"50 Shades of Grey" actor Jamie Dornan found himself hospitalized last year after an encounter with a toxic caterpillar, as revealed by his friend Gordon Smart on the BBC podcast "The Good, the Bad and the Unexpected."
Smart recounted the incident, which occurred after a visit to a golf course in Portugal.
‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Actor Experienced Heart Attack Symptoms From Toxic Caterpillars, Friend Says https://t.co/NdRnGi8QF3 pic.twitter.com/ZxpB8z6ZXa
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) January 22, 2024
Initially attributing their symptoms to a hangover from the previous night's alcohol consumption, Smart and Dornan later realized the situation was more serious.
Smart described feeling a "tingling in his left hand and tickling in his left arm," initially fearing it might signal an impending heart attack.
“Jamie said, ‘Dear me. Gordon, about 20 minutes after you left, my left arm went numb, my left leg went numb, my right leg went numb, and I found myself in the back of an ambulance,'” Smart shared.
Concerned about his symptoms, Smart went to the hospital before Dornan did. However, upon Smart's return, he found that Dornan was experiencing similar symptoms and was subsequently taken to the hospital as well.
Dornan shared with Smart that shortly after Smart left, his left arm went numb, followed by his left leg and right leg, ultimately finding himself in the back of an ambulance.
Even during his departure from the hospital, paramedics requested a selfie, providing a somewhat unusual moment in such a situation.
The cause of their symptoms was later identified as potential contact with the Pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), known for its toxic proteins. Smart mentioned that these caterpillars have been linked to fatal consequences for dogs and heart attacks in men in their 40s.
Reflecting on the incident, Smart expressed relief, stating, "It turns out we'd brushed up against hairy processionary caterpillars and have been very lucky to come out of that one alive. The good news is it wasn't a caffeine overdose, it wasn't a hangover — it was a poisonous, toxic caterpillar."
Jamie Dornan, who began his career as a model in 2001, gained widespread recognition for his role as Christian Grey in the "50 Shades" franchise from 2015 to 2018.
He has received accolades for his work, including two Irish Film and Television Awards, and has been nominated for a BAFTA Television Award and a Golden Globe Award. Currently starring in the TV drama series "The Tourist," Dornan continues to remain active in the entertainment industry.
