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TV Creator Shonda Rhimes Overcomes Decade-Long Health Crisis, Prioritizes Wellness
15 Oct
Summary
- Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, feared she might not survive 10 years ago
- She struggled with sleep apnea and difficulty performing basic physical tasks
- Rhimes has since made positive lifestyle changes for her health and her children
In October 2025, acclaimed TV producer Shonda Rhimes opened up about a decade-long health crisis that left her fearing for her life. Rhimes, the creator of hit shows like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, told Robin Roberts that she "really thought like I might be dead in 10 years" due to her poor physical condition at the time.
Rhimes, now 55 years old, explained that she once struggled with basic tasks like carrying her 20-pound child on her shoulders. She also developed sleep apnea, frequently waking up "choking" in her sleep. "At a certain point I started to feel like truly feel terrible," Rhimes recalled.
Determined to make a change, Rhimes has since implemented a healthier lifestyle for herself and her three children, Harper (22), Emerson (12), and Beckett (11). Her journey serves as an inspiring example of prioritizing one's wellbeing, even in the face of demanding professional responsibilities.
