The STRUGGLE of 11 Actors and Celebrities Who Are Very Sick and You Didn’t Know*
Many of the world’s most beloved actors and celebrities have faced health battles in silence, continuing to inspire fans even as they struggle behind the scenes. Here are 11 stars whose illnesses may surprise you:
**1. Billy Joel**
The legendary “Piano Man” revealed in May 2025 that he suffers from normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, affecting his hearing, vision, and balance. After a frightening fall onstage, Joel described feeling constantly off-balance and now undergoes physical therapy, having canceled all future tour dates.
**2. Nick Cannon**
In 2012, Cannon nearly died from sudden kidney failure while on vacation. He was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, a rare autoimmune disease attacking his kidneys, and later suffered blood clots in his lungs. Cannon manages his condition with medication and strict dietary changes, sharing his journey in a documentary.
**3. Michael Douglas**
The Oscar-winning actor was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer in 2010 after months of misdiagnosed symptoms. The aggressive treatment left him with lasting side effects, including chronic dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Douglas credits his survival to persistent medical care and remains in remission.
**4. Alec Baldwin**
Bitten by a tick in 2000, Baldwin has battled Lyme disease for over two decades. The illness brings severe joint pain and exhaustion, with recurring flare-ups each year. Baldwin and his family now live in constant vigilance, checking for ticks and managing his chronic symptoms.
**5. Bella Hadid**
The supermodel has fought Lyme disease since her teens, enduring extreme fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues. Bella has undergone intensive treatments, sometimes stepping away from modeling for her health, and continues to share her struggles with fans.
**6. Hugh Jackman**
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Since 2013, the “Wolverine” star has undergone multiple surgeries to remove basal cell carcinomas from his face, a result of years spent in the Australian sun. Jackman now advocates for sun safety and regular skin checks, sharing his journey publicly.
**7. Julie Andrews**
The beloved actress lost her iconic singing voice after a botched surgery in 1997 to remove a benign lesion from her vocal cords. The operation left her with permanent vocal damage, reducing her range from four octaves to one. Andrews has since focused on acting and writing.
**8. Frankie Muniz**
Best known for “Malcolm in the Middle,” Muniz suffers from significant memory loss and frequent migraines, initially misdiagnosed as mini-strokes. He struggles to recall much of his childhood and acting career, but continues to manage his neurological condition.
**9. Neil Young**
The rock legend has survived polio, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and a life-threatening brain aneurysm. Arthritis now affects his ability to play guitar, but Young continues to perform and record when health allows.
**10. Samuel L. Jackson**
Hollywood’s highest-grossing actor overcame a severe childhood stutter that left him silent for nearly a year. Jackson developed unique coping strategies, including substituting words and using certain phrases to control his speech, and now embraces his history in his roles.
**11. Venus Williams**
The tennis champion has battled Sjögren’s syndrome since 2011, a chronic autoimmune disease causing debilitating fatigue and joint pain. Williams manages her symptoms with medication and a vegan diet, continuing to compete when her health permits.
These stories remind us that behind the fame and glamour, celebrities face real and often invisible health struggles. Their resilience and openness offer hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
