Movies

Kevin Smith Recovering From 'Massive' Heart Attack

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By Emily Surpless

The Chasing Amy director is in the hospital.

Early on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, Kevin Smith took to Twitter to share with his over 3.3 million followers that he'd suffered a "massive heart attack" the previous night. Posting a photo of himself in a hospital bed, the 47-year-old revealed that he'd nearly died while filming his new stand-up comedy special, Kevin Smith Live!

"After the first show this evening, I had a massive heart attack. The Doctor who saved my life told me I had 100% blockage of my LAD artery (aka 'the Widow-Maker')," Smith wrote. "If I hadn't canceled show 2 to go to the hospital, I would've died tonight. But for now, I'm still above ground!"

Smith further detailed his near-death experience on Facebook, stating, "I was trying to do a killer standup special this evening but I might've gone too far." He noted that he'd felt nauseous after filming a show at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. on Sunday (via E! News). He also described his chest feeling "heavy" and said he was "sweating buckets." Fortunately, Smith went to the hospital — specifically, Glendale Hospital — just in time. Still, as to be expected, the incident has made Smith reflect on his life.

"Death was always the thing I was most terrified of in life. When the time came, I never imagined I'd ever be able to die with dignity – I assumed I'd die screaming, like my Dad (who lost his life to a massive heart attack). But even as they cut into my groin to slip a stent into the lethal Widow-Maker, I was filled with a sense of calm," Smith wrote in the Facebook post. "I've had a great life: loved by parents who raised me to become the individual I am. I've had a weird, wonderful career in all sorts of media, amazing friends, the best wife in the world and an incredible daughter who made me a Dad."

While he admitted he'd "miss life" and would be "bummed" about never having made a Jay and Silent Bob reboot, Smith, who shares 18-year-old daughter Harley Quinn with wife Jennifer, said that he "was relatively content" with the possibility of death. Smith explained, "... I faced my greatest fear tonight... and it wasn't as bad as I've always imagined it'd be."

"I don't want my life to end but if it ends, I can't complain," he concluded. "It was such a gift."

However, as Smith noted, it just wasn't his time to go. And, as a result of his experience, he'll likely be making some major changes to his lifestyle — like adopting a vegan diet.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Kevin!

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