You might recognize John Lovitz from his hilarious roles on Saturday Night Live, his memorable performances in movies like A League of Their Own and The Wedding Singer, or even just his, shall we say, distinctive charm. But beyond the laughter and the spotlight, there’s a part of John Lovitz’s life you probably aren’t aware of: his decade-long battle with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition affecting millions. Yes, this comedian, known for making audiences roar with laughter, is also among the estimated 7.5 million people in the United States living with psoriasis.
Many might dismiss psoriasis as “just dry skin,” but John Lovitz is here to set the record straight. It’s far more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For Lovitz, finding the right dermatologist and an effective treatment was a turning point, inspiring him to share his story publicly. He wants to offer hope and encouragement to others facing similar struggles, letting them know they are not alone and that solutions are available.
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Recently, John Lovitz took a bold step by partnering with a national disease awareness campaign called Are You Serious? This initiative is close to his heart, aiming to encourage individuals to have open and honest conversations with dermatologists about their psoriasis. While “serious” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of John Lovitz, he emphasizes the importance of addressing this condition seriously, even while injecting his signature humor into the conversation.
His psoriasis journey began subtly, with what he initially thought were just “red dots” on his arms, resembling a simple rash. A visit to a dermatologist led to a prescription steroid cream, which provided temporary relief. However, the red dots soon returned, and with a vengeance. The condition escalated dramatically, with the red patches spreading and merging, covering nearly half of his body in scaly, inflamed skin. When psoriasis manifested on his scalp, the flaking was so severe it resembled a blizzard of dandruff, causing considerable embarrassment and self-consciousness. For John Lovitz, a comedian whose career is built on making people laugh, the situation felt ironic, almost as if he was becoming the punchline.
Over several years, John Lovitz navigated a frustrating maze of treatments, experiencing varying degrees of success but never achieving the clear skin he longed for. A casual conversation with a friend at a party proved to be a turning point. She recommended a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis. Heeding her advice, John Lovitz sought out this specialist and finally found a dermatologist who truly understood his condition and prescribed a treatment regimen that has significantly helped him manage his symptoms and regain control.
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Despite living with psoriasis for a decade, John Lovitz recognizes that public understanding of the condition remains limited. Misconceptions are rampant, with some people mistakenly believing it’s leprosy or contagious. Through his own extensive research and consultations with dermatologists, John Lovitz learned the true nature of psoriasis and now strives to educate others. Simply put, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It’s a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating their growth cycle.
This accelerated growth causes skin cells to accumulate rapidly on the surface, forming the characteristic scaly patches. As John Lovitz vividly describes, the physical discomfort was intense. The itching and pain would disrupt his sleep, and he would wake up to find flakes of skin covering his bedding and clothing. “Everywhere I went, I left a little bit of Jon Lovitz behind… only not in a good way,” he quips, highlighting the pervasive and disruptive nature of the condition.
Psoriasis took a toll on John Lovitz’s social life and self-esteem. He frequently declined invitations to events, especially pool parties, feeling too self-conscious to expose his skin. Even performing at his own comedy club at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles became an ordeal during flare-ups. He would resort to wearing long-sleeved shirts and jackets in the Los Angeles summer heat to conceal his condition. The fear of judgment and unwanted attention made him reluctant to leave his house at times. Thankfully, his comedic talent and self-deprecating humor became valuable coping mechanisms, helping him navigate these challenging times.
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While John Lovitz is known for his comedic persona, he believes in using his platform for serious matters when necessary. He emphasizes that comedians, too, have a serious side and can use humor to address important issues without trivializing them. The Are You Serious? campaign provided him with the perfect avenue to do just that. He wrote and produced TV and radio public service announcements (PSAs) for the campaign, aiming to inject humor while delivering a crucial message: people with psoriasis can and should seek professional help to manage their symptoms effectively.
Adding star power to the campaign, John Lovitz enlisted his longtime friend, Jerry Zucker – the acclaimed director of comedy classics like The Naked Gun, Airplane!, and Ghost – to direct the TV PSAs. The campaign also features a catchy and humorous Maroon 5 “This Love” song parody, penned and performed by John Lovitz himself, recounting his personal experiences with psoriasis. Leveraging their long-standing creative partnership, John Lovitz knew that Jerry Zucker could infuse the right comedic touch to make the PSAs engaging and impactful for the psoriasis community.
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You can explore the PSA and the parody song at SeriousAboutPsoriasis.com. The website offers a wealth of information, including behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, and an interactive Q&A section. John Lovitz encourages everyone to visit the site, promising an entertaining and informative experience.
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John Lovitz’s message to those living with psoriasis is clear and empowering: speak up and consult a dermatologist about how psoriasis is affecting your life. He notes that many people with psoriasis either don’t seek help or resign themselves to living with uncontrolled symptoms. Drawing from his own positive experience, John Lovitz urges others to find a dermatologist they trust, emphasizing the availability of numerous effective treatments. He wants to dispel the notion that psoriasis is untreatable and inspire hope for better management of the condition.
Concluding on a lighter note, John Lovitz asks, “Why be embarrassed about psoriasis? Nobody is perfect, right? Trust me, I would know. I make fun of people for a living, remember?” This blend of humor and sincerity encapsulates John Lovitz’s approach to tackling a serious health issue with openness, awareness, and a touch of his signature comedic charm.
