39 Unforgettable Celebrities and Famous People With ADHD

Did you know that it’s estimated that around one in ten children are diagnosed with the neurodevelopmental disorder ADHD around the world? Possessing an ability to be spontaneous and risk-taking whilst ensuring an endless stream of charisma and personality means it’s no surprise that many of our favourite celebrities have ADHD (formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD).

Yet, hidden amongst the Jim Carrey and Yungblud of the world are some less obvious ADHD famous people and celebrities with ADHD. From Olympic Medallists to historical figures, let’s take a look at some famous people with ADHD that might surprise you.

1. Justin Bieber

It seems like every time we turn on the television or open a magazine these days, there’s another story about Justin Bieber. The Canadian singer is famous for his wild and often outrageous behaviour but he has also been known to struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD).

He reportedly had trouble keeping his focus when he was younger and would get distracted by things easily during his time in school. He even admitted to having problems controlling his emotions as a child.

2. David Blaine

David Blaine is best known for his seemingly impossible tricks, feats and stunts. But did you know that he also has ADHD?

In fact, he’s so good at what he does that he can keep himself perfectly focused and calm while performing such amazing acts. His condition is so well-managed that he doesn’t need any medication to help him perform.

3. Emma Watson

Emma Watson may not seem like your typical celebrity with ADHD. She’s very reserved and keeps herself to herself. But she has spoken openly about her struggles with the condition.

In 2013, she spoke about how she felt she needed to work harder and use her brain more effectively to succeed. “I think I’ve always worked really hard,” she said. “But I don’t feel like I’m working hard enough now.”

4. Dave Grohl

The Foo Fighters frontman isn’t just famous for being part of one of the biggest rock bands ever. He’s also known for being incredibly charismatic and talented. And yet, despite all this, he has revealed that his talent comes down to him having ADHD.

Grohl told GQ Magazine in 2010 that he believed he got where he is today because of his ADHD. “I’m a product of my ADHD,” he explained. “When I was growing up, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do two things at once”.

5. Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum has gone from playing supporting roles in films like Step Brothers to leading man in 21 Jump Street. It’s safe to say that he’s made quite the success out of his career. Yet, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the actor who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia, getting into trouble in school.

At times, he found it difficult to sit still and concentrate. He claims that he used to get into fights with other students because they’d make fun of him for fidgeting.

6. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton has become one of the most recognisable faces in the entertainment industry since bursting onto the scene in 2003.

She became famous after becoming the youngest ever cover girl for Vogue magazine. Since then, she’s appeared in countless movies and TV shows. But back in 2007, she claimed that she suffered from clinical depression. She later went public with her diagnosis.

7. Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel is an actress and musician who, as well as playing Jess in the sitcom New Girl, also played Jovie in Elf. But, before landing those big screen roles, she was struggling with both anxiety and depression. She eventually sought professional help for her mental health issues

8. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is another singer-turned-actor. He’s probably best known for his time spent on *NSYNC and as a solo artist. He’s been acting for over 20 years now and has starred in some pretty major films.

Despite his huge success, he hasn’t forgotten about his past. In 2014, Timberlake opened up about his struggles with ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

9. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps might be the greatest Olympian of them all. With 16 Olympic Gold Medals and a multitiude of silver and bronze Olympic Medals under his belt, he’s won more than any other athlete during these games.

Back in 2012, though, he admitted to suffering from ADHD and dyslexia. The 27-year-old swimmer says that he doesn’t know what life would have been like if he hadn’t discovered swimming when he did.

10. Simone Biles

Olympic athlete Simone Biles came out about her diagnosis of ADHD after hackers leaked her medical records to the world. Her usage of Ritalin as a stimulant medication caused much controversy and opened up a discussion about ADHD in sport as a result.

11. Adam Levine

Adam Levine is one of the most successful and iconic singers in music today. As the frontman of Maroon 5, he has achieved incredible success and fame. But despite his success, Adam has also been open about his struggles with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with as a child. He claims that it can be difficult to stay focused on things and he sometimes finds himself getting distracted or having difficulty paying attention.

12. Russell Brand

Russell Brand is an English comedian and actor who has become one of the most recognisable faces in show business. He’s been open about his struggles with mental health issues, including his diagnosis of ADHD.

He’s spoken out about how he used to feel like an outsider at school because of his ADHD, saying that it was difficult for him to concentrate and focus on tasks.

13. Rory Bremner

Rory Bremner is a British political satirist, comedian, and impressionist. He’s known for his quick wit and humorous take on current affairs. However, Rory has also been open about his struggles with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with in adulthood. As an adult, he found it difficult to stay focused on tasks and felt overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. He credits his sense of humour with helping him to cope with his ADHD.

14. Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, political commentator and host of the popular US late-night talk show The Daily Show. He rose to fame in the US after making several appearances on The Daily Show as a correspondent in 2014, before becoming the permanent host of the show in 2015. Trevor has been open about his struggles with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with at an early age.

15. Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson is an American actor, comedian and playwright who has starred in some of the biggest movies and television shows of the past few decades. He’s best known for his roles in Cheers, White Men Can’t Jump, Natural Born Killers and The Hunger Games franchise.

Harrelson has spoken out about his struggles with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with at the age of seven. He credits his success to his ability to use humour and improvisation as a way of managing his symptoms.

16. Karina Smirnoff

Karina Smirnoff is a Ukrainian-American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer and actress. She rose to fame when she appeared as a professional dancer on the American Dancing with the Stars show in 2006.

Smirnoff has shared her story of living with ADHD, which she was diagnosed with at an early age . She has said that she found it difficult to stay focused on tasks and was easily distracted. She now uses her drive and determination to help her stay focused and achieve her goals.

17. Jonny Vegas

17. Jonny Vegas is a British comedian and actor who rose to fame with his appearances on shows such as Shooting Stars and QI. He has also been open about his struggles with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with in 2022. Jonny has spoken out about how he used to feel like an outsider when growing up due to his ADHD, saying that it was difficult for him to concentrate and focus on tasks.

Other Celebrities with ADHD

• Katherine Ellison
• Liv Tyler (Actress)
• Larry King
• Whoopi Goldberg (Actress)
• Leonardo Da Vinci (Innovator)
• Scott Kelly
• Alan Meckler
• Cammi Granato
• Michael Jordan (Basketball Player)
• Agatha Christie (Author)
• Caitlyn Jenner
• Glenn Beck
• Louis Smith
• Pablo Picasso (Artist)
• Tim Howard
• Carrie Underwood
• Salma Hayek (Actress)
• Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball Player)
• Tanya Bardsley
• Howie Mandel
• Will.I.Am

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Affects All Walks of Life

As you can see from this list, there are many famous people with ADHD – ADHD and successful people go hand in hand. It doesn’t matter what your strengths and weaknesses are; when given the right support and guidance you can turn your ADHD into your best asset and do anything you want to!

Keep reading our articles for more inspiring content!