Epilepsy Talk

Celebrities with Epilepsy | February 21, 2025

There are some people who don’t turn a deaf ear to what everyone else doesn’t want to hear. The phobic fear of epilepsy.

For example, Greg Grunberg is a true “Hero.” Not just as a TV star but also as the spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation of America. He is joined in his support by:

Harrison Ford of Star Wars fame, auctioned off his “The Force Awakens” signed one-of-a-kind leather jacket for $191,000 to benefit NYU’s non-profit Langone Medical Center in light of his daughter’s successful treatment. He is quoted as saying: “This is a cause near and dear to me.”

Courteney Cox — who achieved fame for her role as Monica Geller on the NBC sitcom “Friends”.

Leonardo DiCaprio — internationally famous for his performance in “Titanic”, “Gangs of New York”, and “The Aviator,” to name a few.

Jennifer Garner — famous for her T.V. role as CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the thriller “Alias”, which aired for five seasons

Chanda Gunn — USA Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey goaltender, and bronze medal winner of the 2006 Winter Olympics. She is also the proud spokesperson for the Epilepsy Therapy Project and Epilepsy.com.

Larry King — recognized in the United States as one of the premier broadcast interviewers, winning an Emmy, two Peabody Awards, and ten Cable ACE Awards.

Sarah Jessica Parker — the unforgettable Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex in the City” which aired for 94 episodes!

Mike Simmel — (Mighty Mike) of the Harlem Wizards — now a national spokesperson for various epilepsy awareness campaigns, and helping children at camps with special needs.

Geoff Pope — an American football cornerback who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

Don Rickles — American stand-up comedian and actor — one of the most respected talents in entertainment.

Charlie Sheen — noted movie and television actor, recently donated 10K for epilepsy

Jason Snelling — American football running back for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.

Neil Young — Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

And, on the other side of the pond there’s:

007’s Daniel Craig. (The only blonde to play Bond!) He Supports Epilepsy Action in England.  Along with:

Dame Judi Dench CH, DBE, FRSA — honored and famous for her contributions to British film and stage.

Hugh Laurie — the most watched leading man on television in his role as “House M.D”

Sir Roger Moore — debonair as Simon Templar in “The Saint” and James Bond in “Live and Let Die”.

Jonathan Pryce, CBE — versatile and accomplished Welsh stage and film actor and singer.

Claudia Schiffer — one of the world’s most successful models, having appeared on over 500 magazine covers.

Emma Thompson — winner of Hollywood’s Oscar twice, and three-time BAFTA award winner for her witty stage and screen performance.

Sir Elton John — british singer, songwriter and pianist. Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, his music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting impact on the music industry.

Hugo Weaving — the leader of the Elves in Lord of the Rings, and the nearly invincible virtual villain in The Matrix, indicates that he has been treated for epilepsy since age 13.

Susan Boyle — The famous singer has talked openly about her disability and how it held her back.

Cameron Boyce — most recognized for his roles on Disney Channel’s “The Descendants” and “Jessie,” he also starred in the movies “Grown Ups” and Grown Ups 2.” Boyce died tragically at the ago of just 20, from SUDEP.

Danny Glover — actor, producer and humanitarian, Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 35 years. He is also known as an outspoken advocate for epilepsy.

Can you name some others?

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Resources:

https://www.looktothestars.org/charity/epilepsy-action

http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/398-pediatric-epilepsy-project

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/about/blog/2019/celebrities-supporting-epilepsy

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