Big Brother’s Tommy Bracco shares terrifying & emotional health update

Tommy Bracco — an out and proud contestant from Big Brother 21 — took to social media today to discuss “a tumor in my spine.”

The BB21 player wrote, “I’ve been granted a miracle. For years I’ve known I had a tumor in my spine that would eventually have to come out. I waited for the right time, I saw MANY doctors who all gave very different plans (the first doctor told me I’m lucky if I dance again — which we know now, is not true). It has been a long road; I’m not out of the woods, yet but I’m gonna be okay.”

“Literally crying tears as I type this,” Bracco added. “That tumor danced with me on Broadway, got married with me, we traveled the world, went on my honeymoon and even competed on a TV show. And now it’s given me the greatest gift and that’s my family.”

The reality TV star also wrote, “There is no feeling like seeing your army show up for you when you need them. I am the richest man in the world because of my husband, parents, brother, family, and friends. I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am to Dr Bilsky and his team for taking on my case and giving me this gift. The doctors and the staff at MSK are angels on Earth doing God’s work!”

“Of course I was scared but I kept reminding myself all along that Gods got me, what was meant for me would be, and that I could handle anything brought my way,” Bracco concluded. “I’m just so glad this was what was on the other side. Now, it’s time to rest up for a bit, and then I’ll be back to dancing in no time.”

Tommy Bracco on Big Brother 21.CBS

Bracco made his reality TV debut in 2019 as a contestant on Big Brother 21. At the time, LGBTQ+ fans were thrilled to see an out gay man like Bracco doing so well in the competition.

Though he finished in fifth place overall, Bracco was widely considered a charismatic and exciting “narrator” of the season in his Diary Room confessionals. He was a great competitor, too — winning an HOH comp and two Power of Veto comps.

Bracco and his partner, Joey Macli, dated for five years, got engaged in May 2023, and tied the knot in April 2025, People reports. Judging by Bracco’s posts, his husband was by his side the entire time.