Published May 21, 2025

‘Dexter’ Star & Cancer Survivor Michael C. Hall, 54, Unveils Hidden Talent: Singing Like David Bowie

Details
Transcript
Save This Video

Thriving In The Years After Battling Cancer

Actor Michael C. Hall, 54, showed off his pipes in a viral video of him singing David Bowie’s “Starman.” Both Hall and Bowie battled cancer.
Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2009, and Bowie was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014.
Lymphoma treatment varies from patient to patient. Chemotherapy and radiation are often the primary lines of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms may include swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck, night sweats, fever, itching, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma achieve remission after initial treatment. Research published in the medical journal Author Manuscript found that “25% of patients will experience a relapse,” which means the cancer has returned and another treatment option is needed.

Michael C. Hall, best known for his chilling portrayal of the titular antihero in “Dexter,” stunned audiences once again—this time, with his voice.

The 54-year-old actor delivered a powerful rendition of David Bowie’s “Starman,” leaving many impressed by his vocal prowess. In a poignant twist, Hall shares more than musical admiration with Bowie; both artists have faced battles with cancer.

“Great voice. It is weird to hear Dexter then think about him singing,” a Reddit commenter said.

Apparently not many people know Michael C. Hall is a very good singer and even played David Bowie on Broadway as the lead in the play about his life.
byu/idankthegreat inDexter

“I am both shocked and somehow not surprised; if anyone was going to secretly be a rockstar without anyone knowing, it would be Michael C. Hall,” another user added.

Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2009.

While David Bowie reportedly kept many details of his cancer quiet, he was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014. The beloved artist passed away in early 2016.

Most liver cancers originate from hepatocytes, the cells that comprise the liver. The most common risk factor for HCC is viral hepatitis, a type of liver inflammation. Chronic alcohol use, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are also significant risk factors. Early symptoms can be difficult to detect as they are often subtle but may include stomach pain on the right side, yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice), itchy skin, and fatigue.

Musician David Bowie performs onstage during his “Ziggy Stardust” era in 1973 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Hall Faced Cancer While Filming ‘Dexter’

Although Hall is arguably best known for his role in “Dexter,” the series carries added meaning for him because he learned he had cancer amid his active filming schedule.

He chose to keep his diagnosis private from many people, including his co-stars, for a time.

He began chemotherapy the day after he finished filming a season of the show. However, his quest to keep his cancer diagnosis a secret became increasingly more difficult because chemo side effects, including hair loss, drew attention and concern.

“I really underestimated how much [other people’s support] would be a source of inspiration or strength,” Hall told The Guardian at the time.

Some people battling a disease or cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves or close loved ones. SurvivorNet experts say both approaches and everything in between are valid — it’s all about preference.

Hall reached remission in 2010.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that specifically affects the immune system. It targets infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes, which are a kind of white blood cell.

Lymphomas are subcategorized as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the latter being the more common type. Hodgkin lymphoma often originates in B cells, a component of the lymphatic system that produces antibodies to help protect against germs. When B cells are compromised, they cannot effectively protect against germs, thereby increasing your risk of infection.

WATCH: The type of lymphoma you have matters.

Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms may include swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck, night sweats, fever, itching, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and pain after consuming alcohol.

Lymphoma Treatment Options

Lymphoma treatment largely depends on the nature of your specific diagnosis. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, their cancer is more likely to spread randomly and be discovered in different groups of lymph nodes in the body. Hodgkin lymphoma cancers, on the other hand, are more likely to grow consistently from one group of lymph nodes directly to another.

Treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemo with stem cell transplant.

WATCH: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options.

Again, the treatment route mainly taken depends on the nature of the cancer and how it is progressing. As for Hall, he underwent chemotherapy, which helped him reach remission.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines remission as a “decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer.” In general, patients who remain in remission for at least five years are considered to have “no signs of cancer” or “no evidence of disease.” Physicians often avoid saying someone is “cured” of cancer because some cancer cells can remain in the body and could return years down the road (also called recurrence).

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, “More than 80 percent of all patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured by current treatment approaches.”

Understanding Lymphoma Recurrence

For many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, achieving remission through treatment is highly possible. However, according to research published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Author Manuscript, “approximately 25% of patients will experience a relapse or be refractory to initial therapy.”

A relapse means the cancer has returned, and the patient should consider another form of treatment. Treating relapsed lymphoma depends on the type of lymphoma the patient has.

WATCH: What’s the Risk of Relapse After Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment?

Doctors will assess the risk of relapse in a lymphoma patient.

“We think that the risk of relapse after initial therapy … could be anywhere from 20% to maybe 50%,” medical oncologist Dr. Michael Jain added.

For patients, follow-up care for a few years after treatment is important. During these regular follow-up visits, doctors give physical exams that include an assessment of lymph nodes, symptoms, blood tests to check for signs of cancer, and possibly imaging scans.

Between visits, patients should notify their doctors if they develop any new symptoms. If cancer does return, catching it early will offer the best hope of a second treatment success.