"I am honored and humbled by this recognition from such a prestigious and effective organization as the American Cancer Society," said Bostwick. "The award is for my wife, my parents, and children, who continue to support, worry with, and cheer me on through the still uncertain days ahead. I am simply another 'cancer survivor' who has been blessed with the precious love of family."

The Courage Award says, "The American Cancer Society salutes Barry Bostwick for his personal courage in the battle against cancer and for the message of hope and inspiration he gives to all Americans in the fight for life and health."

"We are delighted that Barry Bostwick has chosen to take his personal fight against prostate cancer public," said Francis Coolidge, Esq., chairman-elect of the ACS. "Because of Mr. Bostwick's high visibility and credibility in the media, his message about the need for all men to be aware of the warning signs and treatment options for this disease will reach a wide audience."

Bostwick's prostate cancer was detected in 1997 through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test he had during an acute case of prostatitis. After several other tests, including a biopsy, he received the "good news, bad news" from his doctor. He did have prostate cancer but it was microscopic and confined to one place. Bostwick, now 53, had surgery to remove his prostate in June 1997.

Bostwick, a Tony and Golden Globe Award winner, serves on the ACS's Public Awareness Council, which is made up of celebrities who are spokespersons for the organization. He has also taken his story to America's Health Network (AHN) cable channel by taping "Prostate: Probing the Unspoken Male Fear," in conjunction with the ACS. It premiered on the first day of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, Sunday, September 20, 1998. Bostwick discussed how the disease has affected his personal life, as well as his professional life as an actor.

He currently plays New York City Mayor Randall Winston in the ABC sitcom, "Spin City." His career spans stage, screen, and television, including the cult film classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

"Truly the courageous ones are the wives, sons, daughters, and parents of men with prostate cancer, for they must cope with, care for, laugh, and cry with their loved ones," Bostwick said. "They must carry on the fight even when we can't. It takes incredible courage to stand by and deal with the loneliness and uncertainty that cancer puts in your path."

The ACS gives one Courage Award every year. Previous winners of the award include baseball player, Brett Butler, Senator Connie Mack of Florida, former Beirut hostage Robert Polhill, the late actress Jill Ireland, and entertainer Steve Allen.