insurance. And then you run out of money. What will you do then?”
Reese previously told TMZ that Lin developed bacterial meningitis after being released from the hospital. She was transferred to another facility where she continues to receive daily treatment. Reese told the show that her first surgery was covered by insurance and she paid more than $2 million, but her couple is responsible for the remaining balance, she said. He launched a GoFundMe in June of this year.
Dawn Lin and her husband John Reese; (Courtesy of John Reese)
“For a while, she didn’t speak at all,” Livingston said. “And then, about three months later, when I called, she tried to answer some questions. I felt like that was great progress. She’s slowly coming back. And I… When she told her husband, he said she was now able to utter a few words.”He could understand her and she was nourishing herself.” …That gives doctors hope. ”
“We hope that physical therapy sessions will get her back on her feet by December,” Livingstone said. “It’s hard for everyone, and we’re talking about people who are 59, 60 years old. You never expect something like this to happen to you.”
Livingston said she is speaking out because fans are concerned about whether Lin’s condition has improved. Some of her surviving cast members from Lynn rallied around her and offered her support, she said.
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Stanley Livingston, speaking on behalf of Dawn Lin’s husband, said fans were worried about his co-star’s well-being. (Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
“She was my sister [on the show] “That’s why we’re so protective of her,” Livingston said. “She’s always been so nice to us and she’s always running around and taking care of us… She calls me her big brother and I call her my little sister. I did that” for the past 50 years. We all care about her. ”
Livingston said about two weeks before Lin’s health battle began, they had a “great lunch” reminiscing about the past. He never thought anything was wrong.
“She did not complain of any health problems or illnesses,” he recalled. “Sure, sometimes when you’re over 50 things come out of left field…but from the outside she looked great…When I heard the news later, I was shocked. At first I couldn’t believe it. “I didn’t hear anything from my husband. He must have had his hands full. And you can’t always believe what you see on social media. But when I called him… In fact, he admitted that it was true.”
Dawn Lin was ready to star in a new project in 2024. (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Lynn played Dodie Douglas on “My Three Sons” from 1969 to 1972. She went on to appear in a number of hit shows, including “Dr. Marcus Welby,” “Barnaby Jones,” and “Wonder Woman.” Before Ms. Lin became ill, she was scheduled to star in a comedy film that would begin production in 2024. Livingston said she is excited about it.
Dawn Lin appeared in several popular and classic television shows, including “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Barnaby Jones,” and “Wonder Woman.” (Rona Galera Collection/Getty Images)
“Dawn is remembered as a TV star on ‘My Three Sons,’ but most of us lived very normal lives,” Livingston explained. “She and her husband have a very good job and a great life, but no one expects to end up in the hospital for months on end. So how do people cope with that? Is it?”
“I think that’s one of the things that a lot of people don’t understand about being in showbiz,” Livingston continued. “They think that once they reach a certain level of stardom, the fame and money will stay with them forever. That’s usually the exception, not the rule.”
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
Stanley Livingston played a child actor in “My Three Sons.” The former child star said he and Dawn Lin remained friends for many years. (ABC Photo Archive/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
According to GoFundMe, Reese claimed that her life savings are being eroded by medical expenses. She said cards from her worried fans “made her smile.” In her latest update on Aug. 24, she also revealed that she is “vigorously advocating” for Lynn to remain in a rehab facility where she can receive the daily treatment she needs to recover.
“I think the outpouring of love, cards and flowers meant so much to her,” Livingston said. “She may not be able to respond or respond to people, but her husband keeps her fully informed. He brings everything to her. It can have a big impact on their recovery if they think they don’t care. But when you look at it all, the outpouring of love and meeting all the people who want to help can be a huge help. It will be.”
Although Lin is “not out of the woods” yet, Livingston described his friend as a “fighter.”
The cast of “My Three Sons”. Dawn Lin is in the front wearing red clothes. (ABC Photo Archive/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
“The fact that she can talk is a big step,” he says. “And it gives doctors hope that this person who is being treated can recover. And if you keep fighting, like she has, there’s a chance that better days will come.” there is.”
“This could happen to anyone,” he warned. “One day you may feel perfectly fine, and the next day, no matter how hard you try to prepare for something, your health can take an unexpected turn. Things happen. You can be healthy your whole life, and then something happens.”
“I’m not very religious, but I think if you have a lot of people who care about you and are rooting for you, maybe something can be done from above,” he reflected. “That’s what we’re praying for.”
