Alison Haislip, an actress known for her roles in various television series including ‘Attack of the Show’ and ‘The Rookie’, has taken on a new personal and professional challenge following her battle with breast cancer. While undergoing treatment, she filmed her role in the much-talked-about show ‘The Pitt’, and she is also excited to announce the launch of her new podcast, ‘Big C Energy’.
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Haislip received her breast cancer diagnosis in August 2022 and soon found herself auditioning for the role of Morgan Stiles, a hospital lawyer in ‘The Pitt’. Faced with the prospect of surgery conflicting with her filming schedule, she feared she would have to withdraw from the opportunity. However, the show’s casting team expressed their support and made extraordinary accommodations. Haislip recalls, “They were like, ‘We’re going to see if production will get you shot out before your surgery.’ For them to be so accommodating… it just gets me emotional again.”
The compassion shown by the team behind ‘The Pitt’ stemmed from their respect for the medical profession, which Haislip attributes to Noah Wyle, the show’s executive producer and star. Wyle’s lifelong dedication to the medical community, inspired by his nurse mother, created a supportive atmosphere on set. Reflecting on her experience, Haislip recounted a moment when Wyle acknowledged her situation, stating, “It must be wild working on a show like this going through what you’re going through.”
As filming progressed, Haislip completed her scenes just days before her surgery in October 2022. Describing the day of her operation, she revealed, “It was the worst morning of my life.” With no prior experience of surgery, she felt immense anxiety. When she found herself in the operating room, a shared love for ‘The Pitt’ connected her with the medical staff, transforming a daunting experience into a moment of recognition and support.
Initially diagnosed with triple positive HER2-negative breast cancer, Haislip later learned that she was actually HER2-positive, necessitating chemotherapy. Shortly before she was due to start treatment, ‘The Pitt’ contacted her again, inviting her to return for another episode. With uncertainty surrounding her health and treatment, she candidly informed the casting team, “I might not have hair. You might have to wig me,” to which they swiftly responded, “She’s booked,” without hesitation.
During the filming of the finale, Haislip managed to juggle her treatment with her professional commitments. Given the impact of chemotherapy on her immune system, she was provided with her own dressing room on set as a precaution. “They took such good care of me,” she remarked, reflecting on the support of the production team. The unique structure of the show, which unfolds over a single day each season, posed additional challenges; Haislip noticed discrepancies in her wardrobe due to the changes her body was undergoing.
Navigating these complexities led Haislip to launch ‘Big C Energy’, a podcast that focuses on candid and humorous conversations about cancer. Drawing on her extensive career in interviewing and hosting, she wanted the podcast to neither be gloomy nor overly dramatic. “I wanted it to be funny and entertaining,” she explained, emphasising the importance of sharing real experiences to help others facing similar challenges.
Her first guest, ER star James Pickens Jr., who has also faced significant health challenges, embodied the spirit of the podcast. “He’s just as delightful in person as he seems to be on the show,” Haislip shared, highlighting the importance of advocacy in cancer awareness.
Looking ahead, Haislip remains optimistic about her health and future projects. While she will continue her immunotherapy and hormone therapy for the rest of the year, she is finished with her surgeries. Eager for what lies ahead, she expressed her hopes of returning to ‘The Pitt’ for future episodes, stating, “Let’s just say I feel good about her returning.”
Alison Haislip’s journey through cancer and her commitment to sharing her story through ‘Big C Energy’ reflect both her resilience and the power of community support. By opening up a dialogue around cancer, she aims to create a platform where honesty, humour, and essential conversations can flourish.