Erin Moriarty reveals Graves' disease diagnosis: 'The light is coming back on'
The Boys star Erin Moriarty has publicly revealed her recent diagnosis with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. In a candid Instagram post shared Thursday, the 30-year-old actress discussed her journey toward healing, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and self-advocacy in health matters.
'Erin Moriarty.'
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Television
“A month ago, I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease,” Moriarty wrote. “Within 24 hours of beginning treatment, I felt the light coming back on. It’s been increasing in strength ever since.”
Moriarty, best known for portraying Annie January/Starlight in the hit Amazon Prime Video series The Boys, included a heartfelt caption alongside personal photos and screenshots from conversations with her mother. The actress described the overwhelming toll the disease had taken on her mental and physical health before receiving her diagnosis.
“I feel nauseated tonight. I feel so shit and removed from who I am, I can’t live like this forever,” she wrote in a message to her mom — a window into the distress she experienced prior to treatment.
Graves’ disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an autoimmune condition that leads to overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms vary widely and may include anxiety, weight loss, fatigue, heat sensitivity, and changes in mood and energy levels. The condition is more commonly found in women and individuals over the age of 30.
Moriarty encouraged others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when something feels wrong. “If yours [light] is dimming, even slightly, go get checked,” she urged followers. “Don’t ‘suck it up’ and transcend suffering; you deserve to be comfy. Shit’s hard enough as is.”
The actress also acknowledged that autoimmune diseases present differently in every individual, warning against self-diagnosis and encouraging personalized care. “Autoimmune disease manifests differently in everybody/every body. Your experience will be different from mine,” she noted.
While Moriarty has been a central figure in The Boys since its debut, the show is set to conclude with its upcoming fifth season. No official release date has been confirmed.
Her openness has sparked support across social media, with fans and health advocates praising her transparency and using the moment to raise awareness about Graves’ disease and the often invisible nature of autoimmune disorders.
