Parkinson's: Celebs Who Have Battled The Disease

The Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox experienced his first symptoms of Parkinson's disease in 1991, however, he was officially diagnosed in 1992. Then he suffered from depression but eventually decided to go public about his condition and has been a strong advocate of Parkinson's disease ever since. He actually created The Michael J. Fox Foundation, in order to help advance research on the disease

The former sex-symbol, Superman star, and Oscar-nominated actress, Valerie Perrine has been battling Parkinson's disease for several years. The 77-year-old, who actually had to retire from acting, endured an unsuccessful brain surgery in 2017; although she has not gone public about her condition recently, her close friends have asked Valerie's fans to help her through a fundraiser

In 2018 the "Sweet Caroline" singer Neil Diamond revealed that he has Parkinson's disease. As a result of his diagnosis, the talented music star decided to retire from touring. "It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years," he said in a statement where he also apologized to fans

Heavy metal band Judas Priest's lead guitarist, Glenn Tipton,  has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost a decade, but in 2018 he was diagnosed with the later stages of the disease. His condition has progressed to a point where he is no longer able to play the band's more "complex" songs

The fabulous Alan Alda, better known for his appearance in M*A*S*H, revealed how he found out about his condition. In 2018 he said that, after he noticed his thumb twitch during interviews, he got a Parkinson's diagnosis in 2015. However, he has been living a full life since then and wanted to share his story with others who might struggle with the same disease!

In 2020, former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne revealed that he was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's disease last February after suffering a fall and needing neck surgery. Now the 71-year-old musician opened up about his own mortality and said he won't be around "that much longer" but that he's not afraid of death

Basketball star Brian Grant has been battling Parkinson's disease for many years; his first symptom was a tremor in his left hand, just when he was finishing his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns. Fortunately, his condition has not progressed as much as it happens with other patients. A couple of years ago he decided to start a website which filters Parkinson's information on the internet, in an effort of providing only quality material

The legendary music star Linda Ronstadt announced her retirement in 2011. Two years later she revealed it was because she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Unfortunately, she said she was not able "to sing a note" anymore. The "Somewhere Out There" singer explained she had initially attributed the symptoms to aftereffects of a shoulder surgery

The veteran English comedian, Billy Connelly, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, however, he announced his retirement from live stages in 2018. The 79-year old said he doesn't plan to perform anymore, since he now walks "unsteadily" and that his "hearing is going"

The very talented Robin Williams passed away in 2014 at the age of 63. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few months before he died; according to his wife Susan, the Patch Adams actor was not ready to share the information publicly