27 Notable Figures Sharing Their ADHD Journeys
Numerous prominent figures have spoken candidly about their experiences with ADHD, shedding light on its challenges and their paths toward managing the condition. Below are 28 celebrities who have shared their personal stories and insights into living with ADHD:
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps at the 2007 Santa Clara Grand Prix. Photo copyright by JD Lasica
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete in history, has frequently shared how learning to manage his ADHD from a young age was pivotal to his success. Swimming became a vital outlet for channeling his boundless energy and sharpening his focus, allowing him to thrive both as an athlete and as a student. His mother has spoken about the strategies that helped Phelps overcome the challenges of ADHD, offering insights into how tailored support can empower children to harness their potential.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 27, 2021. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Olympic champion Simone Biles faced public scrutiny in 2016 when her confidential medical records were leaked, revealing her use of ADHD medication. In response, Biles took to social media to explain, “Having ADHD and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of.” Biles has emphasized how managing her condition has allowed her to remain focused and excel in her sport, becoming one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake. Andrew H Walker/Variety/Penske Media via Getty
During a 2008 interview, pop star Justin Timberlake revealed his struggles with “OCD mixed with ADD,” a combination that he described as “a double-edged sword.” Timberlake credited his work ethic and creativity to his condition, noting that music became an outlet where he could channel his energy and precision.
Will Smith
Will Smith (AFP pic)
While Will Smith has never received a formal medical diagnosis for ADHD, he exhibited many of the condition’s symptoms during childhood. Reflecting on his school years, he reportedly described himself as a “classic underachiever,” saying, “I was a B student who should’ve been getting A’s.” Smith has often alluded to self-diagnosing his struggles, which he continues to manage as an adult. Sharing his difficulty with reading, he humorously remarked, “I buy a book and have someone read it for me on tape!” Despite these challenges, Smith’s ADHD hasn’t hindered his pursuit of his passions. Known for his iconic role in the Men in Black films, he credits his relentless drive to traits associated with ADHD. His dedication and determination have earned him numerous accolades, including four Grammys and an Oscar.
Jim Carrey
Image of Jim Carrey sourced from GoodFon, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Jim Carrey has openly shared his journey with ADHD, highlighting how it has shaped both his challenges and his triumphs. Diagnosed and treated from a young age, Carrey has learned to harness his neurodivergence to fuel his career. He attributes his boundless energy and creative brilliance to ADHD, remarking, “It’s why I’m always moving—always thinking.” His high-energy performances and unique comedic style have solidified his place as one of the most memorable entertainers of our time. By speaking out, Carrey not only sheds light on ADHD but also inspires others to embrace their differences and turn them into strengths.
Richard Branson
Image of Sir Richard Branson by Jarle Naustvik, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Entrepreneur Richard Branson is a vocal advocate for neurodiversity, openly discussing his experiences with ADHD and dyslexia. Despite struggling academically—his headmaster famously telling him he would either “end up in prison or become a millionaire”—Branson has turned his unique way of thinking into a cornerstone of his success. Reflecting on his ADHD, he remarked, “It’s a different way of thinking, but it works,” crediting his alternative problem-solving perspective and creativity as key drivers in his business ventures.
Emma Watson
Image of Emma Watson sourced from GoodFon, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Emma Watson, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has not only captivated audiences with her acting but also made a significant impact as an advocate for gender equality, even speaking at the U.N. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 9, Watson has shared how managing the condition with medication has positively influenced her life.
“When I’m on it, I can focus a bit more, and it helps me organise my day because I have so much going on,” she explained, highlighting how this support allows her to navigate her busy schedule effectively. Watson’s openness about her ADHD underscores her commitment to breaking stigmas and embracing challenges with grace.
Ryan Gosling
Image of Ryan Gosling sourced from GoodFon, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Ryan Gosling, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Notebook and La La Land, has openly shared his struggles with ADHD and reading difficulties. As a child, he faced significant challenges in school, often feeling out of place and becoming a target for bullying. Recognizing his struggles, Gosling’s mother made the decision to homeschool him, providing a supportive environment where he could thrive.
This change allowed Gosling to focus on his strengths and explore his passions, particularly performing and acting. Through perseverance and a deep dedication to his craft, he overcame those early challenges to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of nurturing individual talents, reminding us that challenges can often pave the way for extraordinary achievements.
Channing Tatum
Channing Tatums in Madrid on July 11, 2024. Paolo Blocco/FilmMagic
In a 2014 interview with T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Channing Tatum shared how his experiences with dyslexia and ADHD left him feeling out of place in academic environments.
“I have never considered myself a very smart person, for a lot of reasons,” he admitted. “Not having early success on that one path messes with you.”
Tatum revealed that the arts provided him with a different avenue for growth and self-expression, offering him a sense of purpose outside traditional academics. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “I’ve learned more from people than I have from school or from books,” highlighting the value of real-world experiences in shaping his life and career.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp on Aug. 17, 2023, in L.A. Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty
In an interview with the UK’s Official Charts, Reneé Rapp reflected on her journey with ADHD, sharing how it has shaped her creativity and perspective. As a child, she initially thought she was simply “really dramatic,” but over time, she has come to understand and embrace her neurodivergence.
Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig in L.A. on June 25, 2023. Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage
In a 2023 interview with The Observer ahead of the release of the Barbie movie, Greta Gerwig opened up about her childhood and her ADHD diagnosis as an adult.
“I’ve always had a ton of energy,” Gerwig shared. “Now, as an adult, I have ADHD — they diagnosed me. I’ve always had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I was just interested in, like, everything. I had a really active imagination. I had a lot of really deep feelings. I was emotional.”
Gerwig’s reflections highlight how her boundless curiosity, vivid imagination, and deep emotional connections have shaped her creative journey, ultimately fueling her success as a filmmaker.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo in Santa Monica, California, on Jan. 14, 2024. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2024. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
In an interview as the cover star of Esquire, Barry Keoghan opened up about his experiences with ADHD, a condition he had long suspected but was only officially diagnosed with three years ago. Reflecting on his journey, the Saltburn actor described how starting medication brought about a transformative change in his daily life.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton in Los Angeles on Feb. 3, 2024. Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty
In a heartfelt 2024 essay for Teen Vogue, Paris Hilton reflected on how her ADHD symptoms shaped her childhood and led to a harrowing experience at a troubled teen facility.
“Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative — just too everything,” Hilton began, describing how her school struggled to accommodate her “constant need” for stimulation. This led to her enrollment at Provo Canyon School, where she endured severe abuse.
“I wish someone had asked, ‘What’s really going on with her?’ Instead, I spent years feeling misunderstood, punished for the way my brain worked,” she wrote, sharing the pain of feeling unsupported as a child.
Hilton shared how it wasn’t until adulthood that she began to see her diagnosis as a gift, which she now refers to as a “superpower.”
“ADHD is the reason I’ve been able to anticipate trends, it’s given me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing the limits, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level,” she explained, highlighting how her neurodivergence has fueled her success and shaped her perspective.
Adam Levine
Adam Levine performing at the opening night of the Honda Civic Tour 2013
Adam Levine, the charismatic frontman of Maroon 5, opened up about his lifelong journey with ADHD in an interview with Additude Magazine. Levine, who has faced challenges with the condition both as a child and an adult, wants others to know, “ADHD isn’t a bad thing.”
“I struggled with ADHD throughout my life. It was hard for me to sit down, focus, and get schoolwork done,” Levine shared. With the patience and support of his parents and doctor, he was able to develop a treatment plan that helped him manage his symptoms during his school years.
As Levine’s music career took off, he found that his struggles with focus persisted. “I had trouble sometimes writing songs and recording in the studio. I couldn’t always focus and complete everything I had to,” he recalled. He described moments of frustration in the studio when dozens of ideas flooded his mind, yet he couldn’t document them.
Recognizing the impact ADHD was having on his career, Levine sought professional help again as an adult. “I learned that I still had ADHD. It was affecting my career the way it had affected me in school,” he explained, highlighting that ADHD doesn’t simply disappear with age.
Levine uses his platform to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles. “If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, you might still have it now. Remember that you are not alone. There are others going through the same thing,” he said, encouraging acceptance and the importance of seeking support to thrive with the condition.
Levine’s message, shared through Additude Magazine, resonates with many, offering hope and understanding to those navigating ADHD in their own lives.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Image of Gwyneth Paltrow sourced from GoodFon, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her role in Iron Man, shared a personal revelation during an episode of the Goop podcast. The actress discussed how her daughter Apple’s ADHD diagnosis led her to recognize her own symptoms. Speaking with clinical psychologist Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., Paltrow explained, “As I was reading about my daughter’s diagnosis, I thought, oh my God, I have this, too!”
Paltrow highlighted how her journey is not uncommon, as many parents come to understand their own neurodivergence after their children receive a diagnosis. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted how understanding ADHD has provided clarity for aspects of her life she previously didn’t fully comprehend.
Beyond her acting career and wellness empire, Paltrow’s candid reflections shed light on the challenges and insights of navigating ADHD as an adult, inspiring others to seek understanding and embrace their own journeys. Her story underscores the importance of awareness and the transformative impact of recognizing neurodiversity within families.
Julia Fox
Julia Fox attends the Paris Fashion Week on March 02, 2023. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
In a candid response to a fan on TikTok, Julia Fox opened up about the challenges of living with ADHD, describing it as a journey filled with highs and lows.
“I have bouts of great productivity, where I’m on top of the world and just feeling like I’m invincible,” the Uncut Gems star shared, capturing the energetic peaks that often accompany the condition. However, she also detailed the more difficult moments: “And then I have moments of deep, deep, deep, stagnant type of feeling, like I just can’t f—ing move.”
Fox’s openness provides a raw and relatable perspective on ADHD, highlighting the emotional and physical fluctuations it can bring. By sharing her experiences, she helps normalize conversations about neurodivergence and the complexities of navigating it in daily life.
Will.i.am
Will.i.am visits SiriusXM studios on Aug. 20, 2024, in N.Y.C. Jason Mendez/Getty
Will.i.am, former member of the Black Eyed Peas and a successful tech entrepreneur, shared with The Daily Mirror how ADHD has influenced both his creative and professional life. While he admits that it can make it challenging to focus or slow down, he has developed strategies to harness its energy.
“Those traits work well for me in studios and in meetings about creative ideas,” he explained, highlighting how ADHD fuels his innovative thinking. “If you listen to the songs I write, they are the most ADHD songs ever. They have five hooks in one and it all happens in three minutes. I figured out a way of working with it.”
Will.i.am also spoke about how music has been both his “therapy” and his “straitjacket,” helping him channel his energy in a productive way. “Music keeps me sane and keeps my mind on something,” he shared.
Beyond music, Will.i.am’s ADHD-driven creativity extends into his ventures as a tech entrepreneur, where he has developed groundbreaking innovations and launched successful projects. His ability to think outside the box has been a driving force in both the entertainment and technology industries.
Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado attends in Hollywood, California on April 15, 2024. MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/Getty
Nelly Furtado revealed in a PEOPLE interview in September 2024 that she wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, after having two children within just 14 months. The “chaos” of raising her two youngest kids played a significant role in her eventual diagnosis.
Reflecting on her earlier years, Furtado shared, “When I was attending college, [I was like] ‘Boing, boing, boing, boing.’ I’ve had it my whole life.” However, it wasn’t until the intense demands of motherhood brought her symptoms into sharp focus that she realized the impact of ADHD on her daily life.
To manage her ADHD, Furtado finds solace in creativity. She often heads to the dance studio, collaborating with her choreographer to produce TikTok videos—a practice that helps her channel her energy and stay balanced.
Kit Harington
Kit Harington in New York City on Aug. 5, 2024. John Nacion/Variety via Getty
Busy Philipps
Busy Philipps in New York City on April 14, 2024. Theo Wargo/Getty
Today with Hoda & Jenna, NBC May 1, 2024
Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles during NY Fashion Week on Sept. 4, 2024, in N.Y.C. Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty
When Solange Knowles was initially diagnosed with ADHD, she was skeptical of the diagnosis. “I had a whole theory that ADHD was just something they invented to make you pay for medicine,” she admitted in an interview with BlackDoctor.org. However, her doubts faded when a second doctor confirmed the diagnosis.
Reflecting on her experiences, Knowles noted that many people in the music industry appear to exhibit similar symptoms, suggesting a unique connection between the creative energy of the field and traits associated with ADHD.
Tallulah Willis
Tallulah Willis in Hollywood, California, on June 24, 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty
In 2023, Tallulah Willis shared a deeply personal essay in Vogue where she opened up about her struggles with body dysmorphia, which eventually led to anorexia. She also revealed how her ADHD medication influenced her eating disorder, explaining that while the stimulant made her feel “smart for the first time,” its appetite-suppressant side effect further exacerbated her disordered eating.
By 2024, Willis shared another significant aspect of her journey, announcing that she had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Her candid reflections provide valuable insight into the complexities of mental health and neurodiversity, inspiring others to seek understanding and support.
Jessie J
Jessie J attends a ‘Barbie’ screening in London on July 20, 2023. Dave Benett/Getty Images
In July 2024, Jessie J shared a heartfelt health update on Instagram, revealing her diagnoses of OCD and ADHD. She noted that the signs of both conditions became more apparent after the birth of her son, Sky Safir, in May 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessie wrote, “It’s weird when you know you have been a little different and felt things differently your whole life, and finally one day when you least expect it, someone really explains why and you can’t avoid it. ADHD has such a wide spectrum it’s like a mystery putting your version of it together, that’s how it’s felt for me.”
The Price Tag singer expressed a positive outlook, describing ADHD as a potential “superpower” when approached with the right mindset and a supportive network. Her openness serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar experiences, encouraging self-awareness and acceptance.
Rachel Leviss
Rachel Leviss in Los Angeles on April 1, 2024. Jesse Grant/Getty
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres in Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2019. Gregg DeGuire/Film
Ellen DeGeneres brought her signature humor to For Your Approval, her final Netflix special, where she touched on living with osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD.
She candidly shared how ADHD affects her focus: “My ADD makes it really hard to sit down and focus on anything at all. Do you know how hard it was for me to put this together? Of course you don’t. Why would I ask that question? It’s hard for me to focus.”
In her usual comedic style, Ellen joked that balancing ADHD and OCD “takes her all the way around to being well adjusted,” offering a blend of personal insight and laughter about her experiences.
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah during an interview on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on October 23, 2018. Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty
In a 2021 interview with Leslie Stahl for 60 Minutes, Trevor Noah opened up about his experiences with ADHD and depression, shedding light on the connection between the two.
“Over the years, what I’ve come to learn, thanks to some great therapists, is my depression is created by a severe level of ADHD,” the former Daily Show host shared.
He went on to explain how managing his daily routine is crucial to maintaining his mental health. “If I’m not careful in how I sleep, how I eat, how I manage my routine, I can become overwhelmed, and it can just feel like the whole world is too heavy to bear,” Noah said.
ADHD Sparks Creativity and Fuels Brilliance
ADHD, while challenging, is also a testament to the unique ways our minds work. The stories of these remarkable individuals—actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, and beyond—show us that ADHD is not a limitation but a different way of thinking that fuels creativity, innovation, and resilience. When properly understood and supported, ADHD can become a source of strength, helping individuals channel their energy into extraordinary achievements.
For parents navigating the journey with their children or adults seeking clarity about their own experiences, remember this: ADHD doesn’t define you—it simply adds to the complexity and beauty of who you are. With the right diagnosis, support, and perspective, the possibilities are endless. The world needs diverse thinkers, and ADHD often brings with it the spark of brilliance that drives change and inspires others. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch the extraordinary unfold.