Sarah Paulson Praises Best Friend Amanda Peet's Essay on Cancer Battle

Paulson calls Peet's essay 'profoundly gorgeous' as she dealt with cancer diagnosis while caring for dying parents.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:19pm

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Actress Sarah Paulson praised her longtime friend and actress Amanda Peet for writing a powerful essay about her recent breast cancer diagnosis, which she received while both of her parents were in hospice care. Paulson called the essay 'profoundly gorgeous' and encouraged her followers to read it in The New Yorker magazine, where it was published.

Why it matters

Peet's essay provides a raw and emotional account of navigating a cancer diagnosis while also grieving the impending loss of both of her parents. Her story highlights the immense challenges many face when dealing with serious health issues alongside other major life events and stressors.

The details

In her essay, Peet revealed that she was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer last fall, shortly after her physician found something concerning on a routine ultrasound. As Peet waited to learn more about her diagnosis, both of her parents were in hospice care, with her father passing away before she could see him one last time. Peet's cancer was determined to be hormone-receptor-positive and HER2-negative, and she received her first 'clear scan' shortly before her mother's death in January.

  • Peet was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall.
  • Peet's father passed away before she could see him one last time.
  • Peet received her first 'clear scan' shortly before her mother's death in January.

The players

Sarah Paulson

An acclaimed actress and Peet's longtime best friend.

Amanda Peet

An actress who recently wrote a powerful essay about her breast cancer diagnosis and the loss of her parents.

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What they’re saying

“My best friend, Amanda Peet ... has written the most profoundly gorgeous essay about the loss of her parents, while dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.”

— Sarah Paulson

“Going to read now!!”

— Naomi Watts

“It's a beautifully written piece. All too familiar. Give Amanda a huge hug for me!”

— Ali Wentworth

The takeaway

Peet's powerful essay serves as a poignant reminder of the immense challenges many face when dealing with serious health issues alongside other major life events and stressors. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, support, and open dialogue around the complex realities of navigating illness and loss.