Tejal Somvanshi
Erin Moriarty, who plays Starlight on the hit show “The Boys,” recently shared news that changed her life. The 30-year-old actress revealed she has Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that had been silently affecting her health for some time.
In a heartfelt Instagram post this June, Moriarty described how she felt before getting diagnosed. “I feel so removed from who I am, I can’t live like this forever,” she wrote in texts to her mother. “There aren’t moments anymore, not even a passing 5 seconds, when I feel normal.”
Graves’ disease happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This attack forces the thyroid to make too many hormones, sending the body’s systems into overdrive. People with this condition often lose weight unexpectedly, feel anxious, experience hand tremors, and suffer from extreme tiredness.
Women get Graves’ disease about seven times more often than men. It typically shows up before age 40 and affects roughly one in every 100 Americans. For many, like Moriarty, the symptoms first seem like everyday stress or fatigue.
“If I hadn’t chalked it all up to stress and fatigue, I would’ve caught this sooner,” Moriarty admitted in her post.
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The good news is that treatments work well for most people. Doctors typically prescribe medications that slow down the thyroid or block its effects. Some patients eventually need radioiodine therapy or surgery to control the overactive gland. With proper care, most people with Graves’ disease can manage their symptoms effectively.
Moriarty started feeling better almost immediately after beginning treatment. “Within 24 hours, I felt the light coming back on,” she shared. In a message to her father, she expressed surprise at how much better she felt: “This is how I’m supposed to feel? I’ve been missing out!”
For about a third of people with Graves’ disease, the condition also affects their eyes. This complication, called Graves’ ophthalmopathy, can cause bulging eyes, irritation, pressure, and vision problems. Without treatment, the disease can lead to serious heart issues and bone loss.
Moriarty isn’t the only celebrity to face this health challenge. Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley revealed her own Graves’ disease diagnosis last year. Like Moriarty, Ridley initially thought her symptoms were just from stress.
Through her post, Moriarty encouraged others to pay attention to their bodies and seek help when something feels off. “Don’t ‘suck it up’ and transcend suffering; you deserve to be comfy,” she wrote, urging fans to get checked if they notice something wrong.
Her “The Boys” colleagues showed support in the comments section, with director Shana Stein writing, “So happy you’re on the road to healing.”
Moriarty continues to star as Starlight in “The Boys,” which will wrap up with its fifth and final season next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones (hyperthyroidism). While serious, it’s typically manageable with proper treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to complications including heart problems and bone loss. The condition affects approximately 1% of Americans and is seven times more common in women than men. With proper medical care, most people with Graves’ disease can effectively manage their symptoms and lead normal lives.
Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite, anxiety or nervousness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hand tremors, fatigue, heat sensitivity, and difficulty sleeping. About one-third of patients also develop eye problems (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) that can cause bulging eyes, irritation, and vision changes. Many people, like Erin Moriarty, initially mistake these symptoms for stress or fatigue, which can delay diagnosis.
While there’s no permanent cure for Graves’ disease, it can be effectively managed with treatment. Treatment options include anti-thyroid medications (like methimazole) that block hormone production, beta-blockers to manage symptoms like rapid heartbeat, radioiodine therapy to reduce thyroid activity, and in some cases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Erin Moriarty mentioned feeling significant improvement within 24 hours of beginning treatment. The appropriate treatment approach depends on the individual’s age, overall health, and severity of symptoms.
Several other public figures have shared their experiences with Graves’ disease. Most recently, “Star Wars” actress Daisy Ridley revealed her diagnosis in August 2024. Other celebrities who have spoken about having Graves’ disease include talk show host Wendy Williams (who experienced noticeable eye symptoms), rapper Missy Elliott, singer-songwriter Sia, and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara Bush, who were both diagnosed with the condition around the same time.
There’s no indication that Graves’ disease will affect Erin Moriarty’s role as Starlight/Annie January on “The Boys.” In fact, she reported feeling significantly better within 24 hours of beginning treatment, saying she felt “the light coming back on.” The fifth and final season of “The Boys” is scheduled to release in 2026, giving Moriarty ample time to manage her condition with her medical team. Many people with properly treated Graves’ disease are able to continue their normal professional activities.
You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or sensitivity to heat. Also seek medical attention for any unusual eye symptoms like bulging, irritation, or vision changes. Erin Moriarty specifically urged her followers: “If yours [health] is dimming, even slightly, go get checked. Don’t ‘suck it up’ and transcend suffering.” Early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and can prevent more serious complications.
