Anna Paquin ‘Determined to Stay in the Hollywood Game No Matter What’ Amid Mysterious Health Issue

Anna Paquin has been private about her health issues in recent years, but a source exclusively tells In Touch that she’s making big strides in her treatments – with devoted husband Stephen Moyer being a total rock and cheering her on every step of the way.

“I totally understand people in the industry, especially folks who have been fans of Anna for decades, freaking out a little bit when they see her walking with a cane or hear her talk about her health issues,” the insider, who has years of experience working alongside the Tell It to the Bees actress, explains. “But the idea that her career is over or that she’s winding down the amount of acting she’s doing is absurd.”

“Anna is not retiring, and she and Stephen are staying in L.A. and continue to pursue work both individually and as a couple,” continues the insider. “When you talk to Anna there’s no question she is confident enough with the progress of her treatment to continue to work at the highest level possible.”

Even though the True Blood star, 42, has been an Oscar winner “since she was a little girl,” for her role in The Piano (1993) alongside Sam Neill, Harvey Keitel and Holly Hunter, she still has “so much more she wants to do” in her career.

As she works toward that goal, the insider says she has the “most amazing support system” in the form of her husband and their twins, Poppy and Charlie.

Anna and Stephen are “very positive, fun-loving people,” according to the insider, who notes they have “refused to let Anna’s illness and treatment ruin their good time or shut down their ambitions for the future.”

“When you talk to either of them, they are the most optimistic and upbeat people you can possibly meet, and they’re absolutely determined to stay in the Hollywood game, no matter what!” the insider reveals.

This comes amid continued speculation that the X-Men star may be suffering from multiple sclerosis. In April 2024, she walked the red carpet in a long-sleeved, knee-length, black dress with a matching black cane for the premiere of her film A Bit of Light.

A source told Entertainment Tonight that the mother of two has been dealing with an illness that has caused “mobility issues” that requires the use of the cane, as well as “some difficulties with her speech.”

“But at the moment, she is fine and will hopefully make a full recovery,” the source said.

The television star also clarified to People that “it hasn’t been easy” to deal with learning how to walk with a cane.

Despite the ongoing rumors, Anna has chosen not to publicly disclose the details of her diagnosis just yet.

“I am extraordinarily touched and moved by people showing that they care and being interested and kind about it,” she told Entertainment Tonight at the time. “At some point, I will probably elaborate on my own platform in my own words. I’m just really grateful for the support.”