Epilepsy Talk

Celebrities Supporting Epilepsy | February 22, 2025

The names are probably familiar to you. But the fact that all of these people have epilepsy may be a surprise. Despite that fact, they have lived their lives, becoming prominent in their fields, an inspiration to us all.

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.”

Alan Faneca, former guard for three NFL teams and a winner of one Super Bowl, has long been vocal about living with epilepsy. He’s now a spokesman for the Epilepsy Foundation, spreading awareness and teaching people first aid for seizures.

Amy Lee, co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, has epilepsy and she regularly advocates for awareness of the disorder.

Bobby Jones, was an NBA basketball player for 13 years, with four years in the All-Stars. He took medications for epilepsy during his athletic career.

Chandra Gunn was the first player to be a finalist for both the Humanitarian Award for college hockey’s finest citizen and the Patty Kazmaier Award for best female hockey player in the nation. Today, Gunn is also a spokeswoman for the Epilepsy Therapy Project.

Danny Glover, the Academy Award-winning actor struggled with epilepsy and seizures as a child. Like many people with epilepsy, he was lucky enough to outgrow the disorder. Today, Glover supports the Epilepsy Foundation by contributing to the organization’s programs for children and by volunteering his time to speak about epilepsy and bring awareness to the issue.

Edward Snowden, the famous NSA whistleblower, got leave from his job at the NSA to be treated for his epilepsy and used the time to give revelatory interviews about America’s security regime.

Elton John, prolific song-writer and singer, has struggled with epilepsy for years. It is thought that the epilepsy was induced by the star’s years of drug use.

Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham was diagnosed with a mild form of epilepsy.

“Flo-Jo,” world record-breaking athlete and star of the 1988 Olympics, developed epilepsy in her 30s and died as the result of a seizure in her sleep in 1998.

Hugo Weaving, is the famous Australian actor who starred in The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His battle with epilepsy began as a teenager but says that his disorder never held him back, and that he didn’t let it stop him from doing the things he loves to do.

Jason Snelling, former Atlanta Falcons running back is an important supporter of the Epilepsy Foundation. He was diagnosed with epilepsy in college. With treatment, he was able to continue his football career and become a successful professional athlete.

Jerry Kill, University of Minnesota winning head football coach, had a life-changing seizure on the sidelines in 2011 at his first Minnesota home game — in front of roughly 50,000 people. Since that time, he hasn’t skipped a beat. And aside from championing epilepsy, he and his family have donated $100,000 to start the “Chasing Dreams” fund. “Chasing Dreams” will help fund “seizure-smart school initiatives, along with Camp Oz, a specially designed camp for those with epilepsy in Hudson, Wis.”

“Lil’ Wayne” the famous Rap superstar, recently came clean about the condition he has dealt with for much of his life. By talking publicly about his epilepsy and what it feels like to have a seizure, the rapper is helping to shed light on the condition for his millions of fans.

Martin Kemp, a member of Spandau Ballet has had epilepsy since having two brain tumors in the 1990s. He finished third in the summer series of Celebrity Big Brother 2012.

“Mighty Mike” Simmer of the Harlem Wizards, first started having seizures as a toddler. He continues to live with epilepsy as an adult, but he works with the Epilepsy Foundation to help children with special needs.

Neil Young, singer of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, thrived despite numerous medical problems, including seizures. He once had a seizure during a concert performance, but he persevered and later remarked, “The aneurysm, polio, epilepsy — all those things are just part of the landscape.”

“Prince”, the legendary performer and Grammy Award-winner, talked publicly about his childhood battle with epilepsy a few years ago.

Richard Burton, once the highest paid actor in Hollywood, was plagued by epilepsy all his life. He eventually fell into deep alcoholism, trying to control his seizures.

Rick Harrison, the star of “Pawn Stars” lives with epilepsy. Now, Harrison is giving back by working with the Epilepsy Foundation and helping the organization bring awareness to his home state of Nevada.

Susan Boyle, the woman who made waves on “Britain’s Got Talent” with her lovely voice, has also opened up about having epilepsy. The unlikely star struggled with the condition throughout her childhood. Boyle has talked openly about her physical disability and how it held her back.

Tony Coelho, the former Democratic minority whip of the US House of Representatives has epilepsy. His lifelong experience with epilepsy motivated him to author the landmark legislation Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. He also served as campaign manager for Al Gore’s presidential run. Mr. Coello is the honorary Life Chair of the Epilepsy Foundation.

It’s safe to say that many more famous people have epilepsy, but don’t reveal it in public because of the ongoing stigma associated with the condition.

What lessons can be learned from a list such as the above?

Epilepsy is not discriminating.

Epilepsy can strike anybody at any station of life or level of accomplishment.

Epilepsy can be deadly and devastating to a person’s life, even if they enjoy other successes.

Finally, epilepsy does not exclude the possibility of major achievements and contributions.

To subscribe to Epilepsy Talk, simply go to the bottom box on the right, enter your email address and click on “Follow”.

Resources:

http://time.com/4292489/harrison-ford-han-solo-jacket-auction-sold/

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/celebrities-epilepsy

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/epilepsy-10-people-you-didnt-3287368

 

---