Ali Stroker, celebrated Glee alum and Tony Award-winning actress, has courageously shared her experience of pregnancy loss, opening up about the profound grief and confusion she faced earlier this year. In an emotional Instagram post over the weekend, the 37-year-old reflected on a “tough” Broadway season, revealing a series of personal and professional hardships that have reshaped her outlook on life.
“I honestly have wanted to hide and not share anything about my life,” Stroker wrote alongside a smiling selfie. “But these are the moments that I need to practice what I preach and have the courage to be vulnerable.”
A Season of Grief
Stroker, who shares two-year-old son Jesse Kenneth with her husband, director David Perlow, disclosed that she suffered a miscarriage in January. The heartbreak was compounded when, just a month later, she also lost a job she deeply valued.
READ MORE: Bella Ramsey on Friendship, Fame, and Fighting Zombies: ‘When Medieval Times Return, I’ll Be Ready’
“I had thought I knew what the future would hold and in 30 days was brought to my knees with grief and confusion,” she shared.
The Glee star, who played Betty Pillsbury after finishing as a runner-up on The Glee Project Season Two, admitted that the cascade of events left her grappling with sadness and uncertainty about her future.
Choosing Healing and Self-Care
Despite the emotional weight of recent months, Stroker is determined to embrace healing. In her post, she announced that she would embark on a 30-day self-care project to prioritize her mental and emotional wellbeing.
“I’m curious as to what will happen and where this next season will take me,” she wrote. “Right now, I’m CHOOSING (because damn I definitely don’t want) to put myself out there in a scary time. I don’t know what’s next and I want to say HERE I AM.”
Accompanying her post was Maggie Rogers’ Love You for a Long Time, a song Stroker said is a favourite of her young son. “It’s so easy to love him for all of who he is and the stages he’s in,” she reflected. “I want to do the same for myself. So here we go!”
A Trailblazer in Entertainment
Ali Stroker’s journey has been nothing short of groundbreaking. She made history in 2015 as the first actor who uses a wheelchair to appear on Broadway, starring in Deaf West’s acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening. Her inspiring motto, “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities,” has become a beacon of hope for many in the disabled community and beyond.
Over the years, Stroker has also graced television screens in series such as Charmed, And Just Like That…, and Only Murders in the Building, continually using her platform to advocate for greater representation in the arts.
Earlier this month, she was seen performing at the SeriousFun Children’s Networks’ A Night of SeriousFun Gala in New York City, singing on stage with her trademark infectious energy and resilience.
A Message of Vulnerability and Strength
Stroker’s honest post comes at a time when conversations about pregnancy loss, mental health, and vulnerability are more important than ever. By sharing her story, she continues to lead by example, showing that healing begins with honesty and self-compassion.
Her heartfelt message resonated with many across social media, with fans and fellow performers offering messages of love and support.
For those experiencing pregnancy loss or grief, support services are available. In Australia, contact SANDS on 1300 072 637 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for help and support.
Looking Forward
As Stroker steps into her self-care journey, her openness reminds us all of the importance of allowing ourselves space to grieve, heal, and rebuild. With her unwavering spirit, Ali Stroker continues to turn her personal trials into opportunities for connection and growth, showing once again why she is such a cherished figure in the world of entertainment and beyond.
