Quinton Aaron, who starred as Michael Oher in The Blind Side, is on life support after being hospitalized following a collapse at his home.
His wife, Margarita Aaron, told TMZ on Monday that he “opened his eyes today and gave a thumbs up” after being in the hospital for four days. She said he has a blood infection and has undergone a number of tests as doctors work to determine the source of the issue.
An update shared on a GoFundMe page on Monday afternoon also read, “Quinton has opened his eyes and has some feeling in his foot! He is still on life support and going through tests. We are looking at quite a recovery time and will need a wheelchair when he is released while he goes through therapy to walk again. Thank you to all of you for your support and prayers.”
Quinton initially collapsed while walking up the stairs after losing feeling in his legs, Margarita, a registered nurse, told TMZ. She added that he had been suffering from pain in his neck and back for a few days prior to the fall. While being transported to the hospital, Margarita said he was slipping in and out of consciousness, which is why doctors recommended life support.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Quinton’s rep for comment, but didn’t hear back at the time of publication.
In 2009’s The Blind Side, Quinton starred alongside Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Lily Collins, Jae Head and Kathy Bates. The film was based on a true story and followed Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.
The film scored Bullock an Oscar for best actress and a nomination for best picture.
Quinton has appeared in dozens of other films and TV shows throughout his career, including War Dawgz, Halfway, It’s Not My Fault and I Don’t Care Anyway, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Bad Company, Justice and Blue Lightning, among others.
