In recent years, many celebrities have come forward and revealed that they have Tourette Syndrome. They did so in hopes of inspiring others and showing that no condition should slow you down and prevent you from achieving your dreams.
If you want to find out which famous people with Tourette Syndrome have spoken about their struggles publicly, read on. This article will give you all the info you need.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition that affects one’s nervous system. It causes a person to have tics or involuntary movements, twitches, and sounds that they repeat over and over again.
The most important fact to remember is that people who have TS cannot control these tics at all. They happen on a subconscious level. Even if someone can hold off a tic or a sound for a while, doing so will create tension that will subside only once the person gives in and performs the tic.
These tics can be motor or vocal. As their names suggest, the former involve physical movements, while the latter are auditory. Behavioral therapy and meds are available for both types, meaning that this syndrome can be fully managed.
In most cases, TS does not interfere with a person’s daily life. Even if the tics are complex, medication can keep them at bay enough for the person to be able to function normally. So far, there is no definitive cure for the syndrome.
7 Most Famous People With Tourette Syndrome
Now that you know the basics of this condition, it is time to dive into all the famous people with Tourette Syndrome out there.
1. Billie Eilish
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In one of her recent interviews, singer Billie Eilish has revealed that she has TS. She said that she was diagnosed as a child and that she was scared of making the diagnosis public for a few years.
She explained her fear by saying that she didn’t want to be characterized by the condition. Unfortunately, that is something that happens to anyone who reveals that they have any type of disability.
However, Eilish recognized her privilege and platform and decided to speak out despite her fears. She does not regret her decision and says that she has heard back from many fans who struggle with the condition as well. Knowing she has helped them feel seen and understood is the best feeling ever, she says.
2. David Beckham
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David Beckham is one of the most famous British football players. He has played for a wide range of teams including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Preston North End, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Milan. In addition, he was a part of the English National Team for years.
However, what many don’t know is that Beckham also has Tourette Syndrome. His condition is mostly stable, although the syndrome manifests itself through intense bouts of OCD.
Still, the footballer didn’t let the condition stop him from becoming one of the all-time greats in his sport. He has been vocal about his struggles for a long time and has donated a lot of money to various charities supporting people who have TS.
3. Dan Aykroyd
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Dan Aykroyd is a famous Canadian actor, comedian, and writer. You probably know him from his infamous SNL skits as well as TV shows like The Nanny and The Real Ghostbusters.
When Dan was a child, he got diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Aspergers. His tics were both motor and vocal. As such, they caused him a lot of anguish while he was growing up.
Fortunately, the severity of his symptoms lessened with time. By the time he was a teenager, they were not as serious, and he could function normally and without any anxiety. The improvement was mostly the result of the extensive therapy sessions he attended. He says that they saved his life.
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
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Out of all the info available on Mozart, the fact that he had Tourette Syndrome is not that well-known. In a recent documentary, authors revealed compelling evidence that suggests that that might have been the case.
Mozart was famous for his obsessive nature and physical tics that he seemingly could not control. Both of those traits are clear symptoms of TS. In addition, many of those who have the condition are artistically talented, which is another fact that points to the composer having the syndrome as well.
5. Jamie Grace Harper
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Jamie Grace is a contemporary Christian music artist that has been very open about her struggles. Apart from DHD, OCD, and GAD, the singer also suffers from Tourette’s.
Jamie has talked about TS a lot, and she has even written and released a song about her experience with the condition. The lyrics helped many people deal with their own symptoms and struggles. That is what the singer wanted in the first place, so the success of the song made her quite happy.
6. Dash Mihok
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This American actor is most famous for portraying Brendan Donovan in HBO’s hit series Ray Donovan. When talking about TS, Mihok has compared it to the worst itch a person can have, times 5000. His struggles have inspired him to become the national ambassador for the Tourette Association of America.
As the ambassador, he helps spread awareness about the condition and aid as many people as he can. It is especially important to him to help those that might not have the resources to pay for therapy or work with experts in the field.
From all the celebrities on this list, Dash’s symptoms are definitely the most pronounced. He experiences common symptoms such as excessive blinking and head jerking, as well as frequent shoulder shrugging. However, he also jumps often, can’t help but touch certain items, and has problems with involuntary grunting and repeating phrases over and over.
The severity of his symptoms made his acting career quite challenging. However, he persisted, and he now has a platform that he can use to help other people who are going through something similar.
7. Michael Wolff
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In a lot of cases, people do not get a TS diagnosis until they are adults. That was the case with famous jazz musician Michael Wolff. He knew he had motor and vocal tics since he was a kid. However, he consciously tried to hide them as much as he could.
He only got the diagnosis when he was in his thirties, and he says it was a huge relief for him. It showed him that there was an explanation for his behavior, which helped him accept himself fully and excel as a musician.
