Andie MacDowell’s Health Journey: From Hip Replacement Fears to Embracing Piriformis Syndrome

The actress opens up about aging gracefully, overcoming health challenges, and finding independence in her 60s.

Andie MacDowell, celebrated actress and star of Hallmark’s “The Way Home,” is embracing the ups and downs of life as an empty nester. During her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on January 23, 2025, the 66-year-old opened up about personal growth, health struggles, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Finding Independence as an Empty Nester

Reflecting on her journey to self-discovery, MacDowell shared that her daughter, actress Margaret Qualley, gave her some tough love that sparked a positive transformation.

“Margaret basically told me I needed to get a life. She was right,” MacDowell revealed to Drew Barrymore. “I do have a life now. I created a life. I figured it out; you know, it took me a while.”

Relocating to her home state of South Carolina, MacDowell has found a vibrant community of peers her age. She described it as a place that made socializing effortless, helping her embrace this new chapter of her life.

From Exercise Injuries to a Surprising Diagnosis

MacDowell admitted that her love for fitness, though a blessing, led her to overexert herself, resulting in pain that left her fearing she was “falling apart.”

“I was riding my Peloton like a crazy person,” she said, noting that the intense cycling was not suitable for her body. The grueling workouts led to knee pain and hip discomfort, leaving her thinking she might need a hip replacement.

Thankfully, MacDowell’s fears were unfounded. Instead of surgery, she discovered she had piriformis syndrome, a condition where the piriformis muscle in the buttocks presses on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

“I thought I was gonna have to have hip replacement. Thank God my hips are fine,” she shared. “I just have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips every day. And it doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s a miracle. It really is.”

Understanding Piriformis Syndrome

According to the National Institutes of Health, piriformis syndrome can lead to symptoms similar to sciatica, with pain radiating down the leg. As explained by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling in a Harvard Health article, the condition occurs when the piriformis muscle—which connects the spine to the leg—presses against the sciatic nerve.

MacDowell has turned to physical therapy and a consistent exercise routine to manage the condition, allowing her to remain active and avoid surgery.

Championing Representation and Aging Gracefully

Beyond her health journey, MacDowell continues to advocate for representation of women her age in Hollywood. At a Television Critics Association panel last year, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent older women on screen.

“I think people my age often thank me because I’m still representing them, and we get left out a lot,” she said. “I think that women are thankful to still be on the screen at my age.”

MacDowell’s openness about the challenges and rewards of aging serves as a reminder that life after 60 can be vibrant, fulfilling, and full of opportunity. Whether through her acting roles or her personal journey, she continues to inspire others to embrace life’s changes with grace and resilience.