Legendary singer Art Garfunkel, best known as half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, has recently shared his longtime battle with psoriasis and its impact on his life and music career.
In a revealing interview, Garfunkel discussed his years of silent suffering from psoriasis, leading to a temporary retreat from the music scene, and his emotional reconciliation with Paul Simon, US Weekly reported.
Garfunkel, 83, has lived with psoriasis for many years, a condition characterized by red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. Despite struggling with this autoimmune disease, which often forced him to cover up even in front of large audiences, he kept his condition private.
The physical symptoms and the need to manage them not only affected his confidence but also constrained his ability to perform, compelling him to step back from the public eye. Garfunkel's hiatus from performing was a difficult decision, deeply linked to the challenges posed by his condition.
Despite trying various treatments such as creams, UV light therapy, and tar, which only provided temporary relief, Garfunkel continued to search for a more effective solution. His perseverance eventually led him to Ilumya, a drug designed for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, which provided him with the relief he had long sought.
Throughout his health struggles, Garfunkel was supported by his wife, Kim Garfunkel, and his family. Their support was crucial in his journey towards finding a treatment that worked and in making his decision to share his story with the public more openly.
"With a treatment that works for me, and the support from the love of my life, Kim, and the rest of my family, I am in a different place. I realized that sharing my story might help someone else who is still in the thick of it," Garfunkel expressed in a poignant revelation about his journey.
By sharing his experience, Garfunkel hopes to reach others dealing with psoriasis, to let them know that they are not alone and that persistence in finding the right treatment can bring the condition under control, placing it in "the rearview mirror of your life."
Garfunkel's professional life also saw new beginnings with the release of an album titled "Father and Son" in 2024, a collaborative effort with his son. This album marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his return to music and public life.
Additionally, the proximity of his and Paul Simon's sons brought a serendipitous reunion for the former musical partners, overcoming a period of estrangement. This personal reconciliation was sparked by a simple family dinner arranged by their children, leading to them reconnecting after many years.
"I know we met up recently for the first time in years. We had a period of estrangement for some years until he had a son who moved into the place that I live in, and I knew I was going to run into Harper [Simon], and Harper set up a dinner, and Paul and I hung out, the first time in years. And it was very touching," Garfunkel recalled about his reunion with Simon.
Paul Simon, also aged 83, is facing his challenges, notably hearing loss, but is planning a significant return from retirement. Simon has announced a 52-date tour, demonstrating his determination to continue his musical journey despite these difficulties.
This development parallels Garfunkel's return to the music scene, underscoring a remarkable period of personal and professional renewal for both artists. Their stories not only reflect challenges faced but also the resilience and enduring talent that have defined their careers.
Art Garfunkel's openness about his battle with psoriasis sheds light on the struggles many endure in silence. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capability to overcome personal obstacles and to reconnect with one's passions and relationships, even under the most challenging circumstances.
