In this guide, we will discuss Famous people with ADHD and how some of the most famous ones we will mention, we couldn’t have even imagined they had this diagnosis. We will also see how having ADHD doesn’t mean they are different people or how they can’t have a successful, fulfilling and happy life. This is just a disorder, it doesn’t have to define who you are.
Famous people with ADHD
It is very likely you know most of the famous people with ADHD in the following list:
- Michael Phelps.
- Howie Mandel.
- Ty Pennington.
- Adam Levine.
- Justin Timberlake.
- Paris Hilton.
- Simone Biles.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD for short is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Many children and even adults suffer discrimination because of their diagnosis which is the result of the stigma of having a mental health condition but it doesn’t mean people won’t be able to have a productive and successful life.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that has been increasing over time and has become very popular. Here we will talk about some of the most famous people with ADHD you may or may not know.
Part 2: famous people with ADHD
Here are some of the most famous people with ADHD as we have mentioned but some may not have a confirmed diagnosis:
- Justin Biever: “I think I have ADD, ADHD or something like that when my mind doesn’t work properly. I’m getting restless. I take Adderall, too”.
- Simone Biles: she is a superstar American gymnast that has won many gold medals. She has taken medicine for ADHD since she was a little kid.
- David Blaine: is an American magician and illusionist. He is best known for his high-profile, his shows and has broken several world records.
- Terry Bradshaw: is a former American football quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Richard Branson: formerly known as Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, who is an English business magnate and investor. You may know him because he is the founder of the V. Group, which comprises more than 400 companies altogether.
- Andre Brown: he has been prescribed medication for ADHD.
- Gleen Breck: he is a politically conservative American television and radio host, political commentator, author, television network producer and influential media personality.
- Jim Carrey: you may know him from movies such as “Ace Ventura” or “Bruce Almighty” and is a very famous Canadian actor and comedian, who has won some Golden Globe Awards, among others.
- Jim Caviezel: you may know him from several movies, especially for his role of ‘Jesus’ in the “Passion of Christ” directed by Mel Gibson. He was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at the age of 25. He felt stupid at school because he had to study harder than his peers.
- Ryan Gosling: when he was a child, he had problems reading so he was diagnosed with ADHD and started to take Ritalin at a young age. Additionally, he was placed in a class for students with special needs.
- Woody Harrelson: he became well known as the bartender on the show “Cheers”. He was diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia. You may have also seen him in movies such as “Kingpin”, “Anger Management” or “Indecent Proposal”.
- Mariette Harley: she often talks about her ADHD and bipolar disorder. She has hosted videos to help adults with ADHD deal with and manage the symptoms. Additionally, she founded the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- Paris Hilton: She is well known for being the daughter of Conrad Hilton, which is the founder of Hilton Hotels, and as an American socialite, businesswoman and entertainer.
- Solange Knowles: She was diagnosed with ADD, twice. Also didn’t believe she had this diagnosis since she thought it was something invented to pay for medicine but the second doctor confirmed it.
- Adam Levine: his doctor diagnosed him in his early teens and he has stated it was very helpful to him to learn that it was a real medical condition.
Part 3: Famous People with ADHD
- Justin Timberlake: he is considered an international superstar and has been living with both OCD and ADHD. He doesn’t speak often about his conditions but he once shared his frustrations with his diagnosis.
- Channing Tatum: He is a well-known actor and has starred in movies such as “Magic Mike ”, “21 Jump Street ” and “The Vow”. He has spoken openly about his conditions, struggles and learning difficulties.
- Emma Watson: Harry Potter fans may be surprised and it is not public knowledge but it is believed that she has been medicated for ADHD since she was a child. However, this never prevented her graduating from a top school or becoming Hermione Granger.
- Will.i.am: he is known for being a seven-time Grammy Award winner, recording artist and judge on the popular reality show “The Voice UK”.
- Ty Pennington: if you have watched “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” you may be familiarized with the hyperactive energy that characterizes Ty Pennington. He was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but he continues to manage his ADHD with the help of medication.
- Howie Mandel: the game-show host and comedian/actor have been open about having ADHD, OCD, a mood disorder and anxiety. He even published a book where he talks about living with the disorders and his struggles.
- Johnny Depp: court documents revealed back in July 2020 that Johnny Depp was diagnosed with ADHD and depression, where he also struggled from oxycodone addiction.
- Karina Smirnoff: this professional dancer went public with her ADHD back in 2009. However, she has stated that even if most people don’t know about her condition, she wants to be known for her moves and accomplishments.
Why is this blog about Famous people with ADHD important?
As we have discussed on famous people with ADHD, we can say that it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has become very ‘famous’ throughout the years and has become one of the most common diagnoses among children. However, remember that having this condition does not impede having a normal life or having the same opportunities as any other person without ADHD.
Finally, you may know most or all of the famous people we have mentioned and how they are a role model and examples of how having this condition doesn’t mean we are meant to live a life full of difficulties or problems. This is just a diagnosis but it doesn’t define who you are and certainly won’t necessarily have to interfere with having a fulfilling and happy life.
Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Famous people with ADHD
Are adults with ADHD more intelligent?
Adults with ADHD are not considered to be more intelligent or smarter. Moreover, people with ADHD are perceived to have low intelligence because their brain seems to work differently. However, many of these people are highly intelligent and creative, even more so than their non-ADHD counterparts.
Who is most affected by ADHD?
According to the data and statistics about ADHD from the CDC, “Millions of US children have been diagnosed with ADHD…388,000 children aged 2–5 years. 2.4 million children aged 6–11 years. 3.3 million children aged 12–17 years”. However, we have to consider how the symptoms from ADHD may overlap with symptoms from other syndromes and maybe the incorrect diagnosis.
What is the best job for someone with ADHD?
One of the best jobs for someone with ADHD is teaching positions. Many adults can find joy in professions which allow them to work directly with children in careers such as teaching or child care. These jobs are more closely related to having a dynamic personality and thoughtful creativity.
What Does a Person with ADHD think?
A person with ADHD may think of themselves as undependable, but they may begin to doubt their talents and feel the same as being unreliable. Moreover, mood and energy levels also shift and there may be variations of interests and challenges.
Does ADHD get worse with age?
Some studies have shown how there is no evidence of ADHD being as serious or impairing in adulthood when compared to those at a much younger age. Moreover, it is believed that the problems may get corrected over time, as the person gets older and finishes school but sometimes they can continue or get worse in adulthood.