It's Been A While 

Ashley's little picture of Sam on the table for the past few months takes on a whole different meaning all of a sudden. So happy you are better, Sam. You're literally the best.

Damn.... For a voice actor, having to relearn how to speak must have been terrifying. Glad to see he's doing well.

Now we know exactly why he said "see you in season 4" he thought he'd be on a very long road to recovery, so glad he's doing well!

"But mostly, I miss talking and thinking about anything other than cancer" Really put into perspective how dominating it is over your life. It's not just a threat or an illness, it's a process. It's survival. It's staying alive, but slow as possible while also having to somehow juggle the rest of your life because it doesn't just stop because you're in pain. And still coming back to deliver us smiles and laughter, in spite of wounds and utter exhaustion. Godspeed, Sam Riegel, Godspeed.

I hope I can speak for all critters and say that while having Sam back is a blessing, having him be healthy and happy is of the utmost importance. If there's anything anyone can do, any support than can be offered, I hope Sam knows he has it in spades. Love you, Sam!

For those who didn't notice, when Sam introduced his new character he had a neck wound and he was dying asking for his friends to help heal him, absolutely amazing acting Sam. I hope you continue to heal.

In Turkish we say “geçmiş olsun” meaning “May this stay in the past” instead of “get well soon”. May this journey stay in the past for you dear Sam, and I wish you and your family the best❤

Not me thinking he was going to bait and switch with something like "but most of all, I missed telling you about our sponsors." 😭 Recover well, Sam. ❤

when i first saw laura say " im gonna cry" and her and ashley both cried when sam came back during the live show, i just thought they were happy to finally play with their friend again. To hear this, to see they all went through this with him and saw his hardest days. I get now it meant something so much more to them, because they knew everything he went through to get back on that stage. They must of been so proud of him. Our Faithful Care Giver 💛

After losing a bit of his voice/throat/tongue functionality especially, Sam still chose to play another talkative bard with a gruff accent. He's didn't just beat cancer, he's rising above it and didn't let it limit his choices. You are the best of us Sam Riegel. Hope your recovery is as easy as being a lovable human being that you are.

I work in the manufacturing of HPV vaccine and this makes me proud of the work I have done in the last three years that I contributed to helping prevent cancer like this. Please get the Vaccine folks its takes a lot of work from a lot of different people to make and can save your life!

Stage IV colo/rectal survivor here. Glad you are still with us.

What a cruel diagnosis for someone who makes his living off his voice. You can tell he fought hard to get it back, what a legend.

When my daughter had cancer eight years ago Sam and other members of the CR cast sent messages of support and shared links that meant so much to our family. I'm so glad Sam received successful treatment and that we have medical technology to both cure and - more importantly, prevent - this type of cancer. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, people.

I love the fact that they didn't cut the talk. He repeated everything for them to be able to make a clean cut and yet they didn't. And Sam? All the love from your critter family. We're there for you every step of the way!

Seeing this man's bright smile dashed by tears and pain absolutely guts me.

When he returned in the live show his character had a wound on his throat and was gasping for air. The thought behind that is kind of poetic if you ask me. Swift recovery Sam and keep strong!

"I miss thinking about anything other than cancer." I went though this at age 23 (14 years ago now), having your mind dominated by thoughts of not being around to see your wedding, your kids, your parents and loved ones is one of the hardest parts of having cancer. The chemo sucks, the radiotherapy sucks, but they only last for a few hours/days at a time and you can sleep it off. Being trapped with your own thoughts is one of the most devastating parts of cancer. I know this will get lost in an ocean of support but Sam, from the bottom of my heart, I'm so glad you're on the other side of this.

**immediately crying when Sam chokes up** Welcome back, Sam. Take your time, & know you are loved.

i dont even go here and yet when sam started to cry i did too. Im very very happy to hear hes doing better. I wish him a very speedy, but restful recovery.

*"That sucked even worse 😃"* Sam is such a positive and strong warrior.

"They saved my life, and I'll save theirs." This quote brings even more weight now in the context of Sam's battle w/ cancer. His friends and family by his side, helping him every step of the way. Stay safe Sam and come back when you're ready.

Sam, mate. You don’t know me but today I cried for you. Peace, love and light my friend.

It's so painful to see Sam cry... He always makes me laugh and forget my daily adult life struggles. Wish you complete recovery.

We love you sam❤ and hearing the word recover removed that dread I felt when you first were explaining. You are a core pillar to this community and I think I speak for everyone when I say you have our full support in your recovery 🙏🏽

The fact that Sam was dealing with this playing a happy little robot and still managing to put a smile on everyone’s face proves how much of a treasure he really is. We all love you Sam and we’re glad you’re doing better ❤

Sam crying about being back and Marisha's "We love you Sammy" offscreen broke me real bad. I had a benign skin cancer tumor near my eye and Kaiser Permanente doctors made it so you can barely tell where they cut. I'm calling to schedule my next screening now. I went to USC undergrad and Keck is one of the best hospitals and training programs out there! Glad to have you back Sam.

Welcome back Sam. My fiance has been in recovery for melanoma for 2 years now. Caught it right before it went to stage 3 and possibly spreading to other parts of the body. Love you man ❤

I've been fighting stage 4 cancer for about a year and a half now, and through the show, the cast of Critical Role has been there with me through it all. You've given me dragons and adventures to think about instead of the cancer, so thank you. I wish Sam all the best and a speedy recovery. Fingers crossed for the highest of Con saves!

I choked up with Sam. The pain in his eyes, but the *joy* there was, too. I'm so happy to hear you're healing and on the recovery road, Sam. We love you dearly.

Laura and Ashley crying when he came onstage makes so much more sense 😢❤

oh my. i havent kept up with critical role in a long while, but you were and are always great Sam. Hope that your recovery is continuing well and wish you all the best.

Sam is that one friend that is never in any kind of negative mood and always smiling; seeing him tear up was a hell of a gut punch.

Sam Riegel you may have played a Rogue, a Cleric and a Bard but right now you are a real Fighter! Keep fighting, beat that cancer into oblivion! Love and support from France Juliet

Sam encouraging everyone to get checked out if anything odd is happening finally gave me the courage to make a neurology appointment I've been dreading.

Cancer survivor here- I get it. When your whole live is cancer related it’s nice to be “normal” again. I hated being the “cancer girl.” But you know what? That has opened the door for others to talk to me and be encouraged! AND a lot of my friends went and got their colonoscopy because of me. One found stuff. So talking about it now is helpful to others and healing for me :) You’ll get there. Glad you’re ok! ❤

Hey! For us UK Critters - you will have already had this vaccine in school, if you were in a girl year 8 any time after September 2008. (Thankfully it is now also available for boys too, since September 2019.) If you missed this vaccine, it is free on the NHS for females under 25, and males born after 1st September 2006. If this doesn't apply to you, it costs about £180 - however if you have the means to afford that, it's absolutely worth it to keep yourself healthy. Contact your GP if you wish to get vaccinated, and if it applies to you - please go to your pap smears! Both save lives!! All the best to you, Sam 💜 (edited to add some extra info :) )

I humbly request that all the cast and crew give Sam extra hugs on behalf of the entire Critter community. So happy to hear that he's recovering.

My guy is not even in the campaign right now and still the greatest hero!!

God bless you Sam. You're a legend.

As someone who has battled cancer, "...but mostly missing talking about anything other than cancer." means so much. Fighting cancer takes your entire existence. Sam, I'm beyond happy and proud you're through this. 👏

One of the kindest, funniest, and most generous of souls on this platform. Wish you nothing but the absolute best on a speedy recovery, Sam!

As a cancer survivor, I cracked up every time you said: “guys, it sucked!” Yep. Been there. You have brought such joy to all of us for so long. I’m so glad to be your fan. I think your voice sounds great.❤👍

Welcome back, Sam Riegel... you don't know me but I think you are awesome.

Love and positive thoughts to you man. Anything health related sucks. And FUCK cancer.

My wife just received her "recovering" prognosis a week ago and she and I are still not done crying. Her stitches aren't even out yet. Cancer was the most brutal, tragic thing to happen in our lives. I wish you the best Sam. You have always been a shining light and beacon of goodness and inspiration. You deserve some peace, rest, and happiness.

I’m an opera singer. My whole life is my voice and the thought of having to relearn to speak is absolutely terrifying. But, from a medical perspective, I am also the daughter of a three time cancer survivor. My dad taught me that recovery is hard and long, but it is possible and so incredibly worth it. Sending so much love your way.

It’s crazy how many people would have ignored that symptom, he literally saved his own life. Getting real sick of hearing about cancer killing people, this was a very well needed change of pace. Thankyou for sharing

"I miss talking and thinking about anything other than cancer." My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in October and that statement truly broke me just now. When you or someone you love gets the diagnosis, it really does completely consume your life and thoughts.Thank you for telling your story. Much love and many wishes for a beautiful recovery, Sam!

Love you Sam, I have friends who’ve also been down this road. Please take your time to recover. You are a *beacon* of light big guy.

Sam, Thank you for this, and for advocating for the HPV vaccine. It's something that doesn't get talked about enough. Glad you are recovering well. Wishing you all the best on the journey!

I’m so glad you’re recovering, Sam! Thank you for the message and for just being you! Much love and good health to you!

Critical Role is one of the few things that helped get me through my cancer diagnosis and treatment. One of my thoughts the entire time was "I can't die, I have to see what happens in campaign 3!" I'm happy to say that I'm still hear after 4 years. I'll never be fully rid of cancer unfortunately but thanks to so many great people, treatments and a positive attitude I plan on being here for as long as I can. And I'm so happy that Sam is still here with us. Thank you Sam, thank you Critical Role and everyone involved. You do more than entertain, you give hope when least expected. And you came through for me. Thank you.

I'm 17 years old and I had cancer a few months ago. During chemo Critical Role was such a huge help for me. I've been in remission for 5 months now and eventhough that's not a huge amount of time it really gets easier. Do I still think about cancer every single day? Yes, I do. Do I still cry about it? Yes, of course. But thats fine. It takes time to be able to deal with that type of thing. Cancer f ing sucks. Thank you so so much for providing content that supported me and many others out there in such difficult times! I wish you all the best Sam

As a blind listener of the show, I appreciate your words and performances, Sam. Though I don’t have cancer, I receive injections in my eyes similar to chemo treatments every couple of months to keep blood vessels from accumulating in my eyes and tearing out my retinas. We all missed you and are so thankful that you are recovering.

I lost my best friend to cancer a few years ago. Every survivor is another victory over that horrible disease. I'm so glad you're okay, Sam.

I had it in my cervix and was able to have it removed. Thank you so much for your advocacy. We love you so much, Sam. I'm glad you are alive!!

Keep fighting Sam! In Denmark, the HPV vaccination is offered as part of the childhood vaccination program to children when they turn 12 years old. I was the first generation to receive the vaccine, and I am forever grateful. Today, I am 31 years old and do not have the same concerns as the men and women before me. Thank you for spreading awareness.

I lost my voice acting teacher to throat cancer. I can't imagine how terrifying it must be to get that diagnosis, let alone have it be connected to your job. I am so happy that you defeated it! Take all the time you need. ❤ We love you, Sam!

We love you, Sam. I wish you speedy recovery to 100%. Take care of yourself!

Lost my wife in 2015 to breast cancer, today would have been her birthday. Live every moment you can Sam and best of luck.

I saw the shirt and started sobbing. Sam I’m so glad you are doing so much better. Take your time, we love you, welcome back

I lost my dad to Skin Cancer almost a year ago exactly. And the worst part is he didn't need to die. He had refused getting radiation after they removed cancerous tumors in his lymph nodes. He didn't believe in science, didn't believe in people far more educated than him. He didn't listen to friends and family who begged him otherwise. Please PLEASE listen to doctors and other health care professionals, it can and will save your life. Much love to Sam and his friends and family, I'm so glad his story ended differently ❤

I love you Sam, I wish you a speedy recovery and I'm glad you're feeling a little better! Love from the UK

My dad died of cancer, and a large part of it was his putting off getting checked for over a year. Get things checked, people.

We love you, Sam! You have nothing but love, support, and endless amounts of affection.

The fact he re-started his sentences when he began to cry as if it wasn't okay to cry and it would be cut out, is crushing

Impossible to not get hit when Sam started to cry... All good energy and vibes with you, Sam! Take your time and have a good and nice recovery!

I lost my boy to cancer. Pancreatic cancer. One month after he was 18 years old. The most horrible time in my live. It was horrible. I felt so helpless..... It's good to hear this stories of recovery. It makes my eyes watery, but it is tears of joy. Joy to hear people that got it and are here telling their stories and getting stronger. It sucks. But Sam is still here. And he is getting stronger 💪

His little "I missed this" during the liveshow feels waaaaay heavier now.

That explains why Matt got so emotional when FCG died. Sam is an incredible man and one of my favorite humans on the internet! I'm so glad he's going to be okay! We love you too, Sam!

You melted this old mans heart love ya Sam, so glad to hear you are on the road to recovery may you always be blessed.

The “love you Sammy” when Sam starts tearing up (sounds like Marisha?) has me BAWLING So glad Sam is doing better🤍

This makes his return and the "Oh I'm gonna cry" moment so much more impactful - happy you're back Sam! We love you

4:50. Marisha speaks for all of us. More smiley days coming your way Sam.

This hit me a little harder today because my brother-in-law, truly fantastic human being, just found out he has cancer that has spread throughout his entire body. No symptoms other than a sore throat. He's basically at stage 4 with no prior warning. Sam... I admire and respect you. You are an incredible performer and a wonderful human being. Thanks for sharing.

This hit me very hard. I had a partial thyroidectomy and a large piece of cancer in my thyroid removed in December. I will be on thyroid medication and doing cancer testing for the rest of forever. Critical Role has been with me through my journey of surgery, adjusting to medication, stressing and crying about the change in my life. This team has been my safe haven. Thank you, Sam, for sharing this with us. Thank you for being you. Thank you to the CR team. Thank you for everything. For the support you give us, without even knowing.

Love hearing Marisha tell him she loved him during his pause. I was thinking the same. Stay strong brother!

My mom passed away less than a year ago from cancer. It took me about 20 min to be able to write this because I’m crying for her. She said the same thing her last few day, “bubba I’m tired of thinking about only about cancer.” That hit hard. I’m rambling. Stay strong Sam! You got this!

Thank you for telling your story! My wife had cervical cancer 2 years ago, and it was likely caused by HPV. Treatment was a painful experience, but the odds of her cancer ever coming back are now miniscule. We are also huge advocates of getting the HPV vaccine!

I'll admit, seeing Sam tear up and let it out a little like that caught me off guard. He is always the comedic relief, always cracking jokes, almost never serious. We all love you Sam Riegel, all of us.

Sam, I'm 12 years clear from my hpv cancer. I couldn't have done it without family and friends plus my sister had her girls protected from hpv at my request. Sending love to you! Too all who see this GET VACCINATED!

My most profound thanks to all the people who went to school and studied and worked and sweated and tried and went into debt and LEARNED to become the amazing healthcare professionals that they are. The healthcare SYSTEM can be so terrible and so frustrating, but the PEOPLE never fail to amaze me and to make me grateful. They give us the gift of their learning and care.

We love you Sam! Take all the time you need and so glad you’re on the road to recovery. Can’t imagine the fight you have overcome!

As soon as Sam started crying, I just wanted to jump through my phone screen and tackle him in a hug. I'm very grateful that no one in my family has had to deal with cancer, but I lost my last surviving grandparent unexpectedly a few years ago due to complications from surgery. So I can at least relate to the pain. We love you so much, Sam! Also, the fact that I went to my first gynecologist appointment a week before this came out feels like a blessing from the universe.

It's hard to see Sam tear up like that. He's always the happy character and I missed having him around. We're glad you're back Sam and I hope you have many smiley days to come.

After the reveal of Sam Riegel’s cancer battle, FCG’s sacrifice just became so bittersweet and how Sam’s cancer how affected the whole cast of Critical Role. This is saddest news I’ve ever heard! Thoughts and prayers to Sam Riegel and everyone on the Bell’s Hells campaign. 🌸♥️🌸 🙏🏻😌🙏🏻 🌸♥️🌸

Sam, I’m so grateful you have recovered and are still here with us. From the first episode of Critical Role I ever saw on, you have been a true joy to behold. You are a beautiful human being. Your wit and humor and tenderness shine through. Thank you for making this grim world a better place to live in. I wish you many more long and healthy years to look forward to with an ever growing list of dear friends and loved ones. With my deepest regards, I cheer your victory!

Cancer, took my dad last year. From every fiber of my being, thank you for fighting, thank you for being ok enough for a video, and most of all. Thank you for being alive Sam. I dont want anyone to suffer like my dad did, but you have always been, in my heart, one of the strongest people of kindness and joy i have ever witnessed. Lots of love sir. I know if anyone can make wishes come true, its you

Sam, there's a reason we gave you a standing ovation at The Greek: we love you. I hope you felt it--and keep on feeling it--and that it it buoys you as you make your way through the recovery process. Many of us have lost parts of our body to cancer, and on behalf of all I welcome you to the Survivor's Club. Life after cancer can be a rough, but there is a reaffirmation of life--a fresh gratitude for existence--that sprouts like a phoenix from it. Thank you for sharing your journey. And please keep us posted.

You all good Sam. ❤

Welcome back Sam, my dad had cancer when I was young and he luckily recovered but it was a long and painful process for him too. Here's to a very well deserved, pain free rest and return to what you love. So glad you're back

I was there in 2016. Cancer found on artery in my shoulder. It’s a horrible experience, but congrats on being on the road to recovery. May you stay cancer free.

That last part in the end really hit me. As someone who is a cancer survivor, there is nothing worse than having to think/talk about the big C every single day. When you're in the middle of it.... God, it's a constant reminder that you're sick that your life has hit the pause button and this is all you have. Thankfully having a support system helps, but yeah, it sucks. Hugs to Sam and his caregivers. Wishing the best.

Thanks for sharing, Sam. I'm sorry you weren't on a holiday like we all assumed. 💜

Dear Sam, Your story has brought me to tears. It's very brave of you to share this and I thank you for it. I've been clean from lymphoma cancer for about a year now. I can relate to the sudden shock you experienced when you were diagnosed. It's truly horrible. I'm very happy to see you're on your way to recovery. Take your time with everything and cherish your 2nd chance. I wholeheartedly agree that people should listen to their body more. It can prevent or put an early stop to many nasty diseases. Best of health to you & a quick recovery! - Oliver

As someone who has dealt with the effects cancer can have on someone’s life my heart goes out to you. As a critter and someone who has watched you, laughed with you and cried with you for years, I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery.we love you Sam.

I am a speech-language pathologist and work with patients like you frequently Sam. Throat cancer and the side effects of treatment are truly horrific! You are such a fighter! Keep going and thank you for sharing your story with us❤️ big love

My husband was diagnosed with a super-rare blood cancer. "I miss talking about anything other than cancer" hits especially close to home - it was The Thing that dominated our lives for years. I'm so glad Sam had such a strong support group and is recovering 💖💖💖💖💖💖

Sam, I've only just met you, as I've begun my entry into D&D recently. I love you, and I am so thankful that you have such a strong support network surrounding you with love. Wishing you a steady and decisive recovery. ❤