Singer and actress Christy Carlson Romano, 41, revealed she has received medical test results that were “not negative” in a tearful video posted to Instagram on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The actress, known for her roles in Disney’s “Even Stevens” and as the voice of “Kim Possible,” shared that while her husband, Brendan Rooney, received negative results from the same tests, hers require further investigation.
Romano explained that she and Rooney underwent cancer screenings due to a family history of the disease. Both of her parents have been diagnosed with cancer; her father succumbed to the illness, and her maternal grandmother died of lung cancer. “My husband’s results were negative. My tests were not negative,” she said in the video. “I’m now going to be looked at further for signs of cancer, heart disease, and brain diseases. I’m now fighting with insurance companies to get this covered.”
The announcement came shortly after the death of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11, 2026, at age 48 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. Romano, who resides in Austin, Texas, shared her grief and highlighted Van Der Beek’s community involvement. “I live in Austin, and I met James Van Der Beek many times. His family is fantastic. He was a pillar in the community here in Texas. They did so much good, and now he’s not with us anymore. Cancer is everywhere. That’s why I took this test,” she stated, visibly emotional.
Romano acknowledged the emotional weight of her own test results, stating, “I’m sure some people consider I’m overreacting, but I’m not. Cancer is pretty serious, and I have two little girls.” She shares daughters Sophia, 7, and Isabella, 9, with Rooney. She emphasized the importance of gratitude and taking life “one day at a time.”
Christy Carlson Romano began her career with the role of Ren Stevens in the Disney series “Even Stevens” in 2000 and simultaneously voiced the title character in the animated series “Kim Possible.” She has also appeared in films including “Cadet Kelly,” “Taking Five,” “The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold,” and “Mirrors 2.”