Art Garfunkel of Simon & Garfunkel Reveals Longtime Health Struggle
While legendary musician of Simon & Garfunkel has stayed mostly out of the public eye recently, the 83-year-old Grammy winner is speaking out at last about something he's secretly struggled with for decades.
In a new interview with People, Garfunkel revealed that he's been "quietly" fighting psoriasis for a long time — but he's finally ready to open up about the uncomfortable condition.
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"Psoriasis is something I lived with quietly for many years. It was part of my life even during my most public moments, including on tours, but I rarely, if ever, spoke about it," Garfunkel said. "I found ways to cover it on stage, in photos and in my day-to-day life. It's not something people would have known by looking at me, but it was always there, under the surface. I am just glad it never made its way into the music."
Garfunkel went on to detail the various remedies he tried throughout his life, with little to no success.
"My treatment journey was long, and it wasn't easy. Over the course of decades, I tried many approaches — different creams, remedies, even treatments involving UV light and tar," he said. "I remember being completely covered in tar; what a mess. Some gave me temporary relief, but nothing really lasted — it was a frustrating cycle."
Finally, Garfunkel was introduced to the biologic ILUMYA by his dermatologist.
"After my first few doses, my skin began to clear up, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel the need to hide. Life started to change for me," he said.
The treatment was such a game changer for Garfunkel that he felt compelled to spread the word.
"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," he said. "I realized that sharing my story might help someone else who is still in the thick of it. By revealing my story, I want to reach someone who is struggling with psoriasis and let them know you are not alone and that there is hope to place psoriasis in the rearview mirror of your life."
Garfunkel even put out an LP with his son, Art Garfunkel Jr., in November 2024, titled Father and Son.
"I have such a wonderful family — my wife Kim and our two beautiful sons, AJ and Beau, are fantastic," he said. "We even perform together now, which is such a joy. Sharing the stage with them — and doing it while feeling fully comfortable in my skin — has brought me a whole new kind of peace. I am ready for everything good."
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