Photographer Bryan Randall’s secret battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was behind Sandra Bullock's decision to put her career on hold for a year.
Bryan passed away this weekend at 57 after a three-year-long battle with ALS that was kept away from social media and news attention. Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a fatal motor neuron disease that deteriorates a person’s nerve cells in their spinal cord and brain, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
Having been with Bryan for eight years, Sandra was public about her step back from the spotlight this past year but had never disclosed the reason. Seen only a handful of times at premieres and promotions for The Lost City in March 2022, she told CBS Sunday Morning at that time about her upcoming leave of absence.
"I want to be at home. I’m not doing anyone any favors who’s investing in a project if I’m saying, 'I just want to be at home.' Cause I was always running, I was always running to the next thing. I just want to be present and responsible for one thing, and I don’t know what 'a while' is — I don’t know what that is."
Sandra and a team of nurses took care of Bryan -- whom Sandra called "the love of my life" -- at her home in Beverly Hills during his final year.
The two met in 2015 when Bryan was hired as the photographer for the birthday party of Sandra's son Louis. They announced their relationship later that same year at the premiere of her film Our Brand is Crisis (2015). They kept their relationship out of the spotlight for the most part, and co-parented three children together — Sandra's adopted children Louis and Leila, and Bryan’s daughter Skylar from his first marriage.
The couple's love for each other was apparent in their inner circle, with Sandra's sister Gesine Bullock-Prado taking to Instagram to commend her sister for her efforts in caretaking.
"I’m convinced that Bry has found the best fishing spot in heaven and is already casting his lure into rushing rivers teaming with salmon. ALS is a cruel disease but there is some comfort in knowing he had the best of caretakers in my amazing sister and the band of nurses she assembled who helped her look after him in their home. Rest in peace, Bryan. In lieu of flowers, please donate to ALS Association and Massachusetts General Hospital." ~Ireland Fidale
R.I.P. to Bryan and condolences to Sandra and her family. I hope Bryan's daughter is going to be staying with Sandra as her kids are now used to her being there and it would be a shame to rip the family apart even more.
i alwazs liked her but like some actors thez get into too much politicle and that isnt reali good all things considered ..hawd the footsie oor shanghi commoditz market oo todaee..ron regan_ dus anz bodz reelz know garbage
She's the sweetest person in Hollywood.
God bless them. RIP Bryan. ALS is a horrible disease.
God bless them. RIP Bryan. ALS is a horrible disease.
descansa en paz RYAN I mean BRYAN
This disease has been in the news a lot in the last 10 yrs or so. It is an awful thing and I feel so bad for them both . You never get over a loss like this , but you do go on. I wish Miss Bullock and her children the very best .
RIP BRYAN ,I went thru this with my friend..I took care of her till the end ((((,hugs Sandra tight)))) ?? hon it dosnt help I know ..but it's only one day in heaven is 1000 yrs so hrs ,,,, he waits one day till u get there.((((hugs)))
You mentioned that Bryan was a fisherman. When he caught your heart he knew you were a keeper and not a throw away. A fisherman is You proved your true love for him when you were there for him in his time of need. He will be watching over you and the children. I will pray that you can keep his daughter with you. God Bless and Peace be with you and your family.
God keeps Bryan in heaven, as he looks down to you and the children, and protect you from above with his love for all of you!
Sandra. My condolences. It takes a strong woman who are working, taking care of their kids. Especially loved ones who are struggling with health issues. Please take care of yourself.
Sandra, I am so sorry ?? for your loss. My mom's Uncle had ALS, and my husband's best friend at work had it, also. Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone could find a cure for this disease..... My husband and I have always loved you as an actress. My husband graduated from ECU in NC where we heard you went to college, also. I took Spanish at ECU, but graduated from Mt. Olive University. We both have always thought that it was so neat that you went there, too!! You have a great reputation in Hollywood, in my opinion. I can tell from your interviews that you are a person with integrity and humor & grit. God bless your family & you & your friends, as you all go through this difficult time. I lost my Dad in 2016. It has been 7 years, but I felt as if it just "hit me" a few weeks ago that he was really gone; and that he wasn't coming back. It is a difficult journey that grief is, but you can & you will get through it!! Be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to grieve. We love you!!! Steph
For the person who complained about Hollywood stars getting into politics, there were also Ronald Reagan, Arnold, and others. It isn't one sided. They have a right to do so if that is where their path leads them. My deepest condolences to Ms Bullock.
God give you strength Sandrs. Lost my love with ALS last December. First the trauma of it is uppermost in your mind but after a while you will remember him as he was when he was the vibrant man that I’m sure he was and you’ll smile and cry at the same time but those memories will get you through it! It foes get better. ??
My deepest condolences to you Sandra... you are such an extraordinary person and actress, whom for myself and my entire family love to see you and all your talents on screen. But know that I too have a brother in law dealing with this ?? terrible declining disease as my extraordinary Angel ???? sister has been helping and has been immersed taking care of her husband Bill for over 7 years with this 24/7 care. She, like you, are truly selfless and loving, strong and courageous - compassionate women with amazing ???? honor and compassion. Know that you are not alone with this and thoughts and prayers for you and your family are being sent your way. Keep your head high and know your strength within is greater than you know. Take care of yourself always and when time comes, you can find the ??? ?? and love you have all around your family and friends etc. To help you all. Praying for a cure too asap! You and all are in my thoughts and prayers. Tess
Why is it only white (or predominantly us Caucasians) get this ALS disease? What's up with that? And why with all the advance medical knowledge we have we cant do anything about it. I thought they said we whites are privileged...
RIP Bryan All you can do is take one day at a time. It just takes time..
AT least you had him for awhile,never ever forget that remember that always,he gave you the best of himself. You guys will always will have each other in your mind. Take care.
My husband died this past year. No words can comfort you. They tell me time will help … I just keep waiting for what time is supposed to do. It won’t bring him back. God promises us the comforter … I’m waiting for comfort. Half of me is gone. I have no brothers, no sisters, no children. I am truly alone. I miss him so badly as you miss your Bradley. You are strong and you have your children. God bless you and give you strength.??
In December my health took a turn for the worse I became very weak fast and could not even eat When I say fast I mean going from eating a full plate of food to three days later not being able to drink a a sip of water I went to VA hospital emergency room for dehydration and figure they schedule me for a feeling tube placement They admitted me and two weeks later I woke up to my standing over me in the hospital room this occurred during my second or third drug holiday from Radicava Again no way to know if what I experienced was a side effect When I was discharged I was completely paralyzed So i started on Ayurvedic treatment from Natural Herbs Centre as time went on movement returned to my legs and to my arms and hands Able to hold my head up and strength has returned I give credit to God and NHC for my recovery Almost forgot to mention I was on 24 hours ventilation Now only use vent at night and during naps Was diagnosed in 2021 with ALS, The website is naturalherbscentre .com We're a little scared to tell everyone because some people might not believe us, since there's no cure for ALS. But when I saw this post, I decided to share our story. This treatment is a breakthrough!