Actor Joe Manganiello is set to share his deeply personal journey in his upcoming memoir, “Bloodlines,” which is scheduled for release on 13th October. In this candid account, Manganiello opens up about his long battle with a severe autoimmune illness that has significantly shaped his life and relationships over the past decade.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Manganiello expressed his desire for the world to understand his true self. He stated, “I want people to know who I am, and I had to hide who I was for a very long time.” This new chapter in his life comes after a prolonged period of physical and emotional turmoil, which coincided with his marriage to actress Sofía Vergara.
The memoir reveals that Manganiello’s health challenges began shortly after he and Vergara tied the knot in 2015. He experienced debilitating abdominal pain and a host of other distressing symptoms, including fevers and severe fatigue. As his condition worsened—ultimately leading to significant weight loss and emergency surgery—the impact on his marriage became increasingly apparent. He describes the pain of his situation with a vivid metaphor, likening the feelings of his illness to “a gremlin in the control room of my body flipping switches.”
Manganiello’s health issues reached a critical point in 2016 when he underwent surgery to remove part of his intestines. This life-altering event required him to use an ostomy bag, which changed his lifestyle dramatically. During this challenging period, Vergara was a constant presence, even making crucial decisions about his medical care. Nonetheless, in “Bloodlines,” Manganiello reflects on how his illness strained their relationship, ultimately leading to a disconnect that he describes as leaving their marriage “devoid of any emotionality whatsoever.”
The narrative also touches on the couple’s lost dream of starting a family. While Vergara later attributed their split to differing desires regarding parenthood, Manganiello revealed that his health complications led him to give up on the idea of fatherhood. Following a series of unsuccessful IVF attempts, he could not bear the thought of leaving Vergara alone with a child who was not biologically hers.
While acknowledging the end of their marriage, Manganiello highlights that this is not the primary focus of his memoir. He insists, “There were things said and printed about me that were false,” indicating his intention to clarify misconceptions. The memoir is more about his personal healing journey, both physically and mentally, rather than dwelling solely on the dissolution of his marriage.
“I tell the truth in the book, even when it’s super painful,” he shared, emphasizing that his story is nuanced and complex. Manganiello feels that allowing readers to understand his challenges will provide a fuller picture of who he is, moving beyond the surface-level narratives often reported in the media.
Despite the difficult path he has walked, Manganiello has found hope and support in unexpected places. He credits a shaman in Santa Monica for guiding him towards remission, while also fostering a new relationship with fiancée Caitlin O’Connor, whom he met after filing for divorce in 2023. As he prepares to celebrate his 50th birthday this December, he expresses optimism about the future and the possibility of fatherhood, saying, “If that’s meant for me.”
As Manganiello gears up for the release of “Bloodlines,” he hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can inspire others facing their own battles. He remains grateful for the support he has received throughout his journey and feels a renewed sense of purpose. The memoir promises to be a raw and authentic account of resilience, love, and the pursuit of understanding one’s self amidst adversity.