Introduction
We all know that celebrities are just like us, but what you may not know is that many of them have been diagnosed with neurological disorders. From Dan Aykroyd to Keira Knightley and Albert Einstein, here are 20 famous faces who have spoken openly about their neurodivergence.
Dan Aykroyd "I was a functional illiterate for many years and was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's. I couldn't read. I had a very hard time reading out loud."
Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian-American actor, comedian and screenwriter best known for his roles in Ghostbusters, Trading Places, The Blues Brothers and Dragnet.
Dan was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's. He says "I was a functional illiterate for many years and was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's."
Henry Cavill "When I was about 12, I had some problems concentrating - hence why I got into acting - because it helps me... In the same way that I think food is made to be enjoyed, and so you want to do it in moderation, the same can be said of your brain."
Henry Cavill is best known for his roles in the DC Comics film universe, where he plays Superman and Netflix's The Witcher. He also recently starred in Mission Impossible: Fallout, which brought him into contact with Tom Cruise—a man who has famously been diagnosed with ADHD since childhood.
Cavill has publicly shared that he was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 12 years old and that it affected his ability to focus on things like reading or writing. In a recent interview, he explained why acting helped him cope with this condition: "In the same way that I think food is made to be enjoyed, and so you want to do it in moderation, the same can be said of your brain."
Greta Thunberg "I'm not very human. My autism helps me."
Global activist, Greta Thunberg, rose to fame after standing up for climate change. She has Asperger's syndrome, which is a form of autism. People with Asperger's can have difficulty with social interactions and communication, as well as sensory sensitivity.
Keira Knightley "I have learning disabilities-dyslexia and ADHD - and I find it hard to remember lines. But my friends are very patient with me. They make sure that I get through things okay."
Keira Knightley, the actress and model rose to fame in 2002 when she appeared in the films Bend it Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Her performance in Pride & Prejudice earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, SAG Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
In an interview with The Guardian, Knightley said that she had ADHD and dyslexia. She said that “I find it hard to remember lines—and I get very frustrated about that… My friends are very patient with me."
Steven Spielberg "When people ask me which of my movies is my favourite, I say 'The one I'm going to make next...' That enthusiasm may come from the ADHD in me."
Steven Spielberg is considered one of the most successful filmmakers in history. He has won three Academy Awards, two for Best Director and one for best picture. In addition to his many accolades, he has also been awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama and inducted into both the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1980) and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2005).
However, while you may be well aware of Steven Spielberg’s wealth and fame on screen, did you know that he is also neurodivergent?
Steven Spielberg was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after being sent to a psychiatrist by his wife Kate Capshaw after struggling with impatience and inability to sit still. His diagnosis helped him understand why he often found himself unable to focus on anything for long periods at a time—a symptom commonly associated with ADHD.
Jim Carrey "I've looked at my life as an improvisational improvisation. Not just as an actor, but as a person."
Jim Carrey is a Canadian actor, comedian, and producer known for his roles as Ace Venturer, The Mask and Bruce Almighty.