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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is mostly associated with challenges like difficulty in focusing, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. It is seen as a challenge, but it can also be a unique strength, as many people possess a unique ” hyperfocus ” ability. It allows them to develop an intense fixation on an interest or activity and can be successful in doing anything. Many famous personalities have found the path to success in combination with their creativity and hyperfocus ability, while still having been diagnosed with ADHD. Today, in this blog, we will talk about some of those famous personalities with ADHD, who have achieved success and embrace this trait within themselves!
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Must Read: What is the full form of ADHD?
List of the Most Famous People with ADHD Syndrome
From acting and sports to entrepreneurship and science, from tech giants to culinary artists, many famous personalities have proved that ADHD does not have to hold anyone back. The names of these famous personalities with ADHD and their notable achievements are –
| Famous Persons with ADHD | Profession | Notable Achievements |
| Emma Watson | Actress | Starred in Harry Potter, UN Goodwill Ambassador |
| Rory Bremner | Satirist and Comedian | UK’s top satirist, known for his sharp wit and humour |
| Ant McPartlin | TV Presenter | Popular TV host, known for Ant and Dec |
| Jamie Oliver | Chef | Celebrity chef, advocate for healthy eating |
| Bill Gates | Entrepreneur and Philanthropist | Founder of Microsoft, leading global philanthropist |
| Walt Disney | Animator and Entrepreneur | Founder of Disney |
| Ryan Gosling | Actor | Oscar-nominated actor, known for La La Land |
| Michael Phelps | Swimmer | An Olympian with 23 gold medals |
| Channing Tatum | Actor | A leading actor in Magic Mike, public advocates for ADHD awareness |
| Richard Bacon | TV Presenter | Popular TV host; openly discusses his ADHD |
| Albert Einstein | Physicist and Mathematician | Developed the theory of relativity, Nobel Prize winner |
Also Read – Famous Personalities from India Who Studied Abroad
Emma Watson
The famous global actress Emma Watson, who played the role of Hermoine Granger in the Harry Potter series was diagnosed with combined/hyperactive type ADHD at the age of 9. Despite her ADHD, Watson succeded academically earning straight A’s in her GCSEs and A-Levels. She later graduated in English Literature from Brown University. In addition to her acting, she has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and a UN goodwill ambassador.
She says – “When I’m on it, I can focus a bit more and it helps me organise my day because I have so much going on.”
Walt Disney
Walt Disney is the founder of the Walt Disney Corporation, the empire behind all our childhood memories. The Disney Princess is a dream come true for many and they aspire to be one! But the man behind these fantasies is the creative brain combined with ADHD, Walt Disney. The man was an animator, voice artist, writer and film producer, who built the giant entertainment empire while revolutionising the animation industry. His visions were far ahead of his time with theme park merchandising and more, making Disney relevant even after 50 years.
Note: Although not formally diagnosed, many believe Disney had ADHD, which helped him build his creative empire.
Also Read – 5 Famous Personalities Who Struggled in Life in India
Albert Einstein
Experts have speculated that Albert Einstein may have had ADHD, because of his unique combination of creativity and intelligence in relation to his disorganisation and forgetfulness. Other traits associated with ADHD included his frequent disciplinary issues at school and college due to lack of attention, and his rebellious attitude towards teachers and professors. However, the positive traits associated with ADHD are – his ability to hyperfocus on complex- thought experiments, and his exceptional creativity seen in his Theory of General Relativity.
Note: Though never formally diagnosed, many historians believe that Albert Einstein had ADHD
Michael Phelps
HIstory’s most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9 years old in sixth grade. He had a troubled childhood but when it came to swimming, he developed his hyperfocus. He fidgeted for 10 minutes in class but could swim for 3 hours continuously. He practised continuously for 10 years without missing one single day. He made his Olympic debut at the Sydney Games in 2000 and retired in the London Olympics of 2012.
Michael Phelps holds the record of winning 28 medals wherein 23 are Gold Medals in the Olympics, the highest so far! Michael Phelps now runs a foundation called The Michael Phelps Foundation, introducing swimming to more than 15,000 children in America and in the Special Olympics.
| “You would think that on the first day I hit the water I just sort of turned into a dolphin and never wanted to leave the pool,” “No way. I hated it. We’re talking screaming, kicking fit-throwing, goggle-tossing hate.” “Once I figured out how to swim, I felt so free.”. “I could go fast in the pool, it turned out, in part because being in the pool slowed down my mind. In the water, I felt, for the first time, in control.” he wrote in the book Beneath the Surface. |
Also Read – Famous Global Personalities Who Have Indian Origin
Famous Indian People with ADHD
ADHD is not only prevalent in the Western World, but in India too. There are more than a few famous personalities who have come out talking about their ADHD syndrome in various interviews, podcasts, and reality shows like the one mentioned below.
Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan is a well-known Bollywood actor, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD at an early age. However, he carved his success by finding his interest in films. He has given some biggest hits of his lifetime like “ Guru, “Dhoom” and “Dostana”. He also advocates for the students suffering from such neurological disorders.
Fahadh Faasil
The great Malayalam actor, producer and writer Fahadh Fasil also has been recently diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 41. He has given Malayalam and Tamil hits like Aavesham, Kumbalangi Nights, Pusha, etc. Popularly known as FaFa by his fans, he takes inspiration from Bollywood actor Irfan Khan and is featured in GQ and Film Companion.
Also Read – Famous Personalities from Bangladesh
Famous Personalities with ADHD You Might Have Missed
Some of the other big names who have ADHD yet it has only been a stepping stone for them are mentioned in the list below –
| Name | Profession | Achievements |
| Scott Kelly | Astronaut | NASA astronaut who spent a year in space |
| Will Smith | Actor | Oscar-winning actor, Grammy-winning musician |
| Britney Spears | Musician | Pop icon with multiple chart-topping hits |
| Justin Timberlake | Musician | Grammy-winning singer and actor |
| Lily Allen | Singer | British singer-songwriter |
| Zayn Malik | Singer | Former member of One Direction, successful solo artist |
| Adam Levine | Singer | Lead vocalist of Maroon 5 |
| Will.i.am | Musician | Member of the Black Eyed Peas, music producer |
| Winston Churchill | Politician | Former UK Prime Minister who led the UK during WWII |
| Liv Tyler | Actress | Known for roles in “Lord of the Rings” |
| Mark Ruffalo | Actor | Known for roles in Marvel movies |
| Heston Blumenthal | Chef | Celebrity chef, known for innovative cooking |
| Louis Smith | Olympic Gymnast | British gymnast, Olympic medalist |
FAQs
There are some well-known entrepreneurs, actors and actresses like Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Trevor Noah, Simone Biles, etc
Celebrities like Fahadh Faasil and Abhishek Bachchan have been diagnosed with ADHD.
The ADHD in India is estimated to be around 5 to 8%.
Find other relevant blogs here!
This was all about the famous personalities with ADHD. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!