For years, Sandra Bullock carried one of the most painful chapters of her life largely in private.

Her longtime partner, photographer Bryan Randall, was diagnosed with ALS during their relationship. Randall wanted his illness kept out of the public eye, and Bullock honored that request. She recently explained that the secrecy left her feeling isolated as she cared for him while also looking after their family.

Randall died in August 2023 at just 57, after a three-year battle with ALS. Bullock revealed that emotionally, however, her grieving had begun long before his death as she watched the disease change the man she loved.

She described the diagnosis as “traumatic” and recalled how difficult it was to continue with public appearances while almost no one knew what her family was facing behind closed doors. Eventually, trusted friends including Jennifer Aniston became part of her small support circle.

Now, three years after Randall’s death, Bullock is moving forward and returning to the screen in Practical Magic 2. But her new comments reveal just how much was happening in her private life while the public saw only the Hollywood star.