6 stars who weren't broken by a serious illness (13 photos)
A long, serious illness changes a person, tests their strength, and tests their inner resources. And under its pressure, people change and even break.
The rich and famous are no exception. But among them, there are steadfast tin soldiers, worthy of respect and role models.
1. Tim Curry
Tim Curry initially pursued a career in music and musicals, not film. His breakthrough role was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which he landed after impressing the director with his dance. The actor later created one of the most iconic characters in the horror genre—Pennywise the clown in the miniseries It. He also worked extensively as a voice actor. Since a stroke in 2012, Curry uses a wheelchair, but continues to voice characters and occasionally appears in projects that require him to act seated.
Tim Curry's recent appearance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
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2. Michael J. Fox
Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, when he was only 30 years old. Although the disease typically appears in older people, the diagnosis was a severe blow to the actor, leading to a period of alcoholism. After overcoming his addiction, Fox founded his own foundation for Parkinson's research and wrote a memoir, "Lucky," in which he recounted his experiences with the disease.
In 2024, Michael performed at the Glastonbury Festival with Coldplay.
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3. Celine Dion
In the documentary "I Am: Celine Dion," the singer revealed that she hid her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscle spasms and stiffness, for 17 years. The illness interferes with her body control, walking, and singing. Celine Dion revealed how hard she endures the pain, but stated that she continues to fight and hopes to return to the stage.
After announcing that she would be unable to perform due to her illness, Celine Dion sang at the opening of the Paris Olympics.
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4. Emilia Clarke
Emilia Clarke suffered two strokes due to a ruptured brain aneurysm after filming the first season of Game of Thrones. She required two complex surgeries, one of which was complicated and resulted in a craniotomy. The actress kept this story a secret for a long time, but now, having fully recovered, she is helping others who have suffered similar injuries.
5. Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges revealed that the lymphoma tumor he was diagnosed with in 2020 has shrunk to the size of a glass marble. The actor learned of the disease after filming the series "The Old Man," unaware of the large tumor in his body. Despite achieving remission, his health was seriously undermined by COVID-19, which he suffered from.
My hospital stay coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, so my family couldn't visit me. It was incredibly difficult being away from them. I remember being wheeled up to the window, and they were standing outside waving. And I waved back. However, I was so exhausted that I could only raise my hand for two or three minutes.
6. Hugh Jackman
Two years ago, Hugh Jackman announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer for the sixth time. The actor urged his social media followers to be sure to use sunscreen, as ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of this disease. Due to his predisposition to cancer, Jackman undergoes regular checkups. ![]()











