Home / Arts and Entertainment / Former Child Star Brandon Hammond Fought Rare Illness for Years
Former Child Star Brandon Hammond Fought Rare Illness for Years
27 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Brandon Hammond, known for '90s films, was diagnosed with Castleman disease at 13
- He was "fighting for my life" and kept his condition private due to agent's advice
- Now 41, he's creating a reunion documentary about the movie Soul Food
In 2025, Brandon Hammond, a former child actor who appeared in popular 1990s films like Space Jam and Menace II Society, is opening up about his health battle that sidelined his career. When Hammond was just 13 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called Castleman disease.
At the time, Hammond was experiencing severe chest pains, flushed eyes, and other unexplained physical symptoms. He traveled to multiple hospitals across the country, but doctors struggled to diagnose the issue. Just months after celebrating a successful night at the NAACP Image Awards for his role in the 1997 film Soul Food, Hammond found himself "fighting for my life."
Over the next few years, Hammond made only a few on-camera appearances, as his agents advised him to keep his health struggles private. Now 41, Hammond is creating a reunion documentary called Sunday Dinner: The Soul Food Reunion, which was inspired by similar tributes to '90s favorites like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends. He's decided to finally share his story, regretting that he previously remained silent on the matter.
