Cheri Oteri, the beloved former Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, recently opened up about her battle with breast cancer and the profound lessons she has learned from the experience. At 63, Oteri, who was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ earlier this year, reflected on her journey in a recent interview with People Health, sharing themes of gratitude, resilience, and the power of trusting one’s instincts.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/cheri-oteri-PEO-health-082026-1-b4da19ce0c3b418a88ce86128fbeee1f.jpg)
On 4 August, after completing her final session of radiation treatment, Oteri joyfully rang the bell signifying the end of her cancer journey. However, this moment of elation was soon overshadowed by feelings of guilt. “I almost felt not deserving. I felt I didn’t suffer enough to ring the bell,” she recalled, hesitating to celebrate as she thought about others’ more difficult journeys. Her friend and fellow actress, Camryn Manheim, provided a comforting reminder, stating, “You had a win. You get to ring that fricking bell!” This encouragement prompted Oteri to embrace her victory and reflect on her path with gratitude.
With a revitalised sense of appreciation, Oteri expressed her relief at having caught her cancer early and successfully completing treatment with minimal complications. “I feel grateful to have gone through this and feel like a champ,” she stated. After three decades of making a name for herself through distinctive characters and impressions on SNL, Oteri’s career continues to flourish; she recently appeared in the hit series “And Just Like That…” and was featured in the NBC sitcom “Happy’s Place” alongside Reba McEntire. Adding to her busy schedule, she is currently filming for the upcoming comedy “Grown Ups 3,” a project that has her excited about the opportunities ahead.
Oteri’s journey began with an annual mammogram that revealed abnormalities, a situation she initially brushed off due to the absence of cancer in her family history. However, after a biopsy confirmed stage 0 cancer, Oteri found herself in a state of shock. “When you don’t have it in your family, it feels far away,” she admitted. Following consultations with medical professionals who recommended a mastectomy, Oteri felt unsettled and decided to seek a second opinion. This decision proved to be pivotal, as she was guided to Dr. Sherry Ross, who advised her to undergo further testing, leading to a successful lumpectomy instead.
Her experience taught her critical lessons about healthcare. “Trust your gut. Get a second opinion,” Oteri urged, while emphasising the importance of regular mammograms. After undergoing surgery in April, and a follow-up in May, Oteri approached her radiation treatments in July with a surprising composure. Reflecting on her treatment, she noted, “I never felt any pain… and aesthetically, I couldn’t be happier.”
Oteri’s sense of peace during this tumultuous time surprised her, as she often found herself embracing the situation rather than succumbing to panic. “It was like, ‘Okay, what do I have to do? Boom, boom, boom,’” she recounted, highlighting a departure from her past tendencies to worry. This newfound perspective resonated deeply with her, as she embraced her journey toward healing.
The comedian shared insights into her upbringing, revealing a challenging childhood marked by her mother’s struggles with severe depression and the absence of her father. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, Oteri found solace in comedy, often using laughter as a tool to cope with her home life. “As a kid, I was a wreck inside, but I was able to make people laugh,” she said, underlining how humour played a defining role in discovering her identity.
Without a partner or children of her own, Oteri has poured her love into her close relationships, especially with her friends and their children. This support network proved invaluable during her cancer treatment. Despite the challenges, she kept a sense of normalcy, continuing with hobbies like pickleball and hosting dinner parties, where she showcased her culinary skills with dishes like cedar plank salmon.
Ultimately, Oteri’s journey through cancer has touched her deeply, prompting her to approach life with a fresh perspective. “I had trained myself to be on guard, but now I’m training myself to be grateful,” she remarked, expressing a desire to relish the simple pleasures in life. As she transitions back into her career and continues to pursue her passions, Oteri encourages others to celebrate their victories, however small they may seem.
Cheri Oteri’s story is one of resilience and hope, illustrating the power of friendship, the importance of trusting one’s instincts, and the profound impact of embracing gratitude even in the face of adversity.