**Michelle Williams Celebrates Friendship with Busy Philipps Following Surgery Announcement**
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In a heartfelt moment during her acceptance speech at the Actor Awards on March 1, actress Michelle Williams paid tribute to her close friend and former co-star, Busy Philipps. This emotional dedication took on an even deeper significance when it was revealed that Philipps was set to undergo surgery for a brain tumour the very next day.
Williams received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role in *Dying for Sex*, a poignant FX/Hulu dramedy exploring the journey of a woman living out her sexual fantasies in the face of terminal cancer. During her speech, the 45-year-old actress shared a moving reflection on the close bond between her character and her best friend, played by Jenny Slate. Concluding her acceptance address, Williams expressed her affection for Philipps, stating, “To the Nikki to my Molly — Busy — I love you.”
Unknown to many at the time, Philipps, 47, was preparing for surgery to remove a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a malignant but treatable brain tumour. In a recent exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Philipps recounted the emotional support she received from Williams before and after the operation. “Michelle won the SAG Award the night before my surgery and she said this really sweet thing to me,” she reflected.
Philipps noted the ironic twist of fate: “The serendipity, irony, was not lost on either one of us that she was winning the award for playing a woman who died of cancer and her story with her best friend.” This sentiment surely encapsulates the peculiar circumstances of their lives, prompting Philipps to exclaim, “This is a crazy story.”
Fortunately, the story has a positive resolution. Thanks to an early scan conducted in February, physicians detected the tumour in its nascent stages, enabling a complete surgical removal. Following her operation, Philipps was relieved to share that she would not require chemotherapy or radiation. “I’m kinda like good to go,” she stated, although she will undergo regular scans every three months for the next two years to monitor the potential for recurrence.
The notable actress, who has received five Oscar nominations throughout her career, was one of the first to learn about Philipps’s health scare. Philipps candidly admitted that, after a few drinks during a Valentine’s Day party, she shared with her friends her diagnosis: “Guys, I might have a brain tumour. How crazy is that?” She added that Williams was among the few who were already informed.
Upon returning home from her hospital stay two days post-surgery, Williams quickly took on the role of caretaker, ensuring that her friend was well-nourished during her recovery. Philipps fondly recalled, “Michelle had set up some food situation that was delicious. [She] was over a lot. I had friends coming by all the time.”
In addition to providing meals, Williams also served as a confidante for Philipps, who did not exhibit typical symptoms associated with a brain tumour, like seizures. The two friends engaged in poignant discussions about health and well-being, with Williams reminding Philipps of a consistent feeling she had been expressing for two years: “My brain feels broken.”
Reflecting post-surgery, Philipps joyfully stated, “My brain does not feel broken anymore.” Her journey thus far serves as a testament to the strength of friendship and the importance of support during difficult times.
For additional insights and the full interview, readers can access the latest issue of *PEOPLE* magazine, set to hit shelves this Friday. The bond between Williams and Philipps stands as a heartwarming reminder of the power of friendship in navigating life’s most challenging moments.