Some of you may be aware that Hollywood actress, Selma Blair, has this week revealed that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in August of this year. Although no one would wish MS on anyone, her open and honest Instagram post on the subject was well received by the MS community.
It’s a bit depressing to see that one of our trashy news papers is now carrying a grainy video of Selma limping and holding on to her partner when out shopping (MSers are not exhibits in a zoo!)
When I heard the news about Selma, it got me thinking about other people in the public eye who have MS and realised that I really couldn’t think of anyone! I’m not sure if this means that there are well known people with MS, who are largely successful at keeping their illness hidden; or whether developing MS causes famous people to drop out of the public eye?!
I decided to do some online research and discovered the following are also diagnosed with MS.
Jack Osborne
Jack is perhaps the most well known MSer. He revealed his diagnosis in 2012 and talks about his life with MS via his website youdontknowjackaboutms.com. There has been a bit of criticism about his approach, as the lifestyle he advocates is only accessible to those with access to funds and who don’t have to work. Jack also admits to being paid by one of the big pharmaceutical companies making a lot of money providing drug treatments for MS.
Richard Pryor (comedian and actor)
I had no idea he had MS. Apparently his declining mobility affected the roles he was able to choose as his disease progressed.
Walter Williams (singer with the O’Jays)
Alan and David Osmond (Father and son in the famous singing family)
“I may have MS, but MS does not have me,” is Alan’s MS motto. I’m sure he was devastated when his son was diagnosed 20 years after his own diagnosis. Both now regularly speak on behalf of the National MS Society (USA).
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Actress best known for her role in the Sopranos)
Jamie-Lynn announced her MS diagnosis in 2016 and has talked about how it affects her daily life … “When I walk I have to think about every single step, which is annoying and frustrating.” (I can relate to this!)
Clive Burr (drummer with Iron Maiden)
Ronnie Lane (the Small Faces, the Faces)
Don Van Vliet (known as Captain Beefheart)
Sadly I also found listed, numerous athletes, football players, hockey and baseball players whose careers were cut short by a diagnosis of MS.
On another sad note I found that, in the past MSers often died much earlier than they should have (many of them in their 50s). Thankfully, more is known about the disease and how best to manage it and life expectancy is now just a little below that of the general population.
Despite a lot of digging around online, I found very few well known people in the UK with MS. I find it very hard to believe there aren’t more – please let me know if you are aware of anyone
There are a few noteable names who are active in the MS world due to having a loved one with the disease.
JK Rowling
Joanne’s mother had MS and in fact, died from complications linked to MS at the age of 45. She has spoken openly about how difficult it was to see her mother’s decline and death at such a young age. JK has donated a significant amount of money to MS related causes, including giving £10 million to found a clinic, which is named after her mother.
Scott Mills (BBC Radio DJ and Broadcaster)
Scott has often spoken in interviews about his mother’s diagnosis and is proactive is seeking to help people understand what living with MS means. He has also been an active spokesperson for the MS Society.
Felix and Hugo White (The Maccabees)
Both have often spoken about their mother’s diagnosis and how this affected their family. The Maccabees have also raised funds for MS charities at their gigs and have taken time to meet with young fans living with MS.
I found a few other names listed but didn’t know of many of them. I’m sure there are others.