Celebrities With Parkinson's Disease Starting With Letter H Like Michael J Fox

Celebrities Whose Names Start With H and Have Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. Many famous actors, musicians, athletes and other celebrities have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease over the years. Here is a look at some of the most famous people whose names start with H and have been impacted by Parkinson's.

Michael J. Fox

One of the most well-known celebrities with Parkinson's disease is Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox. He was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991 at age 29 after noticing a twitch in his left pinky finger. He kept his diagnosis private for several years while starring on the hit TV sitcom Spin City, eventually leaving the show due to his worsening condition.

Fox established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000, which has since become the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research worldwide. He has become a prominent advocate for increasing awareness and research funding for the disease. Fox has continued acting, starring in series like The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and writing memoirs about his Parkinson's experience.

Neil Diamond

Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018 and would be retiring from touring. Diamond had been diagnosed with the nervous system disorder in 2017 but kept it private for several months before opening up about how it had begun impacting his performing.

The musician, known for decades of chart-topping hits like "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie" and "America," said Parkinson's had made it difficult to travel and perform large-scale shows. Diamond has continued writing and recording music despite retiring from the road.

Bob Hoskins

British actor Bob Hoskins was diagnosed with Parkinson's after being hospitalized for pneumonia in 2012. He had experienced minor symptoms like hand tremors for years but was diagnosed at age 69 after the pneumonia hospitalization.

Hoskins was best known for roles in acclaimed films like Mona Lisa, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Hook. He continued acting for two years after his Parkinson's diagnosis before retiring in 2012. Hoskins passed away from complications of the disease at age 71 in 2014.

Alan Alda

Beloved actor Alan Alda, best known as Hawkeye Pierce on the TV series M*A*S*H, revealed he was living with Parkinson's during a 2018 interview. Alda said he had been diagnosed with the disease three and a half years earlier but did not go public with it until he had come to terms with the diagnosis himself.

Now in his 80s, Alda had experienced early symptoms like clumsiness and brain fog for years before being diagnosed. He has become active in educating others about the disease and its effects. Alda has continued his acclaimed acting career despite the challenges of Parkinson's.

Billy Graham

Prominent Christian evangelist Billy Graham was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the early 1990s, though he kept it private for over a decade before publicly addressing his condition. Graham died at age 99 in 2018 of natural causes, but Parkinson's had made public speaking increasingly difficult for him in his later years.

Even while managing Parkinson's, Graham continued his influential ministry through books, prayers, and mentoring other clergy members. His evangelistic association says that Graham preached to over 215 million people at rallies and conferences over his long career.

Linda Ronstadt

Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt publicly shared her Parkinson's diagnosis in 2013 during an interview about her career. She said the disease had impacted her singing ability and ended her successful decades-long music career.

Ronstadt, known for enduring hits like "Blue Bayou," "When Will I Be Loved" and "You're No Good," began noticing voice changes and difficulty singing in the late 2000s which doctors attributed to Parkinson's. While the disease prevented her from singing, Ronstadt has continued working in music by writing memoir books and producing musicals.

Johnny Isakson

Former Georgia senator Johnny Isakson announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015 and would be retiring from Congress after his term ended in 2019. Isakson had served in the Senate since 2005 after a stint in the House.

Isakson said the Parkinson's symptoms like balance issues would prevent him from providing effective representation through another long term. He has advocated for more Parkinson's research funding since his diagnosis. Isakson served his full final term despite the challenges of managing the disease.

Ozzy Osbourne

Legendary rock singer Ozzy Osbourne publicly revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 2020 during an emotional interview with his wife Sharon Osbourne. Osbourne said he had been privately battling the nervous system disorder since 2003 but only recently felt ready to disclose it.

The former Black Sabbath frontman experienced tremors and nerve pain for years before being officially diagnosed. Osbourne has been through periods where the disease severely impacted his speech and mobility but has continued making music and performing when his health permits.

Michael Richards

Actor-comedian Michael Richards, best known for playing Kramer on Seinfeld, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006. He noticed symptoms like losing his facial expressions, problems delivering lines and fatigue during his Emmy-winning role as Kramer from 1989 to 1998.

Richards kept the diagnosis private for several years before opening up about how Parkinson's had impacted his work. He has continued acting in smaller guest star roles and taken up painting as a hobby after the diagnosis.

Coping with a Parkinson's Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease can be overwhelming for anyone, especially high-profile celebrities whose careers depend heavily on speech and movement. Early symptoms like tremors and problems with coordination can disrupt a performer's abilities and confidence. It is incredibly challenging for someone diagnosed with Parkinson's disease to continue acting, singing, or giving public speeches.

The celebrities on this list serve as inspirational examples of how one can continue pursuing their passion despite the difficulties of living with a neurological disorder. Their openness about diagnosis and advocacy for Parkinson's research helps break down stigma and spreads public awareness about the disease. While Parkinson's eventually ended many of these famous careers, the right treatments and support systems allowed these stars to continue doing what they love for years while managing symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.