Photo Credit: Getty Images
Carrie Preston, known for her sharp wit and presence on the hit show Elsbeth, recently opened up about a deeply personal and unexpected health scare. Appearing on Busy This Week, the actress revealed she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. What began as an ordinary mole on her cheek turned into a medical wake-up call—one she's handling with honesty, style, and a dash of sparkle.
Wearing a line of rhinestones on her cheek during the show, Preston explained the decorative twist had a deeper meaning—it was covering a healing scar from her recent surgery. The jewels weren't just for flair. They covered the aftermath of a procedure to remove the cancerous mole, which she learned about on the very last day of filming Season 2 of Elsbeth. Despite her initial shock and hesitation, Preston eventually confided in her costars Mary-Louise Parker, Retta, Alyssa Milano, and Elizabeth Lail. Their response, she shared, was nothing short of beautiful.
"These women just rallied around me," she said, visibly emotional. "I didn't want to tell people at first because I was shocked, and even a little ashamed. I kept wondering, 'What did I do wrong?'" But any fear was quickly met with love—Mary-Louise Parker immediately got her in touch with a doctor, and Preston had a medical appointment set within days.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer. Though commonly appearing on areas exposed to the sun like the head and neck, it can show up anywhere and affect people of all skin tones. Preston underwent Mohs surgery, a highly effective procedure for removing skin cancer with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. As she continues healing, she wears silicone scar strips—but with her own unique twist.
"If I'm going to wear something on my face, I'm going to make it fashion," she joked, showing off the glittering facial gems. "I went and got some jewels! And now I'm basically wearing what the kids wear to raves—on my face!"
In true Carrie Preston style, she's turning a painful experience into a moment of bold self-expression, reminding fans that courage can shine just as brightly as any rhinestone.
