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Michael C. Hall: I Wanted to Keep Cancer Battle “Quiet”

"Dexter" star snags Golden Globe for best actor

By DANIEL MACHT

| Sunday, Jan 17, 2010 | Updated 10:30 PM PDT

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Actor Michael C. Hall says he didn't want to talk about his health problems.

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Michael C. Hall made his first public appearance Sunday since announcing his cancer battle -- picking up a Golden Globe for best actor in Showtime’s “Dexter.”

"It's really a hell of a thing to go to work at a place where everyone gives a damn," Hall said in accepting the award, his first. "That's definitely the case with 'Dexter.' It's an amazing group from top to bottom -- such an invigorated sense of collaborative energy all the time. It's a dream job, and I'm so grateful."

Hall revealed last week he has been fighting Hodkin’s lymphoma, with the cancer now in remission.

In accepting his award, the actor sported a black designer Japanese cap on his head.

"It's nice to have an excuse for accessorizing," he joked afterward, People reported.

The 38-year-old actor added that he never planned to reveal his health problems.

"I had every intention of keeping it quiet, but because award shows were imminent, I had to make a statement," Hall said.

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