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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Tom Bryant

Jimmy Osmond breaks silence after stroke as he makes 'inspiring' recovery

Jimmy Osmond has said that he is grateful to be alive after suffering a stroke on stage.

The father-of-four, 56, fell ill while starring in a panto in December.

He said this week: “I am enjoying life and this long overdue break. I am so grateful for my health and for your kindness and prayers.”

Jimmy, who turned 56 on Tuesday, also told his fans: “Thank you for all of the birthday wishes. I had a great time out with my family.”

Jimmy, who lies in Utah, was joined by his family in the UK after he endured a “crippling attack” while starring as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

He had a string of 70s hits, and is the youngest member of family band The Osmonds.

Jimmy said he was enjoying a long overdue break (Redferns via Getty Images)

 

His brother Donny, 61, said: “My sweet brother Jimmy has faced difficult health setbacks with his recent stroke.

“He has always been a source of inspiration to me.

“But now more than ever, it’s humbling and inspiring to watch Jimmy face a difficult road of recovery with optimism, hope, dedication and resilience.”

Jay Osmond, Jimmy Osmond and Merrill Osmond of The Osmonds perform on stage in 2012 (Redferns via Getty Images)

Jimmy was halfway through a scheduled seven-week, twice-a-day stint as Captain Hook when he fell ill.

When asked what keeps him going, he said: “Lots of biscuits! I don’t know, I grew up doing this.”

Looking back at his career, Jimmy - youngest of the Osmonds - said he takes any job offered through fear his career could come to an end at any moment.

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They have included appearances on British panel shows and a stint on I’m A Celebrity.

He added: “For me, I thought showbiz would never last. When I stopped performing with my brothers I was amazed there was an opportunity for just me - there was - I’m just so humbled and grateful that there is!

“I produce a lot, I don’t need to be the star of everything. It blows my mind that I find myself in this position.

“When I put together one last arena tour for my brothers, I thought ‘that’s it for me’ - but then all of these amazing offers kept coming and I said ‘Yes’ to all of them.

“I was the one who did the jobs they didn’t want to do.”

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