‘My life has changed radically’: Celebrities who have faced Parkinson’s disease

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon recently revealed she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, adding her voice to a growing number of public figures who have shared their experiences with the condition.

From actors and musicians to sporting legends, these celebrities have helped raise awareness by speaking openly about diagnosis, treatment and living with Parkinson’s.

Here are 5 famous names who have faced Parkinson’s disease.

Michael J. Fox

The Back to the Future star was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 at the age of 29, although he didn't publicly reveal his condition for another seven years.

The 65-year-old actor has since become one of the most prominent advocates for Parkinson's research, establishing The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 – which has invested more than $2 billion with the aim of finding a cure.

Ozzy Osbourne

The heavy metal icon revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's following a fall the previous year.

The Black Sabbath rocker – who died at the age of 76 in July 2025, just weeks after his final performance - told Good Morning America: "I'm no good with secrets. I cannot walk around with it any more 'cause it's like I'm running out of excuses, you know?"

Muhammad Ali

The boxing icon was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984, three years after his retirement from the ring.

In 1997, 'The Greatest', who died aged 74 in 2016, helped to establish the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Arizona – which provides specialist care, therapies and support for those suffering from the condition.

Carly Simon

The You're So Vain singer has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is "learning how to live" with the condition.

Detailing the "unpredictable" progress of the disease, the 83-year-old star said: "Some days I'm so tired I can't get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.

"But I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working."

Brett Favre

The NFL legend revealed that he had Parkinson's during a US Congressional hearing in a welfare fraud case in 2024.

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback, 56, said: "Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others.

"I'm sure you'll understand, while it's too late for me because I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's, this is also a cause dear to my heart."