Celebrities with Crohn's and Colitis

 

Celebrities are just like you... they even have Crohn’s and Colitis!

 

  1. Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty is best known for her role on “Beverly Hills 90210”. Doherty has struggled with her Crohn’s Disease since childhood. While it is not the most glamorous illness, Dohert became outspoken about her journey in 1999. Her positive outlook on life has helped guide her through her Crohn’s and fight with breast cancer.

 

  1. Pete Davidson

When Pete Davidson was 17 years old, the “Saturday Night Live” actor was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Low weight and energy levels contributed to physical looks of exhaustion that he was scrutinized for. Davidson found it difficult to eat and enlisted the help of marijuana so he is able to eat and perform.

 

  1. Dwight D. Eisenhower

The 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. In 1956, President Eisenhower’s Crohn’s symptoms created a blockage and part of his bowel was removed. Eisenhower persevered and ended up serving two terms in office before he passed away in 1969.

 

  1. Amy Brenneman 

Actress Amy Brenneman has balanced her family, career, and Ulcerative Colitis for years. After undergoing a few surgeries and taking a step back from pushing herself so hard she enjoys a work life balance. Brenneman makes exercise and nutrition a priority for managing her UC.

 

  1. Larry Nance

Larry Nance Jr. is a professional basketball player on the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he is known for dunking the basketball, it is often unknown that he has struggled with Crohn’s Disease since he was 16 years old. Crohn’s has affected his growth and training. By making lifestyle changes and adhering to specific diets, Nance is able to manage his Crohn’s and successfully play basketball!
 

  1. Dan Reynolds

Imagine Dragons’ Frontman, Dan Reynolds, lives with Ulcerative Colitis. The lead vocalist announced that he was diagnosed with UC at the age of 21, as well as suffering with anxiety and depression. An anti-inflammatory diet and increase in exercise have helped him manage his career and UC. Reynolds balances his health, family life, and career by taking time for self-care.   

 

  1. John F. Kennedy

Although it was kept a secret during his presidency, JFK suffered with diarrhea and other abdominal issues leading doctors to believe he had IBD. The medical records show that he most likely had Ulcerative Colitis that was diagnosed in childhood.

 

  1. Mike McCready

The lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, Mike McCready, has battled his IBD since he was 21 years old. Life on tour buses, flares on stage, and eating out on the road are all things that he had to overcome. Over the years, McCready has been open about his disease and even become and IBD activist working with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

 

  1. Kathleen Baker

Kathleen Baker was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 12 and battled to reach her goal of swimming in the Olympics. With the help of her doctors she pushed through nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain to get her condition under control. Baker has overcome many obstacles on her inspiring journey to becoming a gold medalist at the Olympics!

 

  1. David Garrard

Former Jacksonville Jaguar Quarterback David Garrard has had Crohn’s Disease for over 10 years. It started with stomach pain after meals and then weight loss before he ultimately, had surgery and had a foot of his intestine removed. While learning to manage his Crohn’s he has had a successful football career. After retiring from professional football in 2013, Garrard founded the David Garrard Foundation, which helps young children with Crohn’s Disease as well as single mothers with breast cancer.
 

 

Sources:

https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-larry-nance-jr
https://ahhc-1.com/blog/eisenhowers-battle-with-crohns-disease/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/blogs/celebritydiagnosis/82913
https://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/living-with/celebrity-athletes-with-crohns-disease/
https://ibdnewstoday.com/pinterest/2016/09/06/ibd-quote-shannen-doherty/
https://marriedbiography.com/american-actress-shannen-doherty-remission-breast-cancer-talks-positive-attitude-life-know-crohns-disease/
https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/features/detail/olympic-champion-kathleen-baker-crohns-disease/
https://info.ccfa.org/mikemccready
https://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/pearl-jams-mike-mccready-on-the-road-with-crohns/mike-mccreadys-life-with-crohns.aspx
https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health-pictures/8-famous-people-with-ibd.aspx#:~:text=Though%20it%20was%20hidden%20from,was%20diagnosed%20as%20a%20child.
https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/why-does-pete-davidson-have-dark-circles-under-his-eyes-inside-his-struggle-with-disease.html/