by Michele R. Berman MD December 20, 2010
Editors NOTE. Links to YouTube Videos have been inserted throughout this article when they have been found.
During her speech at the Democratic National Convention in August of 2008, Michelle Obama shared her experiences with multiple sclerosis: Mrs. Obama’s father was diagnosed with the disease when he was in his early thirties.
Michele Obama is, of course, only one of many people whose lives have been touched by MS. Here’s a partial list of entertainers with MS: actors Terri Garr, David “Squiggy” Lander, TV personality Montel Williams, Annette Funicello, singers Lena Horne and Clay Walker, comedian Richard Pryor. MS affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. (Editors Note. The numbers are about 1 Million in the U.S. and 2.5 Million worldwide in May 2022)
1/17
Selma Blair
Actress Selma Blair announced her MS diagnosis in an Instagram post. She wrote, “I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don’t know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best.” Her goal: “I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself.”
Here are some interesting Videos about Selma Blair and her discussion about her MS Diagnosis
People Interview
Selma Blair Opens Up About Living With Multiple Sclerosis, Her Son Arthur & More | PeopleTV
ABC News interview
Selma Blair describes the moment she received her multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Searching For A Cure: A Patient’s View : Selma Blair, Dr. Oz & Dr. David Agus | TIME 100 | TIME
Time 100
ABC Good Morning America
Selma Blair reveals dreams for her future at MS gala l GMA
Selma Blair Never Stopped Fighting | Life Stories by Goalcast
2/17
Art Alexakis
The lead singer of the rock band Everclear opened up about having multiple sclerosis 3 years after his diagnosis. He’s been touring with the band and making new music and says he has plans to write a book. In a post to his fans, he said, “I am just learning how to be the new me.”
Everclear frontman Art Alexakis discusses multiple sclerosis diagnosis
3/17
Montel Williams
Former talk show host Williams told Oprah Winfrey that pain has been a challenge since his MS diagnosis in 1999. He’s learned how to distract himself and “keep it in a box.” He currently puts much of his focus on raising awareness about the disease through the Montel Williams MS Foundation.
Montel Williams on Multiple Sclerosis
Montel Williams Discusses His Fight With MS
Thriving with Multiple Sclerosis: Montel Williams
4/17
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
In the final episode of The Sopranos, which aired in 2007, fans saw the mobster’s daughter, Meadow, run across the street to meet her family for dinner. That, says Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played the character throughout the show’s six-season run, was the last time she ever ran. Sigler was diagnosed with MS in 2001 but stayed quiet about it for years because she feared it would affect her career. In early 2016, she came forward with it. She told People magazine, “It’s part of me, but it’s not who I am.” She takes medication twice a day and says her MS is manageable.
‘Sopranos’ star talks about battle with multiple sclerosis
5/17
Jack Osbourne
Reality TV star Jack Osbourne learned he has multiple sclerosis in 2012. He told the British magazine Hello that “‘adapt and overcome’ is my new motto.” Just two months later, he took to Twitter to tell the world he’d just hiked more than 17 miles with a 35-pound backpack. He ended his message with the upbeat words: “Good livin’.”
Jack Osbourne interview about living with MS
Jack Osbourne explains why Selma Blair speaking out about her MS diagnosis is so important
6/17
Trevor Bayne
Daytona 500 winner Bayne revealed in fall 2013 he’d been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Doctors cleared the 22 year old to continue to compete in NASCAR, though. “I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in, and I feel good,” Bayne said. “There are currently no symptoms and I’m committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible.” He became the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win the Daytona 500 back in 2011.
TREVOR BAYNE INTERVIEW ON RACIN WITH M.S. NOV 2013
7/17
Ann Romney
Ann Romney, wife of former presidential contender Mitt Romney, has been open about her challenges with multiple sclerosis (MS). This nervous-system disease can cause many symptoms, such as a loss of balance and trouble walking. Romney rides horses as a form of therapy. Research has found that horseback riding can improve walking ability and balance in people with MS.
Ann Romney Shares Her Battle With Multiple Sclerosis In New Book | TODAY
8/17
Neil Cavuto
Cavuto, a Fox News TV anchor, had already survived cancer when he learned he had MS in 1997. He’s said that his biggest challenges are fatigue and understanding his body’s limitations. He shared stories of other people’s triumphs over hardship in his book More than Money: True Stories of People Who Learned Life’s Ultimate Lesson.
9/17
Clay Walker
MS struck country music star Clay Walker in his mid-20s. At first he couldn’t hold a guitar pick in his right hand or stand. Treatments helped Walker regain use of his right hand and leg — and forge ahead with an active career and a new passion for volunteer work. In more than 15 years since his diagnosis, Walker has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.
Country artist Clay Walker shares inspiring story about living with MS
Clay Walker battles MS with wife by his side
Clay Walker Updates on His Battle with MS and His Charity ‘Band Against MS’
Clay Walker Talking About Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis – National MS Society
10/17
Teri Garr
Actress Teri Garr’s star was shooting upward in Hollywood in the early ’80s, when she noticed troubling symptoms. She revealed her MS diagnosis to the world in 2002. She urges people newly diagnosed with MS to learn all they can about the illness. The disease affects each person differently. Plus, doctors have many treatments to help hold the disease in check.
Teri Garr Opens Up About MS Diagnosis & Life On The Screen | Studio 10
Multiple Sclerosis No Match for TOOTSIE Actress Teri Garr
11/17
Tamia Hill
MS hasn’t stopped singer-songwriter Tamia Hill from sharing her gift of music. She’s recorded four albums since her diagnosis at age 28. Hill says she has good days and bad days, and finds it helpful to keep a positive attitude. Hill also works to raise public awareness of MS — and stays busy raising her family with her husband, NBA star Grant Hill.
Tamia Opens Up About Living With Multiple Sclerosis
Tamia Talks About Maintaining Her Health With MS | KEMPIRE RADIO
Grant Hill Admits He Was “Scared” When He Learned of Tamia’s MS Diagnosis | Black Love | OWN
Tamia Hill: MS Taught Me a Vital Life Lesson | Black Love | Oprah Winfrey Network
12/17
Victoria Williams
Singer-songwriter Victoria Williams’ MS diagnosis led to a source of support for others. In 1993, her musical friends, including Lou Reed and Pearl Jam, recorded the album, Sweet Relief, to raise money for her medical bills. She then founded the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to help others with health problems. Williams regularly performs her quirky country rock and calls music “a healing thing.”
13/17
Alan and David Osmond
Alan Osmond and many of his siblings became famous as members of the singing, dancing Osmond family. His son, David, is now carrying on the family name as a performer, including a turn on TV’s American Idol. They share something else, too: Both father and son have multiple sclerosis. They live by Alan’s motto: “I may have MS, but MS does not have me.”
Alan – M.S. Interview. 11/07
The Osmond Brothers talk about MS
Alan Osmond – A Real Hero
Alan & David Osmond: Fighting Disease Like a Rock Star
Alan Osmond – “MS Does NOT have me”.
Race to Erase MS Interview with David Osmond
David Osmond’s MS Story – The Today Show
David Osmond Talks About His Battle With MS
h360 LIVE: David Osmond on Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis
David Osmond battles MS
David Osmond Talks Battling MS
David Osmond Living with Multiple Sclerosis Make Every Second Count
14/17
Noah ’40’ Shebib
Shebib is making a name for himself as a producer and collaborator with rapper Drake, a fellow Canadian. A leg that felt “on fire” was one early symptom, leading to a MS diagnosis in his early 20s. Shebib uses his fame to encourage others with MS. He says the disease won’t stop him: “I’ve got this disease. I’m going to live with it. I’m going to win with it.”
OVO Sounds’ 40 banks on BLLRDR as alternative to MS treatments
CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta profiles music producer Noah “40” Shebib
15/17
David Lander
David Lander’s face — and distinctive voice — is familiar to legions of fans who knew him as Squiggy on Laverne and Shirley. Though he kept his multiple sclerosis diagnosis quiet for 15 years, he now speaks freely about his experience with the disease at public appearances.
David Lander
Python’s Paradise #177 – 2017-09-21: David L. Lander Interview
‘LAVERNE & SHIRLEY’ cast reunites to support ailing DAVID ‘Squiggy’ LANDER at MS Walk
“Squiggy” David Lander On Marijuana For MS
16/17
Hal Ketchum
Country singer Hal Ketchum says that talking to people about his MS helps him feel better about the disease. He’s also rearranged his priorities in life to focus on what’s really important to him. People can find a supportive group or online chat room — or even a mentor who is living with MS — by calling the National MS Society at 800-344-4867 .
