Famous People with Parkinson's: Michael J. Fox & More

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and daily life, impacting millions worldwide each year. Among those diagnosed are well-known figures from arts and entertainment, such as Michael J. Fox, sports, including Muhammad Ali and Brian Grant, and politics, like Jesse Jackson and Pope John Paul II.

Despite the challenges, many of these famous personalities have continued to inspire millions by living openly with the condition and raising awareness. In this article, we will explore the lives of some of the most famous people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, how they have coped with the condition, and the ways they continue to inspire millions through advocacy, resilience, and raising awareness.

Famous People with Parkinson’s Disease

While some celebrities are recognized for their advocacy for Parkinson’s patients, such as Harrison Ford, who plays a character with Parkinson’s in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, Harrison does not have the disease in real life

Other famous individuals with Parkinson’s include actors like Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda, athletes such as Muhammad Ali and Brian Grant, and musicians like Neil Diamond and Ozzy Osbourne. Other notable figures include Pope John Paul II, Charles M. Schulz, and Linda Ronstadt. Below, we highlight their stories and contributions, showing how they continue to inspire despite the challenges of Parkinson’s.

Famous Athletes Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Famous athletes living with Parkinson's disease include boxer Muhammad Ali and former NBA player Brian Grant. These athletes show courage, using their platform to raise awareness and inspire others. Here are their stories:

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, three years after retiring from the ring. Known for his extraordinary athleticism and charisma, Ali faced the disease publicly, turning his personal struggle into a platform for awareness.

He established the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center to support research, patient care, and education, raising global awareness about the condition.

Ali's story is both dramatic and inspiring: a world-class athlete whose body, once displaying unmatched strength, became vulnerable to a progressive neurological disorder. Yet, he used his fame to make a lasting impact. His resilience turned him into a symbol of courage, showing millions that Parkinson’s does not define one’s legacy.

Brian Grant

Brian Grant, a former NBA player, began experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including a tremor in his left hand, toward the end of his professional basketball career. He was diagnosed in 2008 with early-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 36. Grant publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 2009, encouraged by fellow Parkinson’s advocates Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali.

He faced the challenge of adjusting to life with a progressive neurological disorder after years of peak athletic performance. Instead of letting the disease define him, Grant turned his experience into advocacy. In 2010, he founded the Brian Grant Foundation, promoting exercise, wellness, and research for people living with Parkinson’s.

Brett Favre

Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2024. Despite the challenges, Favre continues to stay involved in football through media appearances and charity work, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for people living with this progressive neurological disorder.

Famous Actors, Musicians, and Entertainers with Parkinson’s Disease

Famous entertainers diagnosed with Parkinson's disease include actors Michael J. Fox, Alan Alda, and Billy Connolly, as well as musicians Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, and Ozzy Osbourne. Here’s how they manage their condition and continue to inspire millions:

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox, the acclaimed actor and activist, has lived with early-onset Parkinson's disease since being diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 29. He first noticed subtle symptoms, such as a twitching little finger and a sore shoulder, while filming Doc Hollywood.

Fox went public with his diagnosis in 1998 and soon became a leading advocate for Parkinson's research. In 2000, he founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, now the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s studies.

Through his advocacy, Fox has significantly raised global awareness, broken stigmas, and inspired millions. His humanitarian work earned him the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2022 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2003, a form linked to the PRKN gene. He did not publicly reveal his condition until January 2020, explaining that he was “running out of excuses” for his health struggles and wanted to be honest with his fans.

Osbourne underwent various treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and stem cell therapy, to manage his symptoms. Despite the disease affecting his legs, his wife, Sharon Osbourne, noted that his voice remained strong.

Remarkably, he performed a final farewell show with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, in July 2025, just weeks before his passing. Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, with the immediate cause being a heart attack, and Parkinson’s disease and coronary artery disease listed as contributing factors.

Neil Diamond

In January 2018, at the age of 76, Neil Diamond, the legendary American singer-songwriter, announced his retirement from touring following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis led to the cancellation of the remaining dates of his 50th Anniversary Tour, marking the end of his concert touring career.

Diamond is renowned for iconic songs such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “I’m a Believer.” Despite retiring from live performances, he continues to inspire fans through his music. By openly sharing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Diamond has helped raise awareness of the disease and offered hope and encouragement to others living with it.

Alan Alda

Actor Alan Alda, best known for his role in MASH*, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015 and publicly announced his condition in 2018. His diagnosis came after he sought medical advice upon reading that acting out dreams during sleep could be an early symptom, prompting him to undergo testing.

Since then, Alda has continued his acting career and remained professionally active, using his experience to encourage others with Parkinson’s to stay physically and mentally engaged. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining activity, creativity, and social involvement as key strategies for coping with the progressive neurological disorder.

Richard Lewis

Comedian and actor Richard Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021. He has spoken openly about his tremors and fatigue, using humor to cope. Lewis continues to engage with fans, raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease and inspiring others to maintain resilience and positivity despite its effects.

Bob Dylan

Legendary musician Bob Dylan has lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years. While he has reduced touring, Dylan continues to create music and record in the studio. His ongoing work demonstrates that creativity can persist even while managing a progressive neurological condition.

Sir Billy Connolly

Scottish comedian Sir Billy Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 and has been open about living with the progressive neurological disorder. The disease led to his retirement from live stand-up comedy in 2018.

Connolly’s diagnosis came after a fan—who was also a surgeon—noticed his abnormal gait in a hotel lobby and advised him to see a doctor. He has spoken candidly about his hand tremors, sometimes “hypnotizing” his hand to stop the shaking.

Despite these challenges, Connolly maintains a remarkably positive and humorous outlook. He continues creative projects, such as drawing, and often incorporates discussions about his symptoms into his TV shows and comedy. He describes Parkinson’s as a “strange animal,” showing that humor and resilience can coexist with serious health challenges.

Linda Ronstadt

Acclaimed singer Linda Ronstadt first noticed something was wrong when she developed tremors and a deteriorating singing voice, symptoms that would later lead to an initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2013. She explained that the condition disrupted the “phone lines between the brain and the muscles,” making it impossible to control her voice or reach her notes.

Ronstadt performed her final live concert in 2009 and announced her retirement from singing in 2011 as her symptoms progressed. Over time, the disease affected her mobility as well. She now uses “ski poles” for support on uneven ground and relies on a wheelchair for longer distances due to balance issues and muscle stiffness.

Charles M. Schulz

Charles M. Schulz, creator of the beloved Peanuts comic strip, lived with Parkinson’s disease in his later years. However, the shakiness in his final drawings was not caused by Parkinson’s; it was actually due to essential tremor, a separate condition he had since the 1980s. His health worsened significantly in late 1999 after being diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer and experiencing several minor strokes. He died in his sleep on February 12, 2000—one day before his final Peanuts strip was published.

Politicians, and Leaders Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Leaders and notable figures with Parkinson's disease demonstrate perseverance, raising awareness and encouraging support worldwide. Here are some examples:

Jesse Jackson

Jesse Jackson, the American politician and civil rights leader, was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. In 2025, doctors confirmed that he actually has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare disorder often mistaken for Parkinson’s because of similar symptoms like stiffness and balance problems, but it progresses faster and responds poorly to Parkinson’s medications.

As of November 2025, Jackson, 84, remains hospitalized in stable condition. He is not on life support and breathes on his own but relies on a wheelchair due to significant mobility challenges.

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II, the head of the Catholic Church, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s, though the Vatican did not publicly confirm it until 2003, describing his condition as an “extrapyramidal syndrome,” which includes Parkinson’s and similar neurological disorders.

During his later years, he experienced symptoms such as tremors and a stooped posture, yet he continued to carry out his papal duties with dedication until his death in 2005. His resilience made him one of the most widely recognized public figures living with Parkinson’s disease.

George H.W. Bush

The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, was diagnosed with vascular parkinsonism in 2012. Despite mobility challenges, he remained active in public life, advocating for veterans and charitable causes until his death, showing courage and determination while living with a Parkinson-like condition.

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