I want to share a recent experience from set that turned into a serious health scare—and one I didn’t see coming.
I'm currently working on a confidential Disney project (can’t say much yet!), and I’m booked for several days. As expected, my sleep and meal schedules shifted to match production's timeline. I eat when production eats, rest when they say rest. That’s just the nature of set life.
But here’s the problem: I'm prediabetic and on medication that must be taken with food—and on a schedule. I’d adjusted my routine to match production’s without fully thinking through the implications. By the second day, I was suddenly very ill and had to leave early. I couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I was eating well, taking my meds... everything should’ve been fine.
Turns out, the disruption to my schedule—especially meal timing—had thrown my system out of balance. I didn’t want to make a fuss, but production brought over the medics, and they found my blood pressure was through the roof.
Here’s what I learned: when I return to set this week, I’m bringing my own food, despite the amazing catering. I’ll quietly eat and take my medication according to my usual routine, even if that means sneaking in bites between takes. My health has to come first.
This is something we don’t talk about enough—how invisible health routines can clash with production life. If you're diabetic, prediabetic, or managing any condition that relies on strict timing, talk to your doctor about how to maintain your regimen on set. Don’t wait until your body tells you something’s wrong.
Your health matters—even when the cameras are rolling.
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Sorry to hear that happened, Matthew Gross. You're right. Your health matters—even when the cameras are rolling. Health and safety above everything else. Congratulations on the role!
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I am glad you found a work around Matthew. I hope it works out for you. Yes, that is something to think about especially if you have long days on set. Unfortunately, the film industry isn't the most flexible when it comes to working around people's health, even if you are one of the stars of the show. Jennifer Esposito has been very outspoken about this topic. She has celiac disease, and says that is why she was fired from Blue Bloods.
When I did extra work, I would take granola bars, or anything I could put in my pocket from crafty to set because often times you are sitting on set for hours. They would give you bottled water, you can hide items under your chair. Extras are always sneaking bites between takes. haha
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Matthew Gross sorry to hear about that episode and glad you have found a work-around. Not the same but I remember last year I was doing online acting classes which lasted 3 hours and I was pregnant with gestational diabetes. The teacher was understanding but I had to break away from training at times to test my blood sugar or have a snack
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Matthew Gross Thank you so much for sharing this; it’s such an important reminder. The demands of production can be so intense that we sometimes forget we can and should advocate for our health needs. I’m really glad you’re okay and taking steps to protect yourself moving forward. I hope this post helps others in our community feel more empowered to speak up or plan ahead.