Deja Vu, the beloved long-time announcer on Live with Kelly and Mark, has bravely opened up about her battle with a rare medical condition that caused her face to become partially paralyzed.
For months, Deja has been privately battling Bell’s palsy, a rare condition that left her with facial paralysis. Though she has shared glimpses of her journey on social media, she hadn’t publicly discussed it until Monday’s live broadcast.
During the episode, hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos encouraged Deja to share her story with the audience. With a sense of courage, Deja spoke candidly about her diagnosis.
“I was hit with Bell’s palsy while we were at the Oscars,” Deja revealed, her voice steady as she adjusted her black face mask, covering her nose and mouth.
The condition, which causes sudden paralysis on one side of the face, left Deja’s right side visibly drooping. She spoke from the left side of her mouth, describing how the right side of her face had “fallen to the side.”
“It’s all kind of pushed over here,” she said, pointing to the affected side. “But it’s not too bad. It’s just a bit inconvenient.”
Deja first began experiencing these symptoms after returning from the Oscars, which took place on March 15. Despite the unexpected setback, Deja expressed gratitude for the support she’s received from fans and the viewers of Live.
Kelly, ever the supportive co-host, praised Deja for pushing through this health challenge with such grace. “You’re such a trooper,” Kelly told her.
Although Deja admitted that she wasn’t in significant pain, she acknowledged the emotional toll of dealing with the condition. “It’s more of a nuisance than anything, but I’m grateful that it’s not worse,” she shared. “It just takes time. Everyone’s journey with Bell’s palsy is different.”
To aid her recovery, Deja has been undergoing medication and exploring holistic treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture. “I’m doing everything I can to get through it,” she added, offering thanks to her supporters.
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden, temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face. Though its exact cause is unknown, it is sometimes linked to viral infections. Symptoms may include drooping of the mouth, difficulty closing one eye, drooling, and altered taste. Most people recover fully within a few months, but some may experience long-term effects.
Bell’s palsy affects around 100,000 people each year in the UK, and there’s a 1 in 60 chance of developing the condition in a lifetime. While recovery is often expected within three to six months, treatment may include corticosteroids, physical therapy, and antiviral medications.
Deja Vu has been a constant presence on Live with Kelly and Mark since 2021, offering her warm voice and reliable support behind the scenes. Fans have seen her occasionally fill in for Kelly as a co-host, and she has earned their affection and admiration over the years. As she continues her journey through this health battle, her strength and openness continue to inspire.
Sending all our love to Deja as she fights through this challenging time – your courage is truly incredible. 💖
