Philly-Area Native Chris Matthews Undergoes Cancer Surgery

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Chris Matthews, the Philadelphia area native and longtime host of MSNBC's "Hardball," has undergone cancer surgery, his show announced late Monday night.

Matthews, 73, underwent surgery for prostate cancer last week, according to an announcement posted on Twitter and made during his show.

"The procedure went well but he's taking a few days to get back into fighting shape," the announcement reads. "He's looking forward to getting back very soon."

There was no indication as to why the show waited a week after to make the announcement. Matthews had missed several nights of his nightly political analysis show, which had many confused and wondering where the host had gone.

Born in Philadelphia, Matthews graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, and has long maintained a sense of pride in his on-air segments about the Delaware Valley.

Matthews has helmed "Hardball"for more than 20 years, with a rotating panel of journalists and analysts, and guests that include elected leaders and strategists from both the Republican and Democratic parties.