November 26, 2025, 2:47 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
During her fourth pregnancy, Hollywood star Gal Gadot not only faced the challenges of motherhood but also encountered an acute medical crisis that threatened her life. It was only months later that the actress spoke publicly about the dramatic event—and now she revealed moving details at a gala in Beverly Hills.
Sudden Pain Leads to Shock Diagnosis
In February 2024, in her eighth month of pregnancy, Gal Gadot suddenly experienced severe headaches. “For three weeks, I tried to endure the pain because that’s what we do,” she said while accepting the “Hollywood Icon Award” from the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai. It was only a call from her mother in Israel that prompted her to undergo an examination.
The diagnosis was serious: “Before we even got home, my phone rang, and my doctor said, ‘You need to come to the hospital immediately. It’s serious. You have a massive blood clot in your brain,’” the 40-year-old reported, according to the U.S. magazine “People.”
Causes and Consequences of a Blood Clot
What Gal Gadot suffered was a so-called cerebral venous thrombosis—a rare but dangerous condition. In this case, a blood clot partially or completely blocks a vein in the brain. Normally, these veins carry used, oxygen-poor blood from the brain back toward the heart. If a vessel is blocked, the blood backs up—similar to a clogged drain. In many cases, a so-called sinus thrombosis also occurs. This affects larger blood channels within the hard meninges, which are also responsible for draining blood from the brain and adjacent areas.
A clot in the brain can not only lead to thrombosis but also trigger a stroke (cerebral infarction). In this case, nerve cells die due to a lack of oxygen, with potentially serious consequences. Depending on the affected brain region, it can lead to paralysis, speech or vision disorders, memory problems, severe headaches, or seizures. Quick medical intervention is crucial to prevent permanent damage.1
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Emergency C-Section and Life-Saving Surgery
Gadot’s husband, Jaron Varsano, took her directly to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A medical team was already waiting there. “We have to deliver the baby,” was the directive. Just three hours later, her daughter Ori was born.
“Something special happened—because fear met faith and science and soul worked together,” the actress recounted. Her daughter’s name, Ori, means “my light” in Hebrew.
The morning after the birth, the surgery that saved Gadot’s life took place. “My light came to life, was born,” she said. “And when I woke up, I realized I had been given two gifts. One in my arms, Ori. And one in my heart—a second chance. Cedars-Sinai, you gave me this chance.”
Appeal to All: Listen to Your Body
As early as December 2024, Gadot had publicly revealed that she had undergone brain surgery. On Instagram, she posted a picture from the hospital—with daughter Ori in her arms. She wrote: “It is important to listen to our bodies and trust their signals. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often have a deeper meaning, and paying attention to your body can be life-saving.”
She reinforced this message in her acceptance speech: “Listen to your body. Do not ignore the signals, do not postpone check-ups, and do not feel guilty for putting your health first.”
“The True Heroes Are Not on Stage”
Although Gadot accepted the award for her achievements, her gratitude was directed at the medical professionals: “The true heroes are those who are not on stage. They are the people who work in hospitals and emergency rooms—the doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical teams who dedicate their lives to saving others, day in and day out, hour by hour. They truly deserve the recognition.”
Today, Gal Gadot lives in California with her husband Jaron Varsano and their four daughters–Alma (14), Maya (8), Daniella (4), and little Ori (1). She has since returned to attending public events. However, her words reveal how deeply the experience has affected her: “It is so beautiful to be alive.”