Peep Show actor Matt King has revealed he suffered a rare stroke that left him temporarily paralysed. The 58-year-old, best known for his portrayal of Super Hans, was rushed to hospital and has since shared an update from his hospital bed.
Matt King's Health Update
Posting a selfie with a teddy bear on his shoulder, King wrote: "It's true. I had a rare stroke of the spinal cord on Sunday. I was initially paralysed but was rushed to The Royal Sussex and the staff have been amazing. Can walk again, a bit. My legs were jelly, man. It didnt feel f*****g brilliant. Thank you for all the love and kindness."
Fan Reactions
Supporters flooded the post with heartfelt messages. One follower commented: "Oh mate, sorry to hear this. Hope you recover well. The secret ingredient is rest." Another wrote: "The fact you had a stroke and still had the humour to joke about your legs being jelly says everything. You're an inspiration Matt. Get well soon." A third added: "The secret ingredient is recovery!, get well soon mate!"
Support from Co-Star
His Peep Show co-star Vera Graziadei had earlier shared a photograph of Matt, writing: "Peeples, let's send some prayers and love to our dear friend and bloody brilliant actor and human - Matt @thatmattkingfella who needs it now. Health issue so send your love and support to him!" King responded: "Thank you to my beautiful and amazing friend @vera.graziadei for her kindness and words. I'm doing okay. They will rebuild me, at a cost of exactly six million dollars. I should get some sort of nickname out of that. Thanks for all the love. MK"
Super Hans Legacy
Matt portrayed Super Hans for 12 years in the critically acclaimed sitcom Peep Show, which ran for nine series between 2003 and 2015. The character, Jez's drug-addled companion, became a fan favourite. King continued to play the character during DJ sets after the show ended.
Audition and Role
Russell Brand also auditioned for the role, but King landed it. He told the Guardian: "No, never touched the stuff. I mean I've been a bit hedonistic in the past I suppose but never in the same ballpark as Super Hans. [Super Hans] is not a million miles away from the bad side of me. I get to act out the times I want to be amoral and not give a sh*t about another human being." He added: "We've all got a bit of that in us, Super Hans just takes it to the farthest possible degree. He has no moral compass. In fact, he's thrown his moral compass away and taken a sh*t on it."
