Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2025/06/02
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Famous Disabled People - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This article offers a short overview of Bell's Palsy, a neurological disorder that causes sudden, temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually on one side. It explains the typical symptoms, causes - often linked to viral infections - and standard treatments like corticosteroids and eye care. The article is especially notable for its extensive list of well-known individuals who have experienced Bell's Palsy, including public figures such as former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, actor George Clooney, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, NBA star Joel Embiid, and Formula One legend Ayrton Senna, among many others from diverse fields. By highlighting these high-profile cases, the article helps destigmatize the condition and reassures readers that Bell's Palsy can affect anyone, regardless of status or profession.
This information is valuable not only for those diagnosed with Bell's Palsy but also for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers, as it addresses both the medical and emotional aspects of the condition while offering practical advice for management and recovery - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It occurs when the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls facial expressions, becomes inflamed or compressed. Though the exact cause is unknown, it is often associated with viral infections such as herpes simplex. Symptoms typically appear rapidly - within 48 hours - and can include drooping of the mouth, inability to close the eye, drooling, and altered taste. While the condition is alarming, it is generally not life-threatening, and most individuals recover fully within three to six months.
Main Content
Diagnosis of Bell's Palsy is largely clinical and based on the abrupt onset of facial weakness. Healthcare providers may use imaging or blood tests to rule out other causes like stroke or tumors. Treatment commonly includes corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation and sometimes antiviral medications. Eye care is critical, as the inability to blink can lead to dryness and damage. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, though a minority of patients may experience lasting facial weakness or synkinesis (involuntary facial movements).
Several high-profile individuals have publicly shared their experiences with Bell's Palsy, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chrétien is known for his distinct facial asymmetry resulting from childhood Bell's Palsy. Angelina Jolie, the Oscar-winning actress, revealed she developed the condition in 2016, attributing her recovery to acupuncture. George Clooney also experienced Bell's Palsy as a teenager. These public figures exemplify that while the condition can be physically and emotionally challenging, it is often manageable and temporary with proper care.
Famous and Well-known People Who Have Been Diagnosed With Bell's Palsy
Alexis Denisof, American actor known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel
Allen Ginsberg, influential American poet of the Beat Generation
Amy Brenneman, American actress and producer best known for Judging Amy and Private Practice
Amy Goodman, American investigative journalist and host of Democracy Now!
Andrew Lloyd Webber, British composer behind hit musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and Cats
Angelina Jolie, American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian
Anupam Kher, veteran Indian film and television actor
Armando Iannucci, Scottish writer and satirist, creator of Veep and The Thick of It
Ayrton Senna, legendary Brazilian Formula One driver
Bart Tommelein, Belgian politician and former State Secretary for Social Fraud, Privacy and the North Sea
Bernadette Sembrano, Filipino journalist and host of the health show Salamat Dok! and TV Patrol Weekend anchor
Bruce Sutter, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball pitcher and pioneer of the split-finger fastball
Cassi Davis, American actress known for her work in Tyler Perry productions
Chris Walker, British motorcycle racer who competed in World Superbikes and British Superbikes
Cliff Pennington, American professional baseball player who played shortstop for the Oakland Athletics
Colin Turkington, Northern Irish racing driver and British Touring Car Champion
Curtis LeMay, U.S. Air Force general and 1968 vice-presidential candidate on the Wallace ticket
Danny Meyer, influential American restaurateur and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group
David Frum, Canadian-American political commentator and speechwriter
Demond Price (Conway The Machine), rapper and member of hip-hop group Griselda
Ella Koon, Tahiti-born singer and actress prominent in the Hong Kong entertainment industry
Eric Swalwell, U.S. Representative for California's 15th congressional district
Evan Turner, professional basketball player and NBA journeyman
Florence Mars, American civil rights advocate and author of Witness in Philadelphia
George Clooney, acclaimed American actor, director, and activist
Glen Durrant, professional darts player and BDO World Champion
Glenda McKay, British actress recognized for her role on Emmerdale
Gordon Lightfoot, legendary Canadian folk singer-songwriter
Graeme Garden, British comedy writer and performer, formerly of The Goodies
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Icelandic strongman, actor (Game of Thrones), and former basketball player
Jamey Sheridan, American actor whose Bell's palsy was written into his role on Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Jane Greer, American film noir actress best known for Out of the Past
Jean Chrétien, former Prime Minister of Canada
Jim Ross, iconic wrestling announcer for WWE, AEW, WCW, and NJPW
Joe Mantegna, American actor with extensive work in film, TV, and theater
Joel Embiid, Cameroonian-American NBA player diagnosed during the 2024 playoffs
Joseph C. Wilson, American diplomat and author, known for the Niger uranium controversy
Kevin Tsai, Taiwanese TV host and writer, co-host of the talk show Kangxi Lai Le
Kim Mulkey, former basketball player and current head coach of the LSU women's basketball team
Martin Love, former Australian Test cricketer
Mike South, American adult film director and blogger
Nancy Zieman, American TV host and sewing educator, host of Sewing with Nancy
Norm Coleman, former U.S. Senator from Minnesota
Pete Maravich, legendary American basketball player known as “Pistol Pete”
Pierce Brosnan, Irish actor and environmental activist, best known for playing James Bond
Piper Niven, Scottish professional wrestler signed with WWE
Rahul Sharma, Indian cricketer known for his leg-spin bowling
Ralph Kiner, American MLB player and longtime broadcaster
Ralph Nader, American political activist and former presidential candidate
Rick Savage, founding member and bassist of British rock band Def Leppard
Roseanne Barr, American comedian and actress who developed symptoms as a child
Sarah Smart, English actress seen in numerous British television dramas
Scarlett Moffatt, British TV personality and winner of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Stevie Benton, bassist for the American rock band Drowning Pool
Terrence Howard, American actor best known for Empire and Hustle & Flow
Thomas C. Foley, American businessman and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
Tom McCarthy, former NHL player for the Minnesota North Stars and Boston Bruins
Tom Seaver, Hall of Fame pitcher widely regarded as one of the greatest in MLB history
Tony Gonzalez, former NFL tight end and sports commentator
Trenton Hassell, former NBA player who played for the New Jersey Nets
Tulisa, British singer and former member of the group N-Dubz
Wesley Walker, former New York Jets wide receiver who played despite having Bell's palsy
NOTE: If you notice any inaccuracies in this list, please reach out to us so we can correct it. Additionally, if you believe someone should be added to this list, please provide us with their name and any information to verify their disability. We value your help, and you can contact us here.
You can also view our other lists of famous and well-known people with various disabilities and conditions, including actors, politicians, and writers who contributed to society.
Editorial Note: By combining clinical insight with a rich list of notable individuals who've faced Bell's Palsy, this article not only informs but also humanizes the condition. It breaks down barriers of misunderstanding by showing that facial paralysis can affect anyone and that recovery is often possible with timely treatment. By sharing the experiences of public figures across diverse fields, it not only educates but also comforts those affected, reminding readers that recovery is the norm and that they are not alone. The inclusion of practical advice on treatment and eye care further enhances its usefulness, making it a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in neurological health. The blend of factual clarity and personal relevance makes it a meaningful resource for both medical awareness and emotional reassurance - Disabled World (DW).
Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.
Citing and References
Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.
Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2025, June 2). Famous People Who Have or Had Bell's Palsy. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved June 2, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/bellspalsy.php
Permalink: Famous People Who Have or Had Bell's Palsy: An informative look at Bell's Palsy and notable figures who have experienced it - helpful for patients, seniors, and those with disabilities.
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