Celebrities with Multiple Sclerosis

Montel Williams

Montel Williams told Oprah Winfrey his challenges with MS back in 1999.  He has learned how to distract himself by “Keeping It In a Box” and is raising awareness of MS through his foundation, Montel Williams MS Foundation.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Fans of The Sopranos saw actress, Jamie-Lynn Sigler for the last time when the mobster’s daughter ran across the street to meet the family for dinner, the last time she was seen onscreen.  She was diagnosed with MS in 2001 and has kept her illness a secret for years for fear it would ruin her career.  But in early 2016, in an interview with People Magazine, she quoted, “It’s a part of me, but now who I am.”  She takes medication 2 times a day to manage the MS.

Jack Osbourne

Reality TV star and son of rocker, Ozzy and Sharon Ozbourne, he was diagnosed with MS in 2012.  He adapted a new motto in the British magazine “Hello”, “Adapt and Overcome” and two months later, he tweeted an announcement that he had managed to hike 17 miles with a 35-pound backpack, and ended the tweet with “Good livin’!”

Trevor Bayne

The Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne, was diagnosed in the fall of 2013 with MS.  Yet his doctors have cleared him to continue competing in NASCAR.  Bayne is quoted as saying, “I am in the best of shape I’ve ever been in, and I feel good!”  He also states, “There are currently no symptoms and I’m committed to continuing to taking the best care of my body as possible.”  Bayne is the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win a Daytona 500 in 2011.

Ann Romney

The wife of former presidential contender, Mitt Romney, came out with her challenges with MS.  The nervous system disease has caused her the symptoms like balance and trouble walking.  Romney rides horses for therapy, as studies suggest that horseback riding helps improve walking and balance in people diagnosed with MS.

Neil Cavuto

Having survived cancer, the Fox News TV anchor, Neil Cavuto, was diagnosed with MS in 1997—his biggest challenged is fatigue and understanding his body’s limitations.  He has also shared other people’s stories and triumphs and hardships in his book, “More Than Money:  True Stories of People Who Learned Life’s Ultimate Lesson.”

Clay Walker

The country music star was struck with MS in mid-20’s and he has had trouble holding the guitar pick in his right hand and the ability to stand.  Treatments gave Walker the use of his right hand and leg and his career flourished in volunteer work and has worked to raise awareness about MS.

Teri Garr

A successful actress in the early 80’s, Garr noticed symptoms that were diagnosed as MS in 2002.  She urges people to get diagnosed  and learn about the illness as it affects each person differently.  There are many treatments that help keep the disease in check to better manage the disease.

Tamia Hill

A singer-songwriter, it hasn’t affected Tamia Hill’s ability to share her gift of music—recording 4 albums since being diagnosed at 28.  Despite having good, and bad, days, she remains positive in her attitude, while keeping busy raising awareness of MS, along with raising her family with husband, NBA star, Grant Hill.

Victoria Williams

Another singer-song writer, Victoria Williams was a source of support for others when she was diagnosed with MS.  In 1993, she and her musical friends, Lou Reed and Pearl Jam recorded the album, “Sweet Relief” to raise money for medical bills, and founding “Sweet Relief Musicians Fund” that helps other with MS and other health problems.  Williams says performing quirky country and rock music is a “healing thing.”

Alan and David Osmond

Siblings of the famous singing and dancing Osmond family, father and son, Alan and David carries the family tradition performing on TV’s American Idol.  And both father and son have MS and share the same motto:  “I may have MS, but MS does not have me.”

Noah ‘40’ Shebib

Making a name as a producer and collaborator, Canadian rapper, Drake, Noah ‘40’ Shebib felt the early ‘on fire’ symptoms in his early 20’s.  Shebib uses his fame to encourage others with MS and says the disease will not stop him.  His motto:  “I’ve got this disease.  I’m going to live with it.  I’m going to win with it.”

David Lander

Best known for his distinctive face and voice as Laverne & Shirley’s Squiggy, Lander kept his MS diagnosis quiet for years.  Now he speaks out about his experiences with MS in public appearances.

Hal Ketchum

The country singer, Hal Ketchum, says talking about his experiences with MS with others helps him feel better and he makes it a habit to prioritize his life and focus on important things.