The 49-year-old is diagnosed in 2025 with Stage 2 thyroid cancer. Photos: Leon Jay Williams/Instagram
When Singaporean actor Leon Jay Williams looks ahead to 2026, the future feels like a fragile gift.
Diagnosed in 2025 with Stage 2 thyroid cancer, the 49-year-old tells The Straits Times in a written interview: “Being diagnosed with cancer does motivate me to live life with different priorities, and not waste time on things and people that don’t matter.”
The initial shock was crushing for the actor, known for Taiwanese idol dramas such as La Robe De Mariee Des Cieux (2004) and Green Forest, My Home (2005).
“Initially, I was devastated at the news, thinking I wouldn’t be able to see my daughter grow up,” the actor says. He has a 10-year-old daughter with his Taiwan-born wife, who is known only as Joyce. “Then after a week, I gathered my senses and decided to face it positively, together with my family rallying around me.”
That family support has become the anchor of his recovery and outlook. He credits his daughter with giving him purpose during the darkest moments.
“Knowing that I’ve lived a good life and done good with people around me, and drawing strength from my family – especially from my daughter – helped,” he says. “Wanting to make more memories with her motivated me to get better quickly.”
He is also more open about his vulnerability, hoping his experience might resonate with others.
“Everyone gets sick,” he says. “And I want to tell people not to be ashamed or hide the fact. We all have our own personal issues, for sure. We are not alone.”
In 2026, Williams intends to move at a gentler pace, both physically and mentally.
“I’m going to slow down my pace of work, and focus on self-care like resting and exercising more,” he says. “And the mindset will have to be positive, as I’m not out of the woods with the cancer yet.”
He is thankful for practical safeguards as much as emotional ones.
“I’m grateful that my family and I are financially independent, so I don’t have to work to make ends meet, and for having bought insurance so many years ago,” he says.
“Most importantly, I’m grateful for the solidarity of my family in my time of need. Everyone stepped up, including my in-laws and my 85-year-old mother.”
He says his wife bore a particularly heavy load, “juggling the household, taking care of our daughter and looking after me”.
As for his future in entertainment, he is unafraid of uncertainty.
“I think I’ve achieved lots for someone with my humble beginnings, so even if my career stops now, I’m satisfied. I won’t just do what pleases the masses. I will still find work that I’m interested in and has value. Or if I don’t work at all. It’s all good.”
Asked for advice for those facing the new year with their own set of challenges, he writes: “Treasure every moment you have doing as many things that matter to yourself, as tomorrow is never a promise.
“When faced with adversity, brave it head-on and do not be afraid to ask for help. You might be surprised that you are not alone. Remember to rest more, both physically and mentally, and don’t forget to laugh lots.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
