Generally, there are millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease and sadly, many have lost their lives to it. According to the World Health Organization, the neurological condition has no cure but the symptoms can reduce through therapy and treatment. The condition causes problems with movement, mental health, and other health-related issues.
In the early 1990s, Michael J. Fox became one of the first celebrities to discuss Parkinson’s disease not long after he was diagnosed. The actor launched his foundation in 2000. Others like Alan Alda kept their diagnosis private until 2018. Lina Ronstadt, Billy Connolly, Neil Diamond. Jesse Jackson, Samuel Smith, Nicolas Hodges, and Ozzy Osbourne are other celebrities suffering from Parkinson's disease,
Here are 10 Celebrities with Parkinson’s Disease
Michael J.Fox
The Canadian actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 21 in 1991, however, he kept it private until 1998 when he revealed it to the public. To curb the condition, the Stuart Little actor founded The Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000.
Since then, he has spoken on different world stages creating awareness and help for those who need it.
The actor appeared in NBC’s The Michael J. Fox Show in 2013, about a man with Parkinson’s disease.
He has been married to American actress Tracy Pollan since 1988 and they share four children.
2. Linda Ronstadt
In 2000, the singer started having vocal difficulties that led to her early retirement in 2009. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. However, she later found out what she had was a Parkison-like disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy.
According to reports, the condition has similar symptoms to Parkinson’s and dementia and it can grow worse over time.
The You’re No Good singer revealed to Today as par Jukebugs that the disease has taken the ability to sing.
3. Alan Alda
Alan Alda, an American actor, was diagnosed with parkison’s disease in 2015. The MASH actor revealed in an interview that he had to adjust to the challenges that come with the ailment. He added that little things like tying shoelaces are challenging to him due to his stiff fingers.
Despite that, he enjoys working out and playing chess regularly with his wife while he occasionally handles his podcast The Clear and Vivid Podcast.
4. Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly was diagnosed in 2013, and ever since, the comedian and actor revealed the disease has taken a toll on him. He also told the public that his whole life changed because he became dependent on people and sometimes used a wheelchair.
The only way out for the comedian, who revealed he gets clumsy and off balance most times, is to laugh through it.
5. Neil Diamond
After living in denial for almost years, the Grammy Award-winning musician Neil Diamond revealed on CBS Sunday morning that he was first diagnosed in 2016. Still, he tried to live normal until 2018 when he canceled the remainder of an upcoming world tour based on his doctor’s orders.
To show support, Diamond’s fans in Australia and New Zealand donated their tour ticket refunds to Parkinson’s research organizations.
The Sweet Caroline singer has continued to write and record songs as well as develop new projects.
6. Jesse Jackson
American civil rights activist and former Democratic presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson announced he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 after he and his family realized he had difficulty carrying out some daily tasks.
In addition to suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Jackson has suffered different health challenges over time. He had a gallbladder surgery in 2021.
In July 2023, Jackson announced that he would be stepping down as president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
7. Samuel Smith
Samuel Smith was diagnosed at the age of 44 with Parkinson’s disease. Due to that, he stopped playing guitar and even basic things like whisking an egg.
Despite the challenges he is facing, the English singer has continued to soar in his career. He recorded the album, In the Springtime with some Grammy award artists like Sam Lakeman, Cara Dillin, and Stuart Duncan.
Samuel, who works as a director at London-based PR agency, Freuds, stated that the proceeds of the album would go to Parkinson's UK.
8. Nicolas Hodges
Since the fall of 2018, the English pianist and interpreter of contemporary classical music noticed his body and reflexes changing. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. Following that, the 54-year-old singer had to make several adjustments in his career. He revealed has had to make aesthetic decisions.
9. Mike Newman
The retired actor and firefighter did not notice the symptoms but his family did. In 2006, his wife noticed a strange shake in his movement. After that, some of his family members also noticed one thing or the other but he assumed he was only aging.
He decided to listen to the advice of the people around to see a doctor. According to the Baywatch actor, the actor prescribed a pill called Azilect- an MAO-B indicator that slows the breakdown of dopamine in the brain and all his physical pains subsided. His joy was cut short when the doctor told him the pill was meant for people with Parkinson’s disease.
10. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne and his family revealed on Good Morning America in January 2020 that he had a bad fall and had to have surgery on his neck. The surgery tampered with his nerves. The singer then revealed he had been battling Parkinson’s and has been on medication. He also shared that since his diagnosis, he has had different challenges including issues with movement and depression.
Osbourne’s family especially his wife, Sharon have been reportedly very supportive.
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