Quick Read
- Actor Will Forte is spearheading Teva’s “Honestly HD” campaign to raise awareness for Huntington’s disease.
- The campaign launched Tuesday, January 27, 2026, featuring videos with Forte and his brother-in-law, Doug Modling.
- Forte’s brother-in-law, Doug Modling, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2022, and his father-in-law also experienced symptoms.
- During a recent TODAY show appearance, Forte also announced a new sketch comedy show he is developing with his mother and her best friend.
- Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder affecting approximately 41,000 Americans, with over 200,000 at risk.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Acclaimed actor and comedian Will Forte has taken on a pivotal role in public awareness, launching a new campaign for Huntington’s disease (HD) while also revealing plans for a new sketch comedy show. Forte’s involvement with Teva Pharmaceuticals’ “Honestly HD” campaign, which debuted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is deeply personal, as the fatal genetic disorder affects his brother-in-law, Doug Modling. This dual announcement came during Forte’s appearance on NBC’s TODAY show, where he discussed both his advocacy and his upcoming creative venture.
A Personal Mission: Raising HD Awareness
Will Forte’s commitment to the “Honestly HD” campaign stems from his family’s direct experience with Huntington’s disease. His brother-in-law, Doug Modling, was diagnosed with HD in 2022, just one year after Forte married Olivia Modling. The disease has also impacted Forte’s father-in-law, Dr. Douglas Modling, who experienced worsening symptoms before being admitted to an assisted living facility. This personal connection has driven Forte to lend his voice and platform to an effort aimed at educating the public and supporting affected families.
Teva Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with its agency Burson, launched the campaign with a series of videos featuring Forte and Modling. These videos, accessible on the campaign’s dedicated website, chronicle their shared journey, detailing Modling’s experience as a patient and Forte’s role as a caregiver. Heather DeMyers, VP of U.S. innovative medicines marketing at Teva, stated that these stories are designed to “inspire, educate and foster hope within the HD community” rather than promote a specific product. The website also serves as a central hub for patients, caregivers, and individuals at risk of inheriting the genetic disorder.
Huntington’s disease is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to involuntary movements (chorea), cognitive deterioration, and psychological issues. According to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, approximately 41,000 Americans currently live with HD, while over 200,000 are at risk, as a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Symptoms typically manifest between the ages of 30 and 50, with chorea affecting around 90% of patients. Often, chorea is misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease or tardive dyskinesia, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and accurate diagnosis that the “Honestly HD” campaign seeks to address.
From Advocacy to Comedy: A New Creative Outlet
Beyond his significant advocacy work, Forte also shared details about an upcoming sketch comedy show he is developing. The project is a unique collaboration, with Forte working alongside his mother and her best friend. While specific details about the show’s format or release date were not immediately clear, the announcement signals Forte’s return to the sketch comedy genre, a space he is well-known for from his tenure on Saturday Night Live.
Forte, celebrated for his roles in the sitcom The Last Man on Earth and the Oscar-nominated film Nebraska, has consistently balanced dramatic performances with his comedic roots. This new project indicates a continued exploration of his comedic talents, this time with a deeply personal and unconventional creative team.
The Impact of Celebrity Engagement in Health Awareness
Teva’s decision to enlist Forte for the “Honestly HD” campaign was informed by advocacy groups who highlighted his existing personal connection and previous efforts to raise awareness, including a local TV interview he and Modling conducted in November 2024. While celebrity endorsements do not guarantee a campaign’s success, DeMyers noted that a well-known figure like Forte can help patient populations feel more connected and less stigmatized.
The campaign’s content will be promoted across Teva’s social channels to broaden awareness and engagement. DeMyers emphasized that the core principle for any celebrity-backed health campaign should always be to address patient needs, stating, “What would the patient want? What would impact that patient if they were sitting in a chair next to you? What would they want us to do?” This patient-centric approach aims to provide guidance on productive conversations with healthcare providers and to expand resources in the coming weeks and months.
Will Forte’s dual focus on a deeply personal health advocacy campaign and a new comedic endeavor underscores the growing trend of public figures leveraging their platforms for causes close to their hearts, simultaneously pursuing creative projects that reflect their artistic versatility.