Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood and something that can have lasting impacts on attention, focus, impulsivity, and the ability to get and stay organized into adulthood. While ADHD is very common, with some estimates suggesting as many as 10% of children under the age of 17 have been diagnosed, it's still something that many people don't fully understand.
Thankfully, this is an area where we can actually turn to celebrities for some genuine help. From sports heroes and actors to celebrity chefs and musicians, there is a growing number of well-known people who are speaking openly about their experiences with ADHD. These candid confessions represent the diversity of those with the disorder, with some celebs feeling like ADHD is an ongoing struggle, and others considering ADHD more like a gift that helps drive their creativity.
While nobody should ever turn to a celebrity for medical advice (as always, please connect with a medical provider if there are concerns about a loved one having ADHD), it can still be helpful to hear how these accomplished folks have managed their lives since diagnosis. Read on for some real talk and ADHD inspiration.
Michael Phelps
The world knows Michael Phelps as one of the most famous Olympians of all time, but he's also become increasingly open about some of his past struggles, including with ADHD. In a video for a campaign called Speak Up for Kids, he even shared that he was once told by a teacher that he would "never amount to anything" because of his constant energy and "bouncing-off-the-walls" behavior. Clearly, that energy paid off in the long run for the swimmer and now mental health advocate.
Adam Levine
In 2019, the Maroon 5 frontman shared with ADDitude magazine that he's been dealing with some of the challenges of ADHD since childhood and has continued to work with his doctor as an adult after he noticed focus difficulties affecting his career. He also shared the important reminder that adults with ADHD are not alone. "There are others going through the same thing," he said.
Simone Biles
After confidential medical records were released in 2016 that revealed the use of a stimulant medication, Simone Biles bravely shared that she had been diagnosed with ADHD as a child and takes medication to help her manage the condition. Given her status as the greatest gymnast of all time, she's clearly a role model for kids with ADHD.
Justin Timberlake
The boy band lead singer turned actor and solo star Justin Timberlake might be best known for his voice, but in a 2008 interview with Collider, he revealed that he had "OCD mixed with ADD," explaining that it was a challenge. "You try living with that," he said.
Channing Tatum
One thing that can be a struggle for kids with ADHD is feeling confident — something that actor Channing Tatum recalls from the days before he made it big. He's talked openly about his diagnosis, including in an interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, where he noted that "not having early success on that one path messes with you." Luckily, he found his groove as a dancer and an actor, and now he embraces the confidence that comes from his creative side.
Howie Mandel
One celebrity who has been vocal for years about some of the challenges ADHD presents is actor, comedian, and TV host Howie Mandel. Howie shared that he would "never say that ADHD is a gift or a blessing" in an interview with ADDitude that focused on his dual diagnosis of ADHD and OCD.
Will Smith
Although he hasn't shared if he was ever officially diagnosed with ADHD, actor and rapper Will Smith told Rolling Stone that he was "the fun one who had trouble paying attention. Today they'd diagnose me as a child with ADHD." Thankfully, he was able to channel that sense of fun into his music career by the time he was a teenager.
Jamie Oliver
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who's also become a leading advocate for healthy nutrition for kids, was diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He has both supported charities devoted to helping kids with learning differences and advocated for the role of a nutritious diet in helping to manage ADHD symptoms.
Zooey Deschanel
The quirky and charming actress Zooey Deschanel has described herself as someone who craves constant stimulation, one of the hallmarks of ADHD. She even referred to herself in a blog post on HelloGiggles as an "unmedicated adult with attention deficit disorder who also LOVES to do crafts."
Jim Carrey
There's no doubt that fans of comedian and actor Jim Carrey love him for his high-energy physical comedy. It may not be super surprising to see Jim on a list of celebrities with ADHD, but some fans may be surprised to learn that he is also a talented artist who describes his creative work as something that "frees him" from some of the challenges associated with ADHD and depression.
Karina Smirnoff
This talented former Dancing With the Stars professional choreographer and dancer has revealed that after always being high energy and hyperactive as a child, she was diagnosed with ADHD as adult. In 2009, Karina was hired as a spokesperson for a prescription drug designed to treat adults with ADHD. She credits medication with helping her manage her busy life.
Lisa Ling
Journalist and former cohost of The View Lisa Ling was actually diagnosed with ADHD while reporting on the disorder. She shared in an interview with Today's Parent that ADHD has actually helped her, especially when it allowed her to "hyper-focus on things that I am excited and passionate about."
Mel B
Several famous celebrities with ADHD have talked about the importance of exercise for helping reduce symptoms, including Spice Girl Mel B (also known as Scary Spice). In an interview with Positivity Podcast in 2019, she noted that working out is "for my mind … it helps me focus" and is one of the ways she manages both ADHD and anxiety.
Terry Bradshaw
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and current reality TV star Terry Bradshaw has talked openly about the difficulties he faced in the classroom growing up. In a 2013 interview with the Mike & Mike in the Morning radio show, he described it as a "terrible combination, having ADD and having to sit down and study."
will.i.am
While there are some celebrities with ADHD who are open about finding medication helpful, singer will.i.am gave a fiery interview to Event magazine in 2018, blasting parents who chose that option as "lazy." He called for "patience with kids who have ADHD," claiming that medication is "destroying so much potential." And with that, it's important to end on a reminder to make sure to get medical advice from a doctor — not a Black Eyed Pea.
