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Admirers of Natasha Lyonne are mindful of the various health challenges she’s encountered over the years. From contracting hepatitis C to undergoing an open-heart operation, the actress’ health has been severely tested on multiple occasions. But she generated fresh worry in April 2026 due to a story claiming she was reportedly escorted off a Delta Airlines plane following the season 3 debut of Euphoria.
As per Page Six, Natasha, who was seated in first class, didn’t respond when flight personnel requested she power down her laptop and secure her seatbelt before departure. After seemingly “drifting off,” her laptop was removed from her grasp, the news outlet mentioned, and a Delta employee eventually boarded the aircraft to inquire of the celebrity, “Ma’am, do you require medical support?”
According to the account, at one juncture, the employee stated, “Ma’am, I need you to exit the aircraft. Do you require assistance with your possessions?” Natasha was then overheard inquiring, “Where are we?” before the staff member informed her, “We’re still in LA. The aircraft hasn’t left yet. … The aircraft is staying put until you disembark.”
Subsequent to Natasha being reportedly escorted from the flight, the captain informed those on board, “We have a passenger who for some reason … would not heed some fundamental instructions … We had a traveler who didn’t appear capable tonight so that’s the reason they were asked to be rebooked on a different flight — I sincerely apologize for the trouble, but we will get you to New York as swiftly and securely as we can.”
Natasha addressed the matter in a subsequent tweet later that week, mentioning that she had taken a Lunesta (a prescribed sleep aid for sleeplessness) to encourage sleep on the flight.
“Indeed, I ingested a Lunesta after settling in, with the intention of ensuring some rest on the Delta One red eye flight to NYC. Boarded effortlessly carrying only a backpack and sneakers, excited for a nap,” she shared via tweet.
Discover more about her health background here.
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Natasha Lyonne’s Hepatitis C Diagnosis
Natasha was admitted under an assumed name at a Manhattan hospital in 2005 for several ailments, including hepatitis C, infective endocarditis, and a collapsed lung, according to Today.
During that period, Natasha was also receiving methadone treatment for dependence on heroin.
Why Did Natasha Lyonne Have Open-Heart Surgery?
Natasha underwent open-heart surgery in 2012 after endocarditis caused damage to her heart. She spoke candidly about the health scare in a 2019 interview with WBAA.
“You know, my heart — that stemmed from endocarditis, which is essentially a junky staph infection,” the Orange Is the New Black former cast member joked. “And, you know, at that moment they expressed, you know, you’re going to need to address this probably in the next decade. Like, essentially, your valve is currently somewhat inverted and not functioning correctly, which may result in dire outcomes, specifically abrupt demise. It’s an undesirable situation.”
Natasha Lyonne’s Past Addiction Struggles
Natasha was taken into custody for DUI in 2001 and entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in 2006. During a 2012 discussion, the Golden Globe Award contender acknowledged that she was “virtually deceased” when her life spun out of control.
“Many individuals don’t make a comeback. That causes me to be cautious, and self-aware,” she confessed. “I wouldn’t want to be boastful concerning it.”
Natasha’s period of sobriety lasted up until early 2006 when she experienced a relapse. In a since-removed tweet in January 2006, she expressed that rehabilitation “is a continuous journey.”
“To anyone grappling out there, remember you’re not isolated,” she went on to say. “Thankful for affection & astute choices. Remain genuine, everyone. We are as unwell as our hidden secrets. If it hasn’t been mentioned to you today, I care for you. Irrespective of the depths we have sunk to, we will observe how our story can aid another.”
Proud to report this kid is doing a whole lot better & back on her feet. Want to thank our recovery communities & the fans who stood by & were so supportive. Aiming to keep the journey somehow private, but look forward to sharing my experience, strength & hope as makes sense. My…
— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) March 19, 2026
Two months later, Natasha provided her followers on X with an update regarding her path to sobriety. She stated that she was “faring substantially better & back in action.”
“Intending to maintain some privacy concerning the journey, but anticipate sharing my narrative, resilience & optimism as it seems appropriate,” Natasha added. “My sympathy is extended to everyone ever going through it.”
If you or a person you’re acquainted with is contending with drug misuse, get in touch with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).