Matt King, the 58-year-old actor best known for his role as drug dealer Super Hans in the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show, has revealed that he suffered a rare stroke which initially left him paralysed. He is now able to walk again after receiving treatment at a hospital.
What Happened to Matt King?
The actor was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Sunday after experiencing a spinal cord stroke. In an Instagram post shared on Thursday, King explained that he was initially unable to move but has since regained some mobility. He wrote: "It's true. I had a rare stroke of the spinal cord on Sunday. I was initially paralysed but was rushed to The Royal Sussex and the staff have been amazing. Can walk again, a bit. My legs were jelly, man. It didn't feel f****** brilliant. Thank you for all the love and kindness."
What Is a Spinal Stroke?
According to the Brain and Spine Foundation, a spinal stroke occurs when the blood supply to the spinal cord is disrupted, causing injury or damage to tissues and blocking nerve impulses. It is a rare condition, accounting for just 1.25% of all strokes.
Matt King's Career
King starred in Peep Show from 2003 to 2015, alongside David Mitchell, Robert Webb, and Olivia Colman. The show became Channel 4's longest-running comedy series and a cult favourite. In 2025, King reunited with Mitchell, Colman, Isy Suttie, and Sophie Winkleman for a Great British Bake Off Christmas special, where Colman won with her apple and cinnamon cake.
