Sinbad's stroke recovery: 'Dead' limbs are 'coming alive,' family says
Sinbad in 2019, before he suffered a stroke. Credit: Getty Images for Fulfillment Fund/John Sciulli
Comedian Sinbad, who suffered a serious stroke two years ago, continues to slowly recover, with his family posting an Instagram photo Monday showing him gaunt and pale, nonetheless mobile with a walker and appearing determined.
"Sinbad appreciates all the love and support you have shown him over the last two years," his family wrote alongside the image of the 66-year-old. "Many of you have asked for updates and if there is anything Sinbad needs or what you can do to help. As a result, the family has created a site where you can keep up to date with his progress and also provide an avenue for those who wish to give."
At the donation website, the family explains: "The costs of therapy far exceed what insurance covers and it has taken its toll on the family financially. Many of you have asked what you can do to support us. … All gifts will go to the Adkins Trust to help provide for Sinbad’s care and help him continue to fight this battle."
On Oct. 25, 2020, the stand-up comedian and actor, born David Adkins, suffered an ischemic stroke as a result of a blood clot that traveled from his heart to his brain. Surgeons at West Hills Medical Center in Los Angeles performed an emergency thrombectomy to remove the clot, his family says, but a second formed, necessitating further surgery. Transferred afterward to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Sinbad then underwent a craniotomy to reduce brain swelling.
The procedure uncovered internal bleeding, so doctors induced a coma and placed Sinbad on a ventilator. Weeks later, he regained consciousness and showed signs of basic mobility. In May 2021, he was admitted to California Rehabilitation Institute, and finally returned home that July.
"He continues to receive therapy, fighting for every inch," the family website says. "His progress is nothing short of remarkable. Limbs that were said to be ‘dead’ are coming alive and he’s taking the steps necessary to learn to walk again. In his own words, ‘I am not done. I will not stop fighting until I can walk across the stage again.’ ”
"Sending gargantuan love and strength," wrote Cree Summer, who starred with him in NBC's 1987-93 "Cosby Show" spinoff "A Different World," in an Instagram comment. "Love you Bad!!!!!" commented Lil Rel Howery, with whom Sinbad starred in the 2018-19 Fox sitcom "Rel." Other entertainers posting supportive words included D.L. Hughley, Holly Robinson Peete, Larenz Tate and Gabrielle Union.
Sinbad, who began his career in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian, headlined the 1993-94 Fox sitcom "The Sinbad Show." His films include "Necessary Roughness" (1991) and "Jingle All the Way" (1996).
