Two months after Hallmark Channel actor and “Hudson & Rex” star John Reardon publicly revealed his battle with tonsil cancer, he’s opening up about his challenging 2024, from his cancer journey to losing his beloved canine co-star.
In a conversation with podcaster Adam Lupis — released on February 21, 2025 — Reardon shared that he’s beginning to feel better. That’s allowing him to focus his energy on his wife and “Believe in Christmas” co-star, Hallmark’s Meghan Ory, their three kids, and moving forward with renovating their 120-year-old Canadian home while sharing the process in a YouTube series.
“You know, it’s been a tough, tough six months getting through and everything,” Reardon told Lupis, “but fortunately (a) good outcome. You know, I kind of wondered why I hadn’t been feeling well for a few years, and I think that probably was why. And actually, I feel probably better now than I have for a while.”
John Reardon Says He Focused on Family & Friends Through Cancer Treatment
Reardon disclosed his cancer battle on Christmas Eve 2024, sharing the news in a joint social media post with Ory that featured two photos — one of him looking strong and healthy from the previous night and another of him undergoing treatment.
“Last night was my first night out after my recovery from tonsil cancer,” he wrote in the post. “Has been a long road between these two pictures and the difference is from the love and support I received from my people in my life.”
Though Reardon has not specifically shared what his treatment entailed, he excitedly shared in early February that his oncologist had cleared him to work again and that he was “cancer-free.”
But work wasn’t top-of-mind for Reardon when he first received his diagnosis, he told Lupis. Rather, he said he was hyper-focused on what his family needed to keep thriving and noticing the “little things” he’d been too busy to fully appreciate before.
“I think that was the biggest thing,” he said. “As soon as I had sort of, you know, discovered what … was going on, I don’t even really think that I kind of thought about the, you know, the repercussions for myself. The beginning part was, you know, getting stuff taken care of for (my family).”
“But as the process went on, (I was) appreciating things that we have in our day to day that we often just kind of brush over,” Reardon continued. “Family, obviously. Friends…you know, the connections that you care about, and the people who are there and support you.”
“And then little things too,” Reardon recalled. “I watched a ton of movies, not really through the process, but more after the process and (during) recovery … the things that you enjoy in life become a little bit more obvious. And the things that aren’t worth the time become become obvious, too.”
John Reardon Considered Diesel His Castmate & Says They Had a Special Bond
GettyWhile battling cancer, Reardon was also dealing with the unexpected death of his longtime “Hudson & Rex” co-star, a German shepherd named Diesel vom Burgimwald. Diesel played police dog Rex on the popular Canadian show, which airs on UPtv in the U.S.
Diesel was just eight years old when he died, weeks after suffering a ruptured spleen, trainer Sherri Davis told the Toronto Star on February 21. He had already filmed the first few episodes of the seventh season, the outlet reported, but the cast and crew kept his death quiet, using Diesel’s nephews as stand-ins.
Six months later, as the new dogs began to appear on the show instead of Diesel, viewers began to notice subtle differences. As social media buzz built up about what happened to the original “Rex,” Davis confirmed to People on February 11 that Diesel had died.
Reardon told Lupis during his podcast interview that everyone who works on the show was “heartbroken,” and that he had forged a deep bond with Diesel.
“We spent a lot of time together,” he said, adding that they developed a bond quickly and that he considered him his fellow castmate.
“That bond evolved as as time went on and we really started to know what each other needed to do or was trying to do when we were filming scenes,” Reardon explained. “We kind of could intuit each other quite well over the years … and I think a lot of the the great times that we spent together were just when we were just sitting around.”
“I always get amazed when people question an animal’s capacity for understanding and communicating, because it’s just different,” Reardon said of his ability to connect with Diesel. “But they’re equally as sophisticated as we are. They speak different language. They speak, you know, with their body a lot, and they speak with their energy and their breath and their affection and so many different things. And I think it’s really just getting in tune with that.”
I’ve been rewatching all seasons if Hudson and Rex as new episodes of season 6 come out each week on Amazon…it’s one of my absolute favorite series…
I’m very glad John Reardon is recovering well from his cancer treatments…he is a wonderful actor…I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of Diesel…I just love watching him on the show as he is so beautiful & amazing.
I loved Rex and was so sorry to see his passing. I am happy to hear that John is recovering with his family.
I do with all my heart, wish he would return to the show. It was just getting good between him and Sarah.
I noticed that the new actor states that Charlie fell into the water and was not found. So maybe they will
find him next year and he can come back. He is already missed. I don’t think I want to continue to watch the
show without him and Rex.
I know, I miss him and his chemistry with the rest of 5. But I am glad he is spending much needed time with his family.
Egyetértek, nagyon hiányoznak!
Totally agree with you. I read that John was cleared to go back to work as Charlie but the production company didn’t bring him back. Never watching this show again
God bless the dear dog,and his dear Memory.I recently had a dog,a 5 year old Schanuzer who passed last month from bad Pancreatitis,God bless him.
I miss John, and Rex. I could see the bond the two of them had. John take care of you. Your next adventure will be as special as the one you had in Hudson and Rex. You are truly missed.
First, I want to say how much I admire John Reardon’s bravery in sharing his cancer journey. It’s incredibly inspiring to hear how he focused on his family and the “little things” during such a difficult time. His story really highlights the importance of a strong support system and a positive mindset.
His point about appreciating the connections with loved ones and even his special bond with Diesel got me thinking about the entire healing ecosystem. It’s not just about the medical treatment itself, but also the environment and the holistic care that surrounds it.
This reminded me of an article I was just reading about choosing a cancer clinic, which emphasizes finding a place that offers not just advanced treatment, but also a patient-focused experience and robust support services. It really aligns with what John seemed to value in his own recovery. Here’s the link if anyone is interested in that perspective: https://interfresacontraelcancer.com/choosing-right-cancer-clinic-girona-insiders-guide
I’m curious, for those who have gone through a similar experience, how important was the choice of clinic and its overall approach to your recovery? Did you find that aspects like a multidisciplinary team or psychological support made a significant difference in your journey?
I really miss watching Hudson and Rex. I knew the first time I saw the dog who tried to take Diesel’s place, that it was a different dog. Wish you all the best in the future.
God Bless You All..!
The show was wonderful with John Reardon and Diesel. They had a very special connection that you could see. Their connection was so very special you could feel the love they had for each other. They will be missed tremendously. I wish for John and his family the very best. Hope to see him soon!!
We truly enjoyed all 7 seasons of Hudson & Rex with John Reardon and Diesel, and fellow cast members. Together, they formed a close knit group and that very warm caring chemistry glowed. You felt it. I am disappointed for the following reasons:
1. Keeping Diesel’s passing private while using other dogs ‘pretending to be Diesel’. It’s deceitful.
2. Not giving the new Rex his recognition. The new doggie star has a name. Why hide his name?
2. Replacing John Reardon in Season 8 with Luke Roberts. I cannot understand why Luke was chosen – his personality is very different and you see the effects on the entire cast (not a single character appears comfortable on screen); the good chemistry is gone. It looks and feels as though the cast members are strangers; their lines sometimes feel forced; the warm glow is gone. Luke Roberts might have been good in the show Ransom, but I do not feel he was the right choice to replace John Reardon.
EXACTLY!!!! I feel the same about this luke roberts character.
I just signed up to watch the show Rex and Hudson after season 7 on the family channel, but I can’t see how a show can get rid of its lead actor after going through tonsil cancer. It is not right. If John Reardon is ready to come back after such a tragedy, then, he should be allowed to return if he wants to. There is no way of knowing if the next show he might be on will be successful or not. I believe that the show should take him back. What about everybody else? It won’t be the same without him, and it may end up being cancelled because of it. Let John come back please. Thank you.
After going through cancer your priorities change. If he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids, God bless him. He said he wants to do that so why not let him. He isn’t the first actor to quit a roll and be replaced but not as him but it sounds like his brother. Again, God bless him
I totally agree. In Canada this would be a Human Rights Issue. You do not replace an employee cleared to return to work because they had an operation. THat to me is like not letting women that have had a baby return to work after maternity leave.
I’ve watched the series on ION television in the US and it quickly became a favorite of mine, as my chosen pup is a German Shepherd. I was devastated when I learned about Diesel’s passing and it broke my heart even more when I learned from this article that it happened while John was recovering from his bout with cancer…
Overall a great series that did not get the ending it deserved… Especially for both John and Diesel…
Love these two, they have such a special bond with each other. It’s a great series and long may it continue. All the best John , you have all the right people looking after you .your life sounds so full of love. Get well soon. Xx
I discovered the show by watching something else on a channel I was not familiar with. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Of course, I have watched it out of order, but it is still really good. I just found out tonight that Diesel died. Now, I am really heartbroken. It was bad enough learning of John’s illness and being replaced, but this is far worse. What made Rex so amazing was his understanding everything going on around him. He seemed almost human at times. I will continue to watch – even if it is reruns. Bring John back!! Prayers for John and RIP Rex………….your heartbroken fan, Carole.
I’ve been watching the show on UP Family & Faith; I’ve gotten midway through Season 6 so far. However, after reading about how the show replaced John Reardon due to his tonsil cancer, I don’t think I’ll finish Season 7. I’m glad he’s spending quality time with his family, but it sounds like he wanted to return to the show. They should let him! The show won’t be the same without him.
I just started watching this show & already recommended it to my daughter & her family. I’m a cancer survivor so hearing this wonderful actor wasn’t bought back after his recovery from cancer was a shock! What a crappy decision on your part. Those two made that show. I can’t imagine that kind of decision making but best of health to the wonderful actor & that among dog who played Rex! It was a double loss. I had to fight to come back to my job, it was terrible to do!
I love John And think it’s a mistake to replace him. Probably won’t watch it without him. The producers are making a huge mistake not having him come back. RIP Diesel.
Are the producers insane? You can’t replace a beloved actor like John Reardon and think the fans will accept it. This ensemble cast is what made the series so successful. I live in California and I guess our HR laws are different; because you can’t replace an employee who has cancer and is on a medical leave. I hope that John has some assurances that he can have his job back. If not, sue all the producers. On another note. my heart is broken with the death of Rex. Was the ruptured spleen a result of some of Rex’s stunts? Please don’t dismiss these comments without really thinking about what you have done. The show won’t survive.
Shaftesbury and Christina Jennings, the lowest of the low.
Well John no matter what you do next it will be great AsI said before without you there is no Hudson and Rex You and your lovley wife should do something together and the pair of you would be unstoppable. God bless you and your family Today, Tomorrow and Forever