What did Art Garfunkel suffer from? Simon & Garfunkel singer shares health update and why he stepped back from performing

Singer Art Garfunkel, a former member of the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, shared an update about his health struggles. In an exclusive interview with People Magazine on April 4, 2025, he discussed his reasons for stepping back from performing. The magazine outlet noted that the singer was diagnosed with psoriasis. He said:

“Psoriasis is something I lived with quietly for many years. It was part of my life even during my most public moments, including on tours, but I rarely, if ever, spoke about it.”

However, he shared that he hid his condition during performances, in photos, and everyday life. He said he was grateful it didn’t affect his music and was relieved to have moved past that chapter.

Art Garfunkel also opened up about his long and difficult treatment journey, explaining that over the years, he tried many methods, from various creams to treatments using UV light and tar. While some offered short-term relief, nothing seemed to work for long. He said:

“The itching always came right back, and so did the scales. It was so uncomfortable. I'm lucky to have such a great dermatologist, and eventually, he told me about ILUMYA, a biologic I hadn't tried. After my first few doses, my skin began to clear up, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel the need to hide. Life started to change for me”

Art Garfunkel explained that stepping away from performing was tough. While performing for huge crowds, he needed to hide his condition. It impacted how confident and comfortable he felt in his skin and made him feel isolated.

Art Garfunkel said spending time with family helped him feel better

Art Garfunkel shared that his wife, Kim, always loved and supported him unconditionally, even before he talked to her about his psoriasis. She could tell something was bothering him, and it affected their closeness.

He said she stood by him during his flare-ups and helped him see that he didn’t have to deal with everything himself. Her constant support and love brought them closer and made a big difference in how he felt. Appreciating the support of his family, Art Garfunkel said:

“My wife Kim and our two beautiful sons, AJ and Beau, are fantastic. We even perform together now, which is such a joy. Sharing the stage with them, and doing it while feeling fully comfortable in my skin, has brought me a whole new kind of peace. I am ready for everything good.”

He said he was in a much better place now, mainly due to a treatment that worked for him. Art Garfunkel realized that by sharing his experience, he might be able to help others who dealt with psoriasis.

The singer wanted people going through it to know they were not alone and that there was hope for better days. Hence, he said he teamed up with Sun Pharma for the “I LUV YA for The Long Haul” campaign to spread a message of love, support, and encouragement.

Also Read: Justin Timberlake shares health update

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Edited by Anshika Jain