Famous People with Crohn's Disease
There are a handful of famous people with Crohn’s Disease; you are not alone.
Anastacia Kirkland, a singer/songwriter/dancer was diagnosed at the age of 13, but wanted to carry on as a dancer, despite the disease. She said it has helped her develop as a person and is currently among the healthy patients.
John York, who plays Mac Scorpio on TV show General Hospital, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 17 years of age.
Mary Ann Mobley is the co-chair of the Celebrity Club of Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) along with husband Gary Collins. She won Miss America in 1959 and starred in several films alongside Elvis Presley, and topped it off with a Golden Globe in 1965.
Mike McCready, lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, was diagnosed at age 21. He has said that, at times, the pain associated with urgency, that it has affected his ability to perform live shows.
He said he has taken up to 40 pills a week and kept his condition a secret as his began its rise to fame. About 5 years ago, he decided to become a spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation after realizing how many children the disease affects.
McCready said that although he fully intended to keep it secret for as long as he did, he felt it was time to come clean during a luncheon in Seattle where he revealed his secret, saying, “My name’s Mike McCready and I suffer from Crohn’s Disease.” McCready is among the famous people with Crohn’s disease.
Since going public, he has made numerous personal appearances and has donated signed guitars and other items to raise funds for the CCFA. Most recently, Mike has made a public service announcement that has been distributed to 1,250 radio stations across the United States.
Nicky Hopkins, a pianist, was born in London on February 24, 1944, totaled more than 500 album credits in his career. He played piano on releases by the Beatles, The Who, and David Bowie, among others.
Beth Orton, singer/writer, musician Chris Conley
Marvin Bush, son of former president George H.W. Bush, and the younger brother of current president George W. Bush, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 29. Marvin Bush is among the famous people with Crohn’s disease.
Daryl Palumbo, lead singer for NY hardcore band Glassjaw, had to cancel the group’s 2003 European tour due to his illness.
Shannon Doherty, actress, diagnosed in 1999 and first revealed it to Star magazine in an interview and said she had to wear a brace 24 hours a day.