10 celebrities who are living with rare or chronic illnesses
A spotlight on celebrities navigating life with chronic illnesses
Some celebrities, admired for their talents and achievements, struggle bravely through life with a chronic illness. Through the ups and downs, they inspire resilience, raise awareness and prove that strength knows no bounds. Here are 10 remarkable stars who face health challenges with grace and determination.
Charlie Sheen
In 2015, Charlie Sheen announced his HIV diagnosis, four years after contracting the virus. In an interview with Matt Lauer on Today, the actor admitted that he had paid millions to keep it a secret. Recent reports suggest that his HIV medication has caused "borderline dementia," affecting his mental and emotional well-being - a statement he shared with Daily Mail in 2017. Despite the challenges, Sheen has found new confidence and connection with life.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid revealed her battle with Hashimoto's disease amid online body shaming. Reportedly addressing the change in her physique at New York Fashion Week in 2016, she spoke about her thyroid condition at Reebok's Perfect Never campaign panel discussion, acknowledging her altered metabolism and two years of medication for Hashimoto's disease.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga canceled tours because of her fibromyalgia diagnosis, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and tenderness. In a Vogue interview, the 'Bad Romance' singer, criticized those who dismiss her condition, emphasizing the seriousness of chronic pain and the daily uncertainty it brings.
Kim Kardashian
In a 2019 episode of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,' Kim Kardashian opened up about her hospital visit for a lupus test. While the test came back negative, several sources claimed that she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, an incurable condition causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Kim also revealed her fear of autoimmune issues in a conversation with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, People reports.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne, battling chronic skin disease psoriasis for years, has been raising awareness about the disease. In an interview with Glamour Germany, the supermodel discussed embracing her diagnosis at the Met Gala, expressing the overwhelming experience of publicly showcasing her psoriasis, highlighting the impact of her openness about the condition.
Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 13, raises awareness by sharing his journey through the disease. In a TikTok video for World Diabetes Day 2022, he highlighted warning signs - weight loss, thirst, frequent urination, and irritability. Despite initial fears, Jonas says "I found out very quickly it's a very manageable disease, as long as you're really diligent."
Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox got Parkinson's diagnosis at 29, leading him to establish his foundation in 2000. In a candid revelation in May 2023, he discussed the challenges of living with the neurological disorder and injuries from balance issues. "I have aides around me quite a bit of the time in case I fall, and that lack of privacy is hard to deal with," he told Variety.
Selena Gomez
In 2018, Selena Gomez shared her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis on Instagram. During an interview with CBS Mornings, Selena recounted falling ill in her 20s and receiving a diagnosis of optic neuritis, a common symptom of MS. Her friend, Francia Raisa, donated a kidney to her in 2017. Addressing body shamers on TikTok Live, Gomez emphasized the importance of her medications for maintaining her health and well-being.
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams faced two chronic conditions, Graves' disease and lymphoedema. The talk show host disclosed her Graves' disease diagnosis, taking breaks from the show to address thyroid level issues, as confirmed by a representative revealed to ABC News in 2018.
Riley Keough
Riley Keough, daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, battles Lyme disease, opting for surrogacy due to her health challenges. In an August interview with Vanity Fair, she shared her ongoing treatment to manage symptoms, explaining that surrogacy felt like the best choice given her autoimmune condition.