19 Oct Tony Robinson’s Prostate Cancer Story

Tony Robinson has been living with prostate cancer for around 14 years — and wants men to stop letting embarrassment prevent them from seeking medical advice

Tony Robinson, best known for playing the wonderfully hapless Baldrick in Blackadder, has spoken openly about living with prostate cancer and why he believes more men need to take their health seriously.

The much-loved actor revealed that he has been managing the condition for more than a decade, with regular medical appointments and MRI scans helping doctors monitor his health.

“I’ve been living with prostate cancer for 13 or 14 years now, and it’s always been fine, but I do have these checks.”

Although his own condition has remained stable, Tony is concerned that embarrassment and outdated ideas about prostate examinations still discourage some men from speaking to their doctors.

He admitted that he had only recently discovered how much the approach to investigating prostate cancer had changed, particularly the use of blood tests and scans.

Tony believes many men still associate prostate examinations with uncomfortable physical checks and would rather avoid the subject altogether. After realising how common these misconceptions might be, he contacted a prostate cancer charity and offered to help raise awareness through radio interviews.

His message was straightforward: worrying about an embarrassing examination should never be more important than looking after your health.

“It’s such a vile disease. If it really gets going, the idea of being ‘Oh I don’t want anyone messing there’, it’s foolish.”

Away from discussing his health, Tony also reflected on his extraordinary career and the good fortune of being part of Blackadder, alongside Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Rik Mayall.

Looking back on those years, he said:

“Incredible. What a blessing is that?… I’m the luckiest bunny there is.”

It’s a lovely reflection from an actor who has brought so much laughter to British television while dealing privately with a serious diagnosis.

And by speaking openly about his experience, Tony hopes other men will feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking medical advice when they need it.

A reminder that looking after your health is far more important than feeling embarrassed about asking for help.