Hollywood Actresses Who Succeed While Living with Disabilities

Hollywood is an industry that often emphasizes physical perfection and traditional abilities. Many talented actresses have risen to the top of their profession while living with various disabilities or chronic conditions. These performers demonstrate that talent and determination can overcome systemic barriers in the entertainment world. Their success provides visibility and inspiration for millions of people worldwide. This list explores several notable actresses who have built impressive careers while navigating personal health challenges.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is an acclaimed actress who made history by winning an Academy Award for her role in ‘Children of a Lesser God’. She has been deaf since she was eighteen months old and has used her platform to advocate for accessibility. Her extensive career includes memorable roles in ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Switched at Birth’. Matlin continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood who champions the inclusion of performers with disabilities. She often uses sign language in her performances to bring authenticity to her characters.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown rose to international fame for her portrayal of Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’. She has opened up about being deaf in one ear since her childhood. This condition has not hindered her ability to perform or pursue a career in music and acting. Brown has received multiple award nominations for her work in various high profile projects. She continues to lead major film franchises and remains a powerful voice for young actors.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘Hellboy’. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 and has been very public about her health journey. Blair often uses a cane for mobility and has become a leading advocate for the chronic illness community. Her documentary ‘Introducing Selma Blair’ provides an intimate look at her life and career after her diagnosis. She remains a beloved figure in the industry who inspires others with her honesty and resilience.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is a celebrated comedy actress known for ‘Married with Children’ and ‘Dead to Me’. She announced her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2021 while filming her hit television series. Applegate continued to work through her symptoms to finish the final season of her show. She has been open about the physical challenges of the condition and the support she receives from her colleagues. Her career spans decades and includes numerous awards for her comedic and dramatic talents.

Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff is a deaf actress who gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘The Walking Dead’. She later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the first deaf superhero in ‘Eternals’. Ridloff began her career as a teacher before transitioning into professional acting on Broadway. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Children of a Lesser God’. Her success has paved the way for more diverse representation of the deaf community in blockbuster films.

Millicent Simmonds

Millicent Simmonds is a deaf actress who delivered a breakout performance in the horror film ‘A Quiet Place’. She lost her hearing during infancy and has since become a major star in Hollywood. Simmonds worked closely with directors to ensure that her characters accurately represented the deaf experience. She has received critical acclaim for her ability to convey deep emotion through sign language and facial expressions. Her work has been instrumental in bringing authentic deaf stories to mainstream audiences.

Ali Stroker

Ali Stroker made history as the first actor who uses a wheelchair to win a Tony Award. She earned this honor for her performance in the revival of ‘Oklahoma’ on Broadway. Stroker was paralyzed from the chest down following a car accident when she was two years old. She has appeared in television series such as ‘Glee’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Her career serves as a powerful example of how performers with mobility impairments can excel in musical theater and television.

Lauren Potter

Lauren Potter is best known for her role as Becky Jackson on the hit musical series ‘Glee’. She was born with Down syndrome and has used her fame to advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Potter served on the Presidents Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities under the Obama administration. She has also appeared in various films and television projects throughout her career. Her work has helped to break down stereotypes about what actors with Down syndrome can achieve.

Jamie Brewer

Jamie Brewer is a talented actress who gained fame for her recurring roles in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. She was the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. Brewer has also performed in stage productions and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Her performances are often praised for their depth and complexity. She continues to be a trailblazer for inclusion in both the fashion and entertainment industries.

Madison Tevlin

Madison Tevlin is an actress and advocate who recently starred in the film ‘Champions’. She has Down syndrome and is known for her vibrant personality and talent in both acting and singing. Tevlin gained attention through viral videos that showcased her musical abilities and positive message. She uses her social media presence to challenge misconceptions about disability. Her professional career is growing as she takes on more roles in the film industry.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah is a veteran actress famous for her roles in ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Splash’. She has spoken publicly about being diagnosed with autism during her childhood. Hannah found that acting helped her manage the social challenges associated with her condition. Despite her success she has occasionally struggled with the pressures of Hollywood events and red carpets. She remains a respected figure in film and is also known for her environmental activism.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy and Grammy and Oscar and Tony. She has lived with dyslexia throughout her life and has been vocal about how it affected her education. Goldberg found success by focusing on her unique voice and comedic timing. She currently serves as a moderator on the long running talk show ‘The View’. Her career spans decades of iconic roles in films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Sister Act’.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston is a global superstar best known for her role in the television series ‘Friends’. She discovered she had dyslexia in her twenties after undergoing a routine eye exam. The diagnosis helped her understand why she had struggled with reading and school during her youth. Aniston has enjoyed a prolific career in both television and romantic comedies. She remains one of the most recognizable and successful actresses in the world today.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley is an English actress known for her roles in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. She was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of six and used her love of acting as motivation to improve her reading skills. Knightley has received multiple Academy Award nominations for her versatile performances. She often speaks about the importance of early diagnosis and support for children with learning disabilities. Her career continues to thrive with a wide range of dramatic and period roles.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is an Academy Award winning actress recognized for her work in ‘The Help’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She has lived with dyslexia since her childhood and credits her mother for helping her find ways to manage it. Spencer often uses audio recordings to help her learn her lines for various film roles. She has become one of the most respected and sought after actresses in Hollywood. Her talent and hard work have earned her numerous accolades across the film and television industry.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke is a rising star known for her role as Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’. She has been open about her struggles with dyslexia which led her to attend several different schools during her youth. Hawke eventually found that her passion for the arts helped her overcome educational hurdles. She is also a talented singer and songwriter with multiple albums to her credit. Her career is rapidly expanding with roles in major films and acclaimed television series.

Cher

Cher is a legendary performer who has achieved success as both a singer and an actress. She has lived with dyslexia and dyscalculia which made traditional schooling very difficult for her. Cher won an Academy Award for her performance in the film ‘Moonstruck’. She has maintained a career that spans over six decades in the public eye. Her resilience and unique talent have made her a global icon in the entertainment industry.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is a highly respected British actress known for her roles in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and the ‘James Bond’ franchise. She has lived with age related macular degeneration for several years which affects her vision. Dench now relies on others to read scripts to her so she can memorize her lines. Despite this challenge she continues to take on complex roles in both film and theater. Her dedication to her craft has earned her numerous awards and universal critical acclaim.

Geri Jewell

Geri Jewell made history as the first person with cerebral palsy to have a regular role on a prime time television series. She starred as Cousin Geri on the popular sitcom ‘The Facts of Life’ during the nineteen eighties. Jewell is also a talented comedian and has written an autobiography about her experiences. She later appeared in the acclaimed series ‘Deadwood’ as Jewel. Her career paved the way for more realistic depictions of physical disabilities on television.

Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid is an actress and comedian who has cerebral palsy and often incorporates it into her work. She is known for being one of the first professional female Muslim comedians in the United States. Zayid has appeared in the film ‘You Don’t Mess with the Zohan’ and has a recurring role in ‘General Hospital’. She is a vocal advocate for disability rights and better representation in the media. Her popular TED talk has inspired millions by discussing her life as a performer with a disability.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil is an actress and activist known for her role in the comedy series ‘The Good Place’. She has lived with Ehlers Danlos syndrome which is a condition that affects the connective tissues in the body. Jamil is very open about her health struggles and uses her platform to promote body neutrality and disability awareness. She has also worked as a presenter and a voice actress for various projects. Her career is marked by her outspoken nature and commitment to social justice.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a global pop icon who has also achieved great success as an actress in ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘House of Gucci’. She has been open with her fans about living with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain and fatigue. Her condition has sometimes forced her to cancel performances but she continues to work at a high level. Gaga has won an Academy Award for her songwriting and received nominations for her acting. She uses her influence to raise awareness about chronic pain and mental health.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was a beloved actress and writer best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in ‘Star Wars’. She was a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and spoke candidly about living with bipolar disorder. Fisher wrote several books including ‘Postcards from the Edge’ which explored her experiences with addiction and mental health. She used her wit and humor to educate the public about the realities of her condition. Her legacy continues to inspire those living with similar challenges today.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton is famous for her role as Sarah Connor in the ‘Terminator’ film series. She has lived with bipolar disorder for much of her life and has spoken about its impact on her personal and professional life. Hamilton eventually found a treatment plan that allowed her to manage the condition effectively. She returned to her iconic role in ‘Terminator Dark Fate’ to much critical acclaim. Her career shows the power of seeking help and maintaining a long term career in Hollywood.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried is a talented actress known for her roles in ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Les Miserables’. She has been open about her experiences with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Seyfried has used medication and therapy to manage her symptoms throughout her successful career. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film ‘Mank’. Her transparency about her mental health has been praised by fans and advocacy groups alike.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is a major film star who has appeared in massive franchises like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She has lived with Hashimotos thyroiditis which is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. Saldana manages her health through a strict diet and lifestyle choices to maintain her high energy levels. She continues to be one of the highest grossing actresses in film history. Her dedication to her health and her craft has made her a prominent figure in modern cinema.

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland is best known for her role as Haley Dunphy on the long running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. She was born with kidney dysplasia and has undergone multiple kidney transplants throughout her life. Hyland has been very public about her health battles and the numerous surgeries she has endured. Despite these challenges she maintained a busy filming schedule for many years. She continues to work in television and is an inspiration to many living with chronic illness.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is a successful comedian and actress known for ‘Trainwreck’ and her sketch show ‘Inside Amy Schumer’. She has shared her experiences with endometriosis and Lyme disease which have both impacted her health and work. Schumer has used her platform to bring attention to womens health issues and the difficulties of diagnosis. She continues to perform stand up and star in various film and television projects. Her humor and honesty have made her a significant voice in contemporary entertainment.

Alaqua Cox

Alaqua Cox made her acting debut as Maya Lopez in the Disney series ‘Hawkeye’. She is a deaf performer and also an amputee who uses a prosthetic leg. Cox grew up on a Menominee Indian Reservation and had no previous professional acting experience before her breakout role. She now stars in her own spin off series titled ‘Echo’. Her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe represents a major step forward for disabled and indigenous representation.

Angel Giuffria

Angel Giuffria is an actress and advocate who was born without her left forearm. She is known as the first actress with a bionic arm to appear in major film and television projects. Giuffria has appeared in films like ‘The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1’. She often uses her social media to showcase the latest prosthetic technology and advocate for disabled actors. Her work continues to challenge traditional beauty standards and casting norms in Hollywood.

Shannon DeVido

Shannon DeVido is a comedian and actress who uses a wheelchair due to spinal muscular atrophy. She has appeared in television shows such as ‘Difficult People’ and ‘The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore’. DeVido is known for her sharp wit and her efforts to create more opportunities for disabled performers. She also produces her own digital content that focuses on the experiences of people with disabilities. Her career is a testament to the importance of authentic representation in comedy.

Liz Carr

Liz Carr is a British actress and disability rights activist known for her role in ‘Silent Witness’. She has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and has used a wheelchair since she was seven years old. Carr has also appeared in major productions like the fantasy series ‘The Witcher’. She is a vocal opponent of assisted dying and advocates for the value of disabled lives. Her performances are often praised for their intelligence and strength.

Ruth Madeley

Ruth Madeley is an English actress who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in the television movie ‘Dont Take My Baby’. Madeley has also starred in the acclaimed series ‘Years and Years’ and ‘Doctor Who’. She is a strong advocate for better access and representation for disabled actors in the United Kingdom and beyond. Her talent has made her one of the most prominent disabled performers working today.

Shoshannah Stern

Shoshannah Stern is a deaf actress who has appeared in many popular television shows including ‘Jericho’ and ‘Supernatural’. She co created and starred in the series ‘This Close’ which features two deaf lead characters. Stern comes from a multi generational deaf family and is a strong advocate for deaf culture. She has also had a recurring role on the long running medical drama ‘Greys Anatomy’. Her work continues to break barriers for deaf storytellers and performers.

Katie Leclerc

Katie Leclerc is an actress who gained fame for her role as Daphne Vasquez in ‘Switched at Birth’. She has Menieres disease which causes episodes of vertigo and hearing loss. Leclerc learned American Sign Language before being cast in her breakout role. She has appeared in various television films and series throughout her career. Her portrayal of a deaf character helped bring sign language and deaf culture to a wider audience.

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