What you might not know about the American author
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to various neurological and mobility-related symptoms. Caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, the initial symptoms may be so mild that they often go unnoticed for a long time. But then, when the disorder worsens, they become drastically more noticeable. With an estimated 10 million cases worldwide, PD affects people from all walks of life, including many famous individuals.
Click on to discover well-known actors, politicians, and other public figures who have all been diagnosed with PD.
Former NFL star Brett Favre shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in September 2024. He revealed his diagnosis during a hearing in which he was being sued for allegedly keeping the funds he had raised for research into a cure for the effects of concussions.
After years as pope, two assassination attempts, and a number of cancer scares, Pope John Paul II's physical health declined in the early 2000s. In 2001, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Singer Neil Diamond announced in 2018 that he was retiring from touring because of a recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. The news came during his 50th anniversary tour.
Known for her rich soprano vocals, the singer noticed she was having vocal difficulties in 2000. She was retired by 2009, but only got her life-changing diagnosis in 2013.
The 41st President of the United States, and two-time vice president under Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush lived with vascular parkinsonism from 2012 until his death in 2018.
The actor kept his diagnosis private for a few years before revealing the news in 2018. Alda has found that exercise helps him stay positive.
The influential civil rights leader announced his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017. He was diagnosed two years prior.
Actor Bob Hoskins was best known for his roles in 'The Long Good Friday' (1980), 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (1988), and 'Super Mario Bros.' (1993). He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011, and soon after retired from acting.
Cartoonist and creator of the immensely popular comic strip 'Peanuts,' featuring characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Schulz was formally diagnosed in the 1990s.
The well-known American evangelist was diagnosed with Parkinson's back in 1993. He was struggling with the disease in the later years of his life.
The late stand-up comedian and actor Richard Lewis was diagnosed with PD in 2021. He publicly stated that his Parkinson’s was progressing slowly. He passed away from a heart attack in 2024.
The beloved boxer was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984, three years after retiring. He elevated PD awareness around the world and helped establish the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.
One of the founding members of Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White noted the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease in the '80s. He was officially diagnosed in 1992 at age 50.
The first woman to serve as US attorney general, from 1993 to 2001, Janet Reno was diagnosed with PD in 1995. She was only 55 years old at the time.
The Scottish actor and comedian continued on with his career after his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2013 at age 70. However, he retired from live performances in 2018.
Beloved British actor Ian Holm fought Parkinson’s for years. He died in 2020 from Parkinson's-related causes.
Following a series of health issues, the musician was diagnosed in 2019. But he only revealed he had PD in an emotional interview on 'Good Morning America' in 2020.
Best known for authoring thousands of movie reviews and for his knowledge of Hollywood history, film critic Leonard Maltin was diagnosed in 2015.
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2008. He still remains part of the band and joins them on stage for select shows.
Country musician Jeff Cook announced in 2017 that he would step away from touring due to the effects of Parkinson's. He died from complications of the disease at the age of 73.
The basketball player and activist was diagnosed with Parkinson's at just 36, just two years after retiring from his 12-year NBA career. He founded the Brian Grant Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring those living with PD to include exercise in their lives.
The NASA astronaut was 42 and in apparent good health when he discovered he had Parkinson's. Symptoms first showed when he experienced difficulty moving his right arm and hand correctly.
Petrick played in 240 Major League games, the majority of which came after Parkinson's disease struck him at age 22 in 2000. He retired from baseball in 2004.
The first American to win a road stage of the Tour de France, Davis Phinney was diagnosed with PD in 2000. He won 328 road bicycle races in the '80s and '90s, an American record.
The three-term US senator from Georgia was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013. Isakson made the diagnosis public in 2015.
Known for having interviewed high-profile figures such as Robert Kennedy, Canadian broadcasting icon Knowlton Nash was diagnosed with PD in 2002.
One of the earlier famous faces to open up about Parkinson's, Fox was diagnosed back in 1991 and went public in 1998. He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000 to raise PD awareness and funds for research into prevention. According to their website, they have raised over US$1.5 billion since then.
Boxing trainer and former professional boxer Freddie Roach revealed on the HBO series 'Real Sports' that he can control the disease through medication, injections, and training.
Sources: (People) (Everyday Health) (Healthline)
See also: Famous figures who died of alcoholism
Famous figures diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
From popes to presidents
CELEBRITY Conditions
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to various neurological and mobility-related symptoms. Caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, the initial symptoms may be so mild that they often go unnoticed for a long time. But then, when the disorder worsens, they become drastically more noticeable. With an estimated 10 million cases worldwide, PD affects people from all walks of life, including many famous individuals.
Click on to discover well-known actors, politicians, and other public figures who have all been diagnosed with PD.