Mandy Gonzalez, who has been playing the role of Angelica Schuyler in the hit musical Hamilton since 2016, revealed on Twitter today that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. In an interview with People, Gonzalez emphasized the importance of early detection and expressed a desire for everyone to have access to mammograms.
The diagnosis came after an ultrasound last fall, followed by an earlier test six months prior that wasn’t entirely clear. Gonzalez underwent surgery in November and is still undergoing treatment. Still, she plans to continue performing in Hamilton while juggling her responsibilities as a mother to an eight-year-old daughter.
Gonzalez’s announcement follows similar stories from fellow Broadway performers who have bravely shared their cancer diagnoses, including her former Hamilton co-star Javier Muñoz, who revealed his diagnosis in 2016 while performing in the show. Other performers who have spoken out about their experiences include Tony-nominated Motown The Musical star Valisia LeKae and three-time Tony nominee Marin Mazzie.
Gonzalez has also performed in other Broadway productions such as In the Heights, Wicked, Lennon, Dance of the Vampires, and Aida. She is set to make her Carnegie Hall debut on Valentine’s Day with the New York Pops. Despite her diagnosis, Gonzalez is determined to share her story and support others battling cancer.