In a heartfelt revelation, actress Olivia Munn discussed a life-changing moment in her journey towards healing after enduring multiple surgeries for breast cancer. Munn, known for her role in the film “Your Friends & Neighbours,” was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in April 2023. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she recounted her feelings of self-doubt and the importance of embracing beauty amid adversity.
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After undergoing four rounds of surgery, Munn was uncertain about her appearance and emotional state. However, the actress made the decision to attend the 50th birthday celebration of her friend James Marsden in September 2023, believing it to be a chance to reconnect with herself. “I was not feeling like myself and feeling pretty or anything like that,” the 45-year-old actress reflected. “But I thought this was a great opportunity for me to get dressed up and go somewhere and just see how I feel.”
Munn took the opportunity to glam up for the event and, to her surprise, found herself enjoying the experience. “I got all glammed up and did everything, and I was like, ‘Okay, I feel my best,’” she said. The evening turned into a joyous occasion filled with laughter and camaraderie, which she described as “such a fun party.”
In a twist of fate, the celebration also served as a backdrop for a significant milestone in Munn’s personal life. It was on this very night that her now-husband, comedian John Mulaney, chose to propose to her at their hotel. Munn recounted Mulaney’s thoughtful approach: “He was like, ‘I knew that you would want to feel really great, and I wanted to give you that moment… I thought, ‘This is the perfect time to do it.’”
Reflecting on the proposal, Munn expressed gratitude that she decided to attend the birthday party, as it created the perfect setting for Mulaney’s romantic gesture. “If I didn’t go to that party, he would have eventually proposed, but it was just, it would not have happened that day in that moment, and it was just such a perfect, perfect moment,” she added, highlighting the coincidence that shaped her life.
After celebrating their engagement, Munn and Mulaney, 43, married during the Fourth of July weekend in 2024, adding another cherished chapter to their love story. Munn continues to thrive professionally, starring alongside Marsden, 52, in the second season of Apple TV’s “Your Friends & Neighbours.” Munn expressed excitement about returning for another season of the show, describing her enthusiasm for the writing and character depth.
“The first season — when I read the script — everything was so intertwined. It all kind of came back together, and I really enjoyed the mystery of that,” Munn explained. She shared her enthusiasm for portraying a character filled with a complex blend of emotions. “You know, the feeling of regret and shame, and justification, and indignation … how do I encompass all of those feelings at once?” she questioned.
The actress’s dedication to embodying her character’s experiences speaks volumes about her commitment to storytelling. “And also drive forward through the plot line, which is, you know, trying to get back into the good graces of people who hate [my character],” she added, highlighting the layers beneath her role.
With new episodes of “Your Friends & Neighbours” available for streaming exclusively on Apple TV, Munn’s journey both personally and professionally continues to inspire many. Through her experiences, she reminds audiences about the power of resilience and the importance of recognising moments of beauty, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.