Celebs No One Knows Has ADHD

1. What is ADHD?

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ADHD is way more common than people realize. It stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and a lot of people go undiagnosed. It can cause issues with focusing and learning, but there are plenty of treatments available. Many people with ADHD can improve their focus, attention, and organizational skills. In fact, many famous and successful people have been diagnosed with ADHD.

2. Ryan Gosling

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Ryan Gosling is a two-time Oscar nominee who captured everyone's hearts in The Notebook and La La Land. But did you know that Ryan really struggled when he was in school because of dealing with ADHD? He was able to flip the script and use the diagnosis for a positive as he continues to find success in Hollywood.

3. Woody Harrelson

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Woody Harrelson has ADHD, but he was able to find the right ways to manage it and went on to become an award-winning actor. Experts say that it really comes down to the person and being patient and willing to finding the right way to treat your symptoms. It's fully possible to go on continuing to do what you love!

4. Simone Biles

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Famous athletes aren't off the hook when it comes to ADHD either. Simone Biles is an award-winning gymnast who has won 19 world championships AND Olympic gold medals. It's said that she was diagnosed as a child and uses medication to help manage her symptoms. She definitely didn't let it hold her back!

5. Michael Phelps

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Yet another Olympic athlete proving that you can overcome ADHD. Michael Phelps actually had a teacher tell him he wouldn't succeed in life, because of his ADHD symptoms when he was in school. However, Michael didn't let that stop him and went on to win 23 Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the greatest swimmers in history.

6. Solange Knowles

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Solange Knowles is a successful singer/songwriter, and artist. When she first found out she had ADHD, she refused to believe the diagnosis. As time has went on though, she's made herself more aware of the symptoms. She's also said that she believes many people in the creative and entertainment industry likely have ADHD.

7. Justin Timberlake

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Justin Timberlake was considered one of the most famous people in the world for a long time! Between sold out music tours and acting in major movies, there is truly nothing he can't do! He also has ADHD. It's not something he has spoken about a lot, but he has implied that he suffers from both OCD and ADHD symptoms, and that it's a lot to live with!

8. Agatha Christie

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Agatha Christie is the world's best-selling author of all time and is considered one of the most famous writers in the world. She's famous for her detective novels and her books have been translated into over 103 languages. While she wasn't diagnosed with ADHD officially (likely due to the time period), it was publicly known that she struggled with dysgraphia.

9. Alexander Graham Bell

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Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. It's said that because of his struggles with ADHD, he struggled in school. But because of these struggles, he taught himself to be innovated and developed a personality that chose to problem-solve rather than get bogged down. People say this is likely what inspired his innovative spirit to invent the phone.

10. Zooey Deschanel

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You know her from shows and movies, but probably most notably, Jess from New Girl. Zooey Deschanel is a beloved actress who has spoken publicly about living with ADHD. Zooey chooses not to use any medicinal treatment and instead participates in various practical projects, including doing crafts while running her company Hello Giggles.

11. Justin Bieber

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Justin Bieber has been in the spotlight from a very young age. The public has witnessed many of his highs and lows. It's said that the world-famous pop star suffers from ADHD, and he's spoken about it saying that he takes medication for it. He went on to say that it was affecting his sleep, but that the medication often gave him anxiety. But he is overcoming it!

12. Will.i.am

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Will.i.am is a member of the Black Eyed Peas. He has spoken openly about his ADHD diagnosis, and he consistently chooses to use it as a positive in his life. He has actually said that ADHD is what helped him become more successful in his career! He goes on to say that every obstacle you face has a solution, and ADHD can be used as a launching point to fuel your passion.

13. Bill Gates

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The founder of Microsoft is said to have a net worth of many billions of dollars! He also has a foundation alongside his wife Melinda Gates. He actually dropped out of Harvard to start Microsoft, and he's spoken openly about his need for constant activity and his love of an extremely busy schedule due to his ADHD symptoms.

14. Terry Bradshaw

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Terry Bradshaw is a Super Bowl champion and a TV sports commentator. Like many others, he said that his ADHD made school a challenge for him, so he decided to focus on athletics. He speaks openly about his ADHD and has went on to become an author and motivational speaker. He has shared that he controls his symptoms with medication.

15. Jim Carrey

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Jim Carrey is known for his comedy and his zany personality. It may not surprise you to learn that he struggles with ADHD. He has really used his symptoms to his advantage. The story goes that he chose to use his condition bravely by infusing it into the characters he plays, giving us a depth and insight to ADHD we may not otherwise have.

16. Walt Disney

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Yup, that's right, Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, had ADHD. It's said that this caused him extreme difficulties throughout his time in school growing up. But he was able to work past the symptoms and create the largest animation studio in the world with a legacy that lives on today.

17. Paris Hilton

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Paris Hilton has said that she was diagnosed with ADHD when she was around 12 years old. As an heiress and TV personality, she hasn't shied away from speaking about the struggles that it's brought for her. That being said, she said in an interview with Larry King that she works really hard to not let it affect her career, as it's something she's dealt with her whole life.

18. Thomas Edison

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While this can't be for certain due to when he was alive, it's believed that Thomas Edison suffered from ADHD. Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb and went on to become an award-winning inventor. Many experts think that the hyperactivity he displayed actually led to his desire to learn and discover new things.

19. Emma Watson

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Emma Watson, from Harry Potter fame, has never openly talked about her condition or being diagnosed with ADHD. However, there are sources that have confirmed that she was diagnosed as a kid. The sources also say that it was something that caused her struggles and trouble when she was younger, but she has figured out ways to overcome and continue on as a successful adult.

20. Karina Smirnoff

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Karina is a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars. When she was younger, she said that dancing and many other activities served as an outlet for her hyperactivity. She also said that her parents were very supportive in this, putting her in ballet, piano lesson, and whatever else was possible. She now says she takes medication as an adult to help with focus and organization.

21. Albert Einstein

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Albert Einstein is probably one of the most famous physicists in history. He also played a pivotal role in science as we know it. Did you know he was also famously known for being incredibly forgetful and careless? Obviously he was able to work through these common symptoms and develop work that proved to be incredible successful!

22. Howie Mandel

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Howie Mandel is a comedian, actor, and television host known for his quirky personality. He was also diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but said that those struggles followed him into adulthood. Howie actually never graduated from high school, but he has incorporated his ADHD and OCD struggles into his comedy. In fact, he's a spokesman for the Adult ADHD is Real campaign!

23. Michael Jordan

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Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, as you probably know! But did you know that he was also diagnosed with ADHD? Some say that this is what pushed him to achieve so much, because he was never content with himself and was always trying to discover more facets of himself. This is actually a common ADHD symptom!

24. Channing Tatum

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Channing Tatum is another celebrity who's been very candid about his ADHD struggles. He's gone on to become one of the most widely recognized celebrities, but he said that during his childhood, his schoolwork and life were deeply affected by his ADHD. He also said that he has to continue to work through these symptoms as an adult.

25. John Lennon

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That's right, singer/songwriter of The Beatles fame is said to have had ADHD. In fact, John Lennon was doing so poorly in school and having such a hard time focusing that he actually dropped out. That being said, he was able to turn it around and go on to be one of the most famous musicians on the planet!

26. Jamie Oliver

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Jamie Oliver is perhaps the most famous British celebrity chef. He was given an ADHD diagnosis when he was young. He's actually spoken quite publicly about it and has openly talked about the importance of healthy eating. He's also said that diet and nutrition can play a big contributing factor in managing those ADHD symptoms!

27. Michelle Rodriguez

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You may recognize Michelle Rodriguez from shows like Lost or the Fast & Furious franchise. She has been very open about her struggles with ADHD and has spoken about it in interviews. However, she said that she worked really hard to make sure that ADHD didn't overpower her, but instead, she chose to overtake it and went on to build her career.

28. Jules Verne

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Jules Verne is said to have shaped the genre of science fiction into what it is today. But when he was in school, he had trouble working on projects because of his lack of focus. He developed an interest in writing at an early age, and while ADHD diagnoses were not as common back then, it's said that he likely had this condition.

29. Adam Levine

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This Maroon 5 singer has made quite a name for himself as the frontman of the band. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was just a kid, and he's taken medication for it, but he's said that he still struggles with the symptoms. However, he's been able to be successful despite the difficulties.

30. Will Smith

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We debated adding him to the list after the Oscars incident, but Will Smith has said that he has ADHD. He's an award-winning actor, and he also works as a producer and a rapper. At one point, he was considered one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. So he's yet another proven case that ADHD does not have to be limiting.