Celebs with Hidden Disabilities

Hollywood is all about the glitz and glamour, but behind these star-studded personalities are real people who battle very real issues. Too often, we get caught up in the celebrity lifestyle and forget that everyone is fighting a unique battle. For instance, not every disability is visible, and there are a number of celebs out there who are facing the struggles that are presented to them because of these disabilities. The word “disability” is so often linked to a physical difference, with people having images of a power chair or walker; however, there are so many disabilities out there that are invisible. To that end, detailed below are some of the most famous celebs who are experiencing chronic illnesses and physical impairments that you may have never known about. 

Selena Gomez

First up is singer and actress Selena Gomez, who has been quite open about her struggle with lupus, which is an autoimmune disease. In treating this, she has undergone kidney transplants and chemotherapy; however, this hasn’t stood in her way of pursuing her passion for music and acting. Gomez is an advocate for chronic illness, meaning she represents a beacon of hope for the many others who are going through the same thing as her. 

Lady Gaga 

While Lady Gaga is best known for her striking singing shows and eccentric outfits, her life isn’t one big performance. In fact, the singer has been rather open about her struggles with fibromyalgia; a chronic pain condition that can be really debilitating. Despite this, Gaga doesn’t allow her illness to define her, and even with frequent intense pain, she continues to create music, act, and advocate for chronic pain awareness. As a result, it’s safe to say that she’s an inspiration to her fans across the globe. 

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox is well-loved for his iconic roles in movies like “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties”; however, he has been living with Parkinson’s disease since the early 1990s. While this neurological disorder poses a number of challenges, Fox still remains active in the entertainment industry. At the same time, he has become a leading advocate for Parkinson’s research. In fact, he has established his own foundation, which he uses to raise funds to support scientific advancements and improve the lives of those living with the disease.

Stevie Wonder

It’s quite widely known that the legendary singer-songwriter and musician Stevie Wonder, has been blind since infancy as a result of retinopathy of prematurity. Although he is visually impaired, he’s still one of the most talented musicians in the world. In his career, he has won multiple Grammy Awards, sold millions of records across the globe, and captivated audiences with his soulful voice and masterful compositions. These remarkable achievements just show how far someone can go with determination and talent. 

Kristen Bell

From “Veronica Mars” to “Frozen”, Kristen Bell has acted in a number of blockbuster movies in iconic roles. During this time, she has used her platform to speak openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression. While she boasts a bubbly personality, Bell has struggled with internal battles, which inspired her to become an advocate for mental health. It’s her mission to break the stigma of these issues and encourage others to seek help when they need it. 

Christopher Reeve

Last but not least is Christopher Reeve, who’s best known for his portrayal of Superman. In 1995, he became paralyzed from the neck down after a tragic horse-riding accident. While this was undoubtedly a devastating injury, he still strives to live life to the fullest and has since become an advocate for spinal cord injury research and founded the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.