Celebrities and Public Figures With ADHD

Well-Known Public Figures With ADHD

Hello and welcome to another episode of “A Minute in the Clouds With Greg!” Today, I will be discussing adult ADHD once again. The focus will be on well-known celebrities and public figures who have either been diagnosed with ADHD or are believed to have it. Here are some examples of celebrities and well-known public figures who fall into this category.

Without Furthur Delay Here Is the List

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, an American actor, producer, and director, has stated that he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a child. Hanks, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor, credits his success to ADHD (rather than in spite of it). He has starred in a number of acclaimed films, including Philadelphia, Bridge of Spies, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, The Da Vinci Code, and Toy Story. (Sinfield, 2016)

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves, an actor with ADHD and dyslexia, has become an inspiration by sharing his struggles and embracing his uniqueness. He credits his acting to learning to cope with his dyslexia. (Source: DyslexiaHelp)

Solange Knowles

Solange initially denied her ADHD diagnosis but eventually accepted it after seeking a second opinion. She didn’t believe the first doctor who diagnosed her and thought ADHD was invented to sell medication. However, the second doctor confirmed her diagnosis. Now that she understands her condition, Solange notices ADHD symptoms in others in the music industry, such as memory loss and difficulty completing tasks. (BET, 2014)

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and has managed it well throughout her career. The hotel heiress and socialite revealed in an interview with Larry King that she was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. “I’ve been on medication since I was a child,” she said. “I have ADHD, so I take medication for that.” (Holland, 2017)

ADHD in Girls and Women

Martha Barnard-Rae, a Canadian copywriter, shares her experiences with ADHD and why girls and women are underdiagnosed. She is a lifelong reader, extrovert, and social justice advocate. Her talk was given at a TEDx event.

Michelle Rodriguez 

Michelle Rodriguez has ADHD, which makes it hard to focus. She wants to direct but is conflicted about medication. Despite challenges, she is a successful actress and inspiration to people with ADHD. (Freeth, 2021)

Victoria Pedretti 

Victoria Pedretti revealed in a Glamour interview that she was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6 or 7. She said the diagnosis was damaging to her self-image and made others make assumptions about her. However, she has landed major roles like Love Quinn in You and Dani in The Haunting of Bly Manor. (Freeth, 2021)

Mel B (Melanie Brown)

Melanie Brown, known as Mel B, shared her ADHD experience and mental health strategies in an interview with Paul McKenna. She emphasized the benefits of exercise, meditation, and focus on self. Brown also shared her experience with a medical emergency causing vision loss and expressed gratitude for the care provided by Moorfields Eye Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Olivia Attwood

The Daily Record published an insightful article on Olivia’s personal journey with ADHD, highlighting her courageous candidness and vulnerability. Olivia’s diagnosis was not made until her 20s, a pivotal time in her life when she sought treatment for anxiety and depression. This revelation adds complexity to Olivia’s story, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and holistic approaches to treatment and support. (Kindon, 2022).

Kimberly Quinn – The Double-Edged Sword of ADHD and Impulsivity

ADHD is well-studied in children, but less so in adults. Dr. Kimberly Quinn, a professor of cognitive and positive psychology at Champlain College, specializes in ADHD in adults. She believes ADHD can be a gift, leading to creativity and innovation. She gave this TEDx talk about ADHD and how to help adults with it.

SZA 

In an article published in The Atlanta Black Star SZA talks about her struggles with ADHD, causing embarrassment and nervousness in public situations. Despite her condition, she gradually gains control and embraces acceptance, despite feeling embarrassed. She now embraces her true self and embraces life’s challenges. (Velasquez, 2021)

Georgia Harrison 

TV personality Georgia Harrison recently opened up about her lifelong struggle with undiagnosed ADHD. She was expelled from school for behavioral issues, and struggled with concentration, speaking out of turn, and interrupting others. She believes an earlier diagnosis would have helped.

As an adult, she noticed executive dysfunction, which made it difficult to start tasks and stay on schedule. Medication, fitness, and ADHD-focused music have helped. She hopes to raise awareness and encourage parents to support their children with ADHD. Her diagnosis has transformed her life. (Parry, 2021)

Abigail Agyei – Yes Black Women Have ADHD Too and Need Your Attention!

ADHD affects everyone, but black women are often underdiagnosed. Abigail Agyei, an award-winning senior policy advisor, recently discussed the importance of early diagnosis for everyone, including black women. She has over seven years of experience in community projects and supporting marginalized groups. Abigail is passionate about intersectional identities and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Adam Levine 

Adam Levine, the Maroon 5 lead singer, has had a significant impact on music. He also deals with ADHD symptoms as an adult, having been diagnosed during his teenage years. With support from his parents and doctor, he developed a treatment plan. Despite facing challenges in creating new music, he effectively manages his symptoms with his doctor’s help. Levine launched the “Own It” campaign with the support of ADDA and CHADD. The campaign raises awareness about ADHD symptoms persisting into adulthood, providing education and effective symptom management. (Casa Pacifica Center for Families and Children, 2017)

Erin O’Connor

Erin O’Connor, a model and mother of two, discovered ADHD in her 40s. The diagnosis has helped her understand her personality and upbringing, and she now focuses on improving her learning abilities. Her experience has personal significance. (Freeth, 2021) 

Zooey Deschanel

On her blog dated June 21nd 2011 Zooey wrote “Are you an unmedicated adult with Attention Deficit Disorder who also LOVES to do crafts? I AM! I barely have the patience to write this opening paragraph (I have already gotten up four times), so I need to focus my unfocused mind on projects that can be completed very quickly. Am I going to knit a scarf? NO! Will I knit a scarf for a bunny? I don’t know. Maybe, if it’s a really small field bunny and I am knitting with giant knitting needles. I recognize I will never complete something that takes any kind of patience (sorry needlepoint) so I decided to focus this blog on crafts I CAN complete.”

The blog has since been deleted, but I was able to find a cached copy on The Internet Archive. See below!

Tanya Bardsley

Tanya Bardsley felt relieved after her ADHD diagnosis and recognizes its benefits in her entrepreneurial pursuits.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson the actress known for her role in the Harry Potter series, is diagnosed with combined/hyperactive type ADHD, demonstrating that even Renaissance women can have ADHD.

Rory Bremner

Rory Bremner a famous satirist and comedian, acknowledges the challenges and advantages of ADHD, using it to think creatively and outside the box.

Ant McPartlin

TV presenter Ant McPartlin was diagnosed with ADHD in 2018, appreciates the condition’s benefits in his live television career, despite its challenges in his personal life.

Chef Jamie Oliver

a vocal advocate for healthy eating, was diagnosed with ADHD during childhood and emphasizes the importance of diet in managing ADHD symptoms.

Bill Gates

Bill Gates the founder of Microsoft and a philanthropist, dropped out of Harvard to pursue his passion for technology during the personal computer revolution.

ADHD 2.0 Cutting Edge Research & Strategies to Thrive – Ed Hallowell. M.D

Author Edward Hallowell, M.D. speaks to the new content in ADHD 2.0, a revolutionary new approach to ADD/ADHD featuring cutting-edge research and strategies to help readers thrive.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney the animation industry pioneer had ADHD, which fueled his creativity and enabled him to build an empire in animated films and amusement parks.

Michael Phelps

Swimmer Michael Phelps 

channeled his ADHD symptoms into swimming, becoming one of the most decorated Olympians with continuous praise and encouragement.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum a renowned actor, publicly shares his childhood struggles with ADHD, but it hasn’t hindered his success in Hollywood.

Richard Bacon

TV presenter Richard Bacon was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 42, finding relief and improvement in his life after the diagnosis.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein the famous physicist and mathematician, is believed by many scholars to have had ADHD due to his exceptional mind and achievements.

Will Smith

Will Smith, a well-known actor and singer, courageously discussed his childhood battle with ADHD, which had an impact on his grades. Will had ADHD as a child, which impaired his ability to concentrate and caused him to act impulsively. Despite being capable of achieving higher academic success, the condition had a negative impact on Will Smith’s grades, making him an underachiever.

Paul Orfalea

Paul Orfalea Known for: Founder of Kinko’s, the chain of copy centers (now FedEx Office) Paula has publicly talked about having ADHD and dyslexia, which he has considered as factors that contributed to his success in business.

David Neeleman

Airline entrepreneur David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue and other airlines has openly discussed having ADHD and has even attributed some of his entrepreneurial success to the condition.

Ty Pennington

TV host Ty Pennington known for shows like “Trading Spaces” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” has openly discussed having ADHD and credits it for his creative energy and focus.He has said publicly he manages his ADHD with medication and embraces his hyperactive energy.

Celebrities Open Up About ADHD and How It Led to Success | Banfield

The documentary “The Disruptors” features celebrities with ADHD who share their experiences and how it has helped them succeed. It challenges misconceptions about ADHD and shows how people with it can thrive. Critics have praised the film for its positive portrayal of ADHD.

Howie Mandel

Comedian, actor, and television host, Howie Mandel has been open about having ADHD and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Britney Spears

The iconic pop star Britney Spears went public with her ADHD in 2012 while she was performing as a judge on ‘The X Factor’. Diagnosed with the condition as a child, she needed to take regular breaks during filming to manage her symptoms.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg, an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) and actress, comedian, and television host, has spoken openly about having ADHD.

Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prolific composer of the Classical era, is believed by some historians and scholars to have had ADHD. However, given the historical context, it is difficult to say for certain whether or not he actually did have the condition.

Simone Biles

Gymnast Simone Biles, who has won numerous Olympic gold medals, was open about her ADHD after her medical records were hacked.

Jim Carrey 

Jim Carrey is a talented actor who has faced ADHD and depression. He has found solace in his art and openly discusses his struggles to inspire others. Mental health should be embraced and addressed with empathy and understanding.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling, a successful actor, was homeschooled after having a difficult time in school due to undiagnosed ADHD. His mother’s unwavering support helped him to overcome his challenges and achieve success.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson, an adventurer and entrepreneur, has dyslexia and ADHD but has not let it hinder his accomplishments.

Stephen Tonti – ADHD as a Difference in Cognition, Not a Disorder

Stephen, a Senior Directing major at Carnegie Mellon, is the President of the Film Club and is working on a collective of Film Enthusiasts. He recently completed a Thesis Project on Mac Wellman’s “A Murder of Crows” and blogs about caffeine, nicotine, and ADHD. TEDx, a program of local events, combines TEDTalks video and live speakers for deep discussion and connection.

John T. Chambers (CEO of Cisco Systems)

John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems, has ADHD. He thought it was a weakness, but it helped him see connections in data and survive economic downturns. He said people with ADHD are “the inventors and the innovators, the movers and the doers, the dreamers who built America.”

Ingvar Kamprad (founder of IKEA)

Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad adapted his business to accommodate his ADHD and dyslexia, proving businesses can be inclusive and successful.

Trevor Noah

The host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, has openly shared his personal struggle with ADHD and depression.

Daniel Kwan

The co-director of Everything Everywhere All at Once, Daniel Kwan, discovered he had ADHD while researching for his film.

Johnny Depp

Actor Johnny Depp was diagnosed with ADHD and a mood disorder while battling substance abuse.

Justin Timberlake

Superstar recording artist and actor Justin Timberlake has both OCD and ADHD and has shared his frustration with these conditions.

Dave Grohl

The Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, revealed his childhood diagnosis of ADHD and how he channeled his energy into music.

Sam Fender

Musician Sam Fender credits his ADHD for his drive and creativity in his successful music career.

will.i.am

The Grammy-winning recording artist will.i.am uses music as ADHD therapy and believes it helps him focus.

Scott Kelly

Astronaut Scott Kelly, diagnosed with ADHD in his youth, found motivation to pursue his career after reading about astronauts.

Karina Smirnoff

Dancing with the Stars star Karina Smirnoff was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and manages her symptoms with medication.

Making ADHD Your Superpower – George Cicci

George Cicci, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, aims to dispel misconceptions about the disorder. In a TEDx talk, he argues that ADHD can be seen as a “superpower” with advantages in work and everyday life. Currently Chief Marketing Officer at Impakt Media, Cicci collaborates with brands like NBC Sports, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, and Major League Baseball affiliates. He is also finishing his book titled “ADHD LifeHacker: the Four Rules for Success” and preparing to launch an online productivity course for individuals with ADHD.

Loyle Carner

Hip-hop artist Loyle Carner was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during his school years but has embraced his condition as a superpower.

Adam Levine

Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and manages his symptoms as an adult to continue thriving in his career.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Actor Bex Taylor-Klaus embraces their ADHD, advising others to manage it and see it as a positive trait.

Shane Victorino

MLB player Shane Victorino has been outspoken about his ADHD diagnosis and continues to manage his symptoms successfully.

James Carville

Successful political strategist James Carville credits his ADHD with giving him hyperfocus and energy in his career.

Daniel Koh

Chief of staff to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Daniel Koh, sees his ADHD as a strength that helped him succeed in his career.

Ryan Gosling Actor

Ryan Gosling was diagnosed with ADHD and bullied at school. His mother homeschooled him and he began acting. His 2006 Oscar nomination meant a lot to him and his mother, who has always supported him.

Terry Bradshaw 

Terry Bradshaw, NFL legend, broadcaster, and entertainer, was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. He described his struggles with the disorder in his book, It’s Only a Game. He wished he had been diagnosed earlier so he could have reached his full potential academically.

Lisa Ling 

Journalist and former cohost of The View, Lisa Ling, was diagnosed with ADHD while reporting on the disorder. In an interview with Today’s Parent, she revealed that ADHD has actually been beneficial for her, enabling her to hyper-focus on things she is enthusiastic about.

ADHD Sucks but Not Really – Salif Mahamane

Salif, a doctoral student at USU, explores ADHD in schools, homes, and personal life. It’s a neurocognitive profile with a distinct brain structure, often misdiagnosed. His research examines the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of being in natural environments. He enjoys outdoor activities and planning his future homestead. This talk was presented at a TEDx event.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne, who has ADHD and depression, said the worst part of growing up with these conditions was not knowing how to communicate her feelings.

Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish-born inventor who developed the telephone. He may have had ADHD, which led him to struggle with focus and organization. However, he also had traits that helped him succeed, such as hyperfocus, creativity, and logical thinking. Bell created a system of dedicated rooms for each task, which helped him stay on track and achieve his goals.

Tracy Gold

American actress and former child star known for playing Carol Seaver on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains.

Leonardo da Vinci

Two neuroscientists say Leonardo’s procrastination and time management issues may have been due to ADHD, which could explain his genius.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison’s life and behavior exhibit classic ADHD characteristics, and he would have likely been diagnosed with ADHD if modern psychology existed during his time. His upbringing, genetic predisposition, and the stimulating environment contributed to his remarkable intelligence and prolific inventions.

John F. Kennedy

President Kennedy’s ADHD didn’t stop him from his path to presidency. Kennedy was able to participate in World War II and served in the Navy, later winning a Victory Medal and Purple Heart award.

Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man, sees his ADHD and dyslexia as superpowers. Many people with learning differences embrace their differences as strengths, like director Steve McQueen, actor Bex Taylor-Klaus, and gymnast Simone Biles.

Stampylonghead

Joseph Mark Garrett, born on December 13, 1990, and better known by his online aliases Stampylonghead, Stampylongnose, or simply Stampy, is an English YouTuber known for his popular Minecraft videos.

Bev Thorogood – ADHD in Menopausal Women

Bev Thorogood, a TEDx speaker, discusses the connection between menopause and ADHD, which can cause cognitive challenges for women. The talk emphasizes the need to reconsider the perception of ADHD and explore how declining estrogen levels affect dopamine regulation in women going through menopause.

Thorogood, who worked for the Ministry of Defence for 32 years, faced difficulties like brain fog, anxiety, and low self-confidence, leading to her resignation at 52. She now runs a successful business, collaborating with organizations like Channel 4, The Royal Air Force, Southampton University, and The London Clinic to raise awareness about menopause’s impact on working women.

Thorogood, currently 56, is realizing that she likely has undiagnosed ADHD, which intersects with menopause and neurodiversity, raising new questions without clear answers. The talk was part of a TEDx event organized independently by a local community, following the TED conference format.

John Lennon

English singer, songwriter, musician, and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles.

Other notable people who either have, had, or were thought to have ADHD include:

Henry Winkler – American actor, comedian, author, producer, and director. 

Jim Caviezel – American film actor.

Wendy Davis – American lawyer

Woody Harrelson – American actor and playwright

Robin Williams

Famous Athletes with ADHD

Magic Johnson

Michael Jordan

Muhammad Ali

Andre Brown

Cammi Granato

Josh Freeman

Louis Smith

Pete Rose

Vigil Green

Babe Ruth

Not Just Living but Thriving With ADHD

Angela Aguirre, poet, performer, and teaching artist, shares her journey from diagnosis to college graduate, published author, co-founder of Chingona Fire, Huffington Post contributor, and Women of the Year 2017.

Famous Writers / Journalists with ADHD

Ed Hallowell

Jenny Lawson

Katherine Ellison

Mark Twain

Famous Chefs with ADHD

Gizzi Erskine

Heston Blumenthal 

Jennifer Herrera

Famous Media Personality with ADHD

David Blaine (illusionist)

Joan Rivers (television host / comedian)

Famous Musicians with ADHD

Justin Bieber

Zayn Malik

Other Historical Figures with ADHD

Pablo Picasso (artist)

Vincent van Gogh – Dutch Post-Impressionist painter

George Bernard Shaw – Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist.

Jules Verne – French novelist, poet, and playwright. 

Alan Meckler -Businessman

Benjamin Franklin – American printer and publisher, author, inventor and scientist, and diplomat.

Glenn Beck – American conservative political commentator

Kendrick Meek – American politician 

ADHD from the inside – Toby Shaw

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a familiar term to millions of parents, children, students, and teachers in recent decades. But how much do we truly understand about how it affects an individual? What is it like to live with the condition and go through a typical school day?

Toby shares personal insights about a world most of us have only heard about. Toby is a high school student with Czech and British roots. He has been intensely involved in rowing and acting for several years and continues to pursue the dramatic arts both in and out of school. He discovered he has ADHD only two years before this talk given at TEDxYouth@ISPrague

Famous Scientists / Inventors with ADHD

Dean Kamen (Segway & IBot) – American engineer, inventor, and businessman. 

Anthony Padilla (Minecraft)

Daniel Anthony Padilla is an American YouTuber, interviewer and actor. He gained prominence for co-founding the YouTube channel Smosh with Ian Hecox,

Technoblade (Minecraft)

Alexander, known online as Technoblade, was an American YouTuber known for his Minecraft videos, live streams, and involvement in the Dream SMP. Technoblade registered his main channel on YouTube in 2013. His videos consisted primarily of Minecraft gameplay, particularly on the minigame server

Hank Green

American vlogger, science communicator, entrepreneur, author, internet producer, and musician.

Other Famous YouTubers with ADHD

JBAverage – Youtuber

Bri Hall – Digital Content Creator and Curator for Youtube 

Nigahiga – American internet personality. Best known for his comedy videos on YouTube

DanTDM – English YouTuber, author, and gamer

Arin Hanson (Egoraptor) – American YouTuber, actor, rapper, and animator.

Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) – American YouTuber and film director

Understanding ADD/ADHD With Dr. Edward Hallowell

Dr. Edward Hallowell, an expert in ADD/ADHD, suggests the following strategies for managing the condition: identify strengths and weaknesses, create a management plan, seek support, consider medication, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Hallowell believes that individuals with ADD/ADHD can have successful and fulfilling lives.

Successful Entrepreneurship with ADHD

Here is a suggested stratergy for being a successful entrepanur when you have ADHD.

1. Get an ADHD coach and a business mentor.
2. Focus on one business at a time.
3. Build businesses for sustainability.
4. Automate with systems.
5. Outsource operations.
6. Be a serial entrepreneur.
7. Manage an empire of businesses.

Thank You For Reading. See You Tomorrow

Remember to take care of your mind!