16 Incredible Stories of Famous People With Lupus

Publish date: 2024-05-06

People are naturally curious and often develop a certain fascination with celebrities. This is especially true when it comes to those who have been diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes among other symptoms.

Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga and Toni Braxton have all opened up about their struggles with the disease, inspiring a wave of admiration from fans who see them as brave role models for living life to its fullest despite the obstacles.

In this article, we’re going to highlight each of these stories and the celebrities behind them.

16 Celebrities that have Experienced Lupus in their Life

This newfound appreciation for celebrities battling chronic illness has become even more pronounced in recent years thanks to platforms like Instagram and Twitter that make it easier than ever for people to connect with their favorite stars on a personal level. Read more below.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is a beloved singer, actress, and producer. She became a household name in 2007 in the lead role on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. In 2015, she announced that she had been diagnosed with lupus and was taking time off to receive treatment for her condition. Through her openness about her health struggles, Gomez has become an advocate for those living with autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a multi-Grammy award-winning artist who has taken the world by storm with her unique brand of music and artistry. In 2017, Lady Gaga revealed that she’d been diagnosed with lupus years prior but had kept it private due to fear it would negatively impact her career. Despite this, she has continued to rise in success and is widely considered one of the world’s most powerful artists.

Nick Cannon

Actor, comedian, radio host, and entrepreneur Nick Cannon rose to fame as part of Nickelodeon’s All That. He later went on to host his own series Wild ‘n Out and America’s Got Talent. Cannon was diagnosed with lupus in 2012 after experiencing a slew of symptoms, including joint pain and headaches. Despite his health struggles, he continues to thrive professionally, hosting shows like The Masked Singer.

Michael Jackson

Legendary singer-songwriter Michael Jackson redefined pop music with his unforgettable voice and iconic dance moves that revolutionized music videos for generations to come. In 1983, Jackson was diagnosed with lupus as a result of the physical strain he had put on his body over years of rigorous live performances. Although his condition took its toll, it did not stop him from becoming one of the most successful entertainers in history.

Toni Braxton

Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton has captivated audiences for decades with her soulful voice and hit songs like “Unbreak My Heart.” In 2008, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with lupus a few years prior and had struggled to keep it secret due to fear that it would affect her career success. Despite this health struggle, Braxton continues to make music today and even won a Lifetime Achievement award in 2019.

Seal

Grammy-winning singer Seal is widely renowned for his timeless, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. In 2016, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with lupus in 2000 and had kept it private due to fear of being judged. Despite the condition, Seal has continued to make music and tour around the world, inspiring millions with his unique sound.

Flannery O’Connor

The late writer Flannery O’Connor was widely celebrated for her stories filled with wit and insight into human nature. At age 25 she was diagnosed with lupus after experiencing crippling joint pain and fatigue. She continued writing despite her illness until her death in 1964 at age 39 due to complications related to lupus.

Charles Kuralt

Charles Kuralt was a celebrated journalist and television host for CBS News. He was widely known for his show On the Road, which featured stories from people around the world that inspired millions with their tales of courage and resilience. In 1987, he was diagnosed with lupus but continued to work until retirement in 1997.

Ferdinand Marcos

The late Ferdinand Marcos served as President of the Philippines from 1965-1986. Known for his autocratic rule during his tenure, he also suffered from lupus which forced him into exile in 1986 due to complications related to the disease.

Trick Daddy

Rapper Trick Daddy rose to fame in 1998 with his hit single “Nann”. In 2012, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with lupus but continued to make music despite the condition. He recently released an album in 2019 and continues to work today.

J Dilla

The late hip hop producer J Dilla was a pioneer of modern beat-making, widely considered one of the greatest producers of all time. In 2005, he was diagnosed with lupus after experiencing joint pain and extreme fatigue which eventually led to him losing his ability to perform live shows. Despite this health struggle, he continued producing beats until his death in 2006 due to complications related to lupus.

Tim Raines

Baseball player Tim Raines was known as “Rock” throughout his 23-year career. He was diagnosed with lupus in 1999 after experiencing extreme fatigue and kidney failure. Despite this, Raines continued to lead a successful career until he retired in 2002.

Donald Byrne

The late chess grandmaster Donald Byrne was widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, especially known for his 1956 win over Bobby Fischer which is considered one of the most iconic games in history. He was diagnosed with lupus in 1993 but continued playing tournaments until 1996 when he passed away due to complications related to the disease.

Ray Walston

Actor Ray Walston was widely known for his roles on shows like My Favorite Martian and Picket Fences. Walston was diagnosed with lupus in 1965 but continued working until his death in 2001 due to complications related to the condition.

Michael Wayne

The late actor Michael Wayne was best known for playing roles alongside his father, John Wayne, such as Hatari! and The Green Berets. In 1976, he was diagnosed with lupus and experienced symptoms of kidney failure before passing away in 2003 due to complications related to the disease.

Mercedes Scelba-Shorte

Actress Mercedes Scelba-Shorte is widely known for her roles on shows like Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Touched By An Angel. She was diagnosed with lupus in 1990 after experiencing extreme fatigue and joint pain but continues to work in television and film today.

The Many Celebrities with Disease and Health Conditions

More and more people are becoming interested in celebrities who suffer from diseases or health conditions. This is likely due to the fact that these stories often show us how powerful the human spirit can be, as well as how much we can learn from others’ experiences.

When a celebrity talks openly about their struggles with a particular illness or condition, it gives those who may also be suffering an opportunity to feel less alone and find hope for their own situation. These stories also usually help those with similar conditions.

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