Joe Manganiello Says Illness Deepened the Pain of His Sofia Vergara Split

Joe Manganiello has described how a serious illness affected his marriage to Sofia Vergara, according to details from his forthcoming memoir, Bloodlines. The actor says the relationship had become emotionally distant while he was dealing with debilitating symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, rashes, exhaustion and intestinal bleeding. Manganiello writes that his condition became so severe he could barely walk. In 2016, he underwent emergency surgery that removed part of his intestines, and he says he lost around 60 pounds. He also recounts that the strain was not only physical: he felt increasingly isolated during his illness and says he begged Vergara for comfort, including a hug. He further alleges that she mocked his dog, Bubbles. The actor says that by 2019 his pain had become overwhelming and he feared he might take his own life. He writes that he gave away his gun because he was concerned about what he could do in that state. These are Manganiello’s recollections in his memoir; Vergara’s perspective is not included in the account provided. The former couple have offered different explanations for the end of their marriage. Vergara has previously said they separated because Manganiello wanted children and she did not. Manganiello disputes that account, saying they had tried to have a child, including through IVF and conversations about using an egg donor. He says his declining health made him worry that he could die and leave Vergara to raise a child who was not biologically hers. Manganiello says his health has since improved following surgery to reconnect his digestive tract. He reports that he is now free of pain and no longer takes medication. The actor, who is engaged to Caitlin O’Connor, also says he is open to becoming a father, describing his outlook as having changed after years of fearing he would not survive.