Soap Star Michael Sabatino Diagnosed With Parkinson's

Daytime star Michael Sabatino has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Crystal Chappell recently shared the news on Twitter/X. “Michael as Parkinson’s,” she posted. “He’s just fine, folks. We feel blessed and ready for tomorrow. Meanwhile, to quote him, he makes a ‘fine’ martini with that right hand…”

Sabatino’s big break came in 1982 when he played Chip Roberts on the primetime sudser Knots Landing. From 1990-93 he played another villain, Lawrence Alamain on Days of Our Lives . The actor then moved over to CBS to play Anthony Armando on The Bold & The Beautiful from 1993-95, returning for another visit in December 2006. From 1995-96 he could be seen playing another villain, Dr. Jonathan Kinder on All My Children . After playing Phillip Vargas on Sunset Beach, Sabatino had a brief run as J.T. Cornell on Passions in 2006, played Vince Russo on Guiding Light in 2008, and reprised the role of Lawrence on DAYS in 2009 where the character was killed off. Still, he made additional appearances in 2010 and 2011 as a ghost. Most recently, he has appeared alongside his wife as Alan Anders in the web soap Venice: The Series.

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that progresses over time causing muscle tremors, stiffness, trouble with balance, and slurred speech. There is no cure, but as symptoms worsen, there are medications that can help improve them and brain surgery is also an option to improve quality of life.

Fans naturally shared love and good wishes for both of them after Chappell’s announcement, and she was grateful for the support. “Thanks for all the good energy,” she posted the following day. “Always appreciated!”

Then, the day after that, Chappell showed how well they’re doing by sharing a selfie of her and her hubby in the car wearing headbands and eyepatches to celebrate their grandson Zeke’s pirate-themed third birthday party. “A good time was had by arrrr,” she joked.

Please join us in sending love to both Sabatino and Chappell as well as their entire family.