Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Hoda Kotb has been a beacon of light for many people, including actress Jenna Fischer.

On Monday October 21 episode of TodayFischer, 50, talked about how Kotb, 60, was an inspiration to her as she recovered from breast cancer. The starlet sported a pixie cut as she opened up about her recovery.

“I’m recovering after my operation. I watched the film Show today,” The office actress explained. “I got up out of bed and sat on the bench at the end of my bed with a cup of coffee and my big pillow, and I looked at you and Savannah (Guthrie) and Jenna (Bush Hager) and all these other people. guys , and you kept me company.”

The beloved host smiled, placed her hand on her chest and wiped tears from her face as the sitcom star told her that Kotb was the person she imagined telling her cancer journey to.

“I thought if I ever get a chance to tell this story, I’d like to talk to you because I know right now there’s a lady sitting with her pillow on a bench at the foot of her bed, and she’s wondering ‘what’s next for me?’ and I just want to say, ‘No, you’re getting off that couch,'” the Blades of glory actress stated.

“Just like this girl here!” said the journalist, pointing to Fischer.

“Just like I did!” Fischer exclaimed. “You’re going to get your life back. You’re not even going to believe in all the beauty and wonder that awaits you on this journey.”

Earlier this month, the Emmy-nominated actress revealed via Instagram that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 triple positive breast cancer in December 2023 – which required her to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She also announced that she was cancer-free at the time of writing her post.

Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and subsequently underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She has been cancer-free since then.

In September, the long-running morning show host announced she was leaving Today. Her official last day has not yet been determined, but it will be sometime in early 2025.