Celebs Who Were Diagnosed With Hepatitis C

Pamela Anderson, the former 'Baywatch' star, contracted hepatitis C in the 1990s after sharing a tattoo needle with her then-husband, Tommy Lee. She publicly announced her diagnosis in 2002 and has since become an advocate for hepatitis C awareness and education.

Naomi Judd, the country music singer and matriarch of the 'Judds' duo, was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1990. The virus was contracted through a needlestick injury she sustained while working as a nurse in the 1970s.

Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, revealed his diagnosis with hepatitis C in 2006. He had been living with the virus for many years without realizing it, as it is often asymptomatic. He underwent 11 months of treatment with interferon and ribavirin, which was the standard of care at the time. The treatment was grueling and caused severe side effects, but Tyler persevered.

Lyonne has been open about her battle with addiction and hepatitis C. She revealed her diagnosis with hepatitis C in 2018, saying that she had been living with the virus for over 10 years. Lyonne's diagnosis came after a period of heavy drug use. She has said that she first used drugs as a teenager to cope with trauma from her childhood. Her addiction spiraled out of control in her early 20s, and she spent several years in and out of rehab.

Larry Hagman, the iconic actor known for his role as "J.R. Ewing" on the television series 'Dallas,' was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1992. He had likely been infected with the virus decades earlier, through blood transfusions or other medical procedures.

The Grammy-winning singer was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the early 2000s. Cole died in 2015 from the effects of congestive heart failure. Cole's diagnosis was a result of her past drug use, which included heroin addiction in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The virus is more easily transmitted through needles and syringes, so it was likely that Cole contracted it during this time. Cole's hepatitis C was not initially detected, as the infection can often be asymptomatic for decades.

The late baseball Hall of Famer is best known for his 18 years with the New York Yankees during the 1950s and '60s. Mantle was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the late 1980s and died from liver cancer in 1995. He was believed to have contracted the virus through a blood transfusion he received during a knee operation in the 1950s. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex.

The famous daredevil was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the 1980s. Knievel died in 2007 from the effects of diabetes. He was believed to have contracted the virus through blood transfusions he received after his many injuries. He had broken over 35 bones during his career and had undergone multiple surgeries. Knievel's diagnosis was a major blow to his health and career. He was already struggling with the effects of his many injuries, and the hepatitis C virus further damaged his liver.

The 'Allman Brothers Band' singer was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the 1970s. Allman died in 2017 from the effects of liver cancer. The exact cause of his infection was never determined, but it is possible that he contracted it through blood transfusions, sharing needles, or having unprotected sex. Hepatitis C was not widely understood in the 1970s and early 1980s, so Allman was not aware of the virus or its risks at the time.