Top 50 Famous People with ADHD 

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often misunderstood, but it’s important to recognise how it can be a source of creativity, energy, and innovation. Many famous individuals from various walks of life, including actors, athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists, have not only navigated life with ADHD but have also thrived because of their unique perspectives and talents.

In this list, we celebrate 50 well-known figures who have embraced their ADHD, proving that neurodiversity can be a powerful asset. From film stars to world changing inventors, these individuals have shown that ADHD is not a limitation, but a different way of thinking that can lead to extraordinary achievements.

1. Ryan Gosling: Canadian actor known for roles in “La La Land” and “The Notebook.” Diagnosed with ADHD during childhood.
2. Emma Watson: British actress famous for portraying Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series. Reportedly diagnosed with ADHD and has been treated since childhood.
3. Channing Tatum: American actor and producer, recognized for “Magic Mike” and “21 Jump Street.” Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in childhood.
4. Jim Carrey: Canadian-American actor and comedian, known for “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask.” Has spoken about his experiences with ADHD.
5. Michelle Rodriguez: American actress known for the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Open about her ADHD diagnosis.
6. Woody Harrelson: American actor recognized for “Cheers” and “True Detective.” Has discussed his ADHD in interviews.
7. Will Smith: American actor and rapper, known for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Men in Black.” Reportedly has ADHD.
8. Liv Tyler: American actress and model, known for “The Lord of the Rings” series. Diagnosed with ADHD.
9. Zooey Deschanel: American actress and singer, known for “New Girl.” Has discussed her ADHD diagnosis.
10. Howie Mandel: Canadian comedian and television host, known for “Deal or No Deal.” Open about his ADHD and OCD.
11. Justin Timberlake: American singer and actor, former member of NSYNC. Has ADHD and OCD. 
12. Adam Levine: Lead vocalist of Maroon 5. Diagnosed with ADHD during adolescence. 
13. Will.i.am: Member of The Black Eyed Peas. Describes his ADHD as a source of creativity. 
14. Solange Knowles: American singer-songwriter and sister of Beyoncé. Diagnosed with ADHD twice. 
15. Dave Grohl: American musician, frontman of Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana. Has discussed his ADHD. 
16. Ozzy Osbourne: English singer and songwriter, known as the “Prince of Darkness.” Diagnosed with ADHD. 
17. SZA: American singer and songwriter. Open about her ADHD diagnosis. 
18. Loyle Carner: British hip-hop musician. Uses his ADHD as a creative force. 
19. Mel B: British singer and television personality, former Spice Girl. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
20. Nelly Furtado: Canadian singer-songwriter. Discussed how ADHD impacted her creative process.
21. Michael Phelps: American swimmer and most decorated Olympian. Diagnosed with ADHD at age nine. 
22. Simone Biles: American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist. Open about her ADHD diagnosis. 
23. Terry Bradshaw: Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
24. Shaquille O’Neal: Former NBA player and sports analyst. Reportedly has ADHD.
25. Michael Jordan: Former NBA player, considered one of the greatest basketball players. Rumored to have ADHD.
26.  Karina Smirnoff: Professional ballroom dancer and “Dancing with the Stars” champion. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
27. Tim Howard: American soccer goalkeeper. Diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette syndrome. 
28. Pete Rose: Former Major League Baseball player. Reportedly has ADHD. 
29. Shane Victorino: Former Major League Baseball player. Diagnosed with ADHD.
30. Cammi Granato: American ice hockey player and Olympic gold medalist. Diagnosed with ADHD.
31. Richard Branson: Founder of the Virgin Group. Open about his ADHD and dyslexia.
32. Ingvar Kamprad: Founder of IKEA. Reportedly had ADHD. 
33. David Neeleman: Founder of JetBlue Airways. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
34. Paul Orfalea: Founder of Kinko’s. Attributes his success to his ADHD and dyslexia.
35. Walt Disney: Co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. Believed to have had ADHD.
36. Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft. Rumoured to have ADHD. 
37. Elon Musk: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Has discussed his neurodiversity. 
38. Henry Ford: Founder of Ford Motor Company. Believed to have had ADHD. 
39. Steve Jobs: Co-founder of Apple Inc. Rumoured to have had ADHD. 
40. Thomas Edison: Inventor and businessman. Believed to have had ADHD.
41. Agatha Christie: British writer known for detective novels. Believed to have had ADHD. 
42. Dav Pilkey: Author of the “Captain Underpants” series. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. 
43. Katherine Ellison: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
44. Lisa Ling: American journalist and television presenter. Diagnosed with ADHD at age 40. 
45. Erin Brockovich: American legal clerk and environmental activist. Diagnosed with ADHD. 
46. George Bernard Shaw: Irish playwright and critic. Believed to have had ADHD.
47. Paris Hilton: Media personality. Diagnosed with ADHD.
48. Walt Disney: Co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. Believed to have had ADHD.
49. Jamie Oliver: British celebrity chef and television personality. He has openly discussed his ADHD diagnosis and how it impacts his life and work.
50. Karina Smirnoff: Professional ballroom dancer, known for “Dancing with the Stars.” She has spoken publicly about her ADHD diagnosis.

Did You Enjoy This Article?

If you enjoyed this article for more dyslexia support:

1) Subscribe to You Tube Channel

2) Like Facebook Page Dyslexic Mum

3) Follow TikTok Dyslexic Mum

Helpful Articles

• Top 100 Famous People with Dyslexia
• Do Dyslexics Have A Higher IQ? Are Dyslexics Smarter?
• Dyslexia And Entrepreneurship, Are Most Millionaires Dyslexic?

For dyslexia friendly activities to do with a child see “Mooki Cards”. Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your “Mooki Cards” here!