famous people with bipolar disorder

Pauley detailed her experiences with bipolar disorder in her bestselling memoir, Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue. This could be because of bipolar disorder's association with creativity. But with my bipolar becoming public, I hope fellow sufferers will know its completely controllable. I guess my depressive episodes were characterized by having very low energy. In a 2015 interview with Howard Stern on SiriusXM, Wentz described his twenties as a particularly tumultuous time. Free Online Library", "Jimmy Piersall, Whose Mental Illness Was Portrayed in 'Fear Strikes Out,' Dies at 87", "Annette John-Hall: Jazz great Pope tells of bipolar struggles", "Gail Porter interviewed anorexia, self-destruction, divorce and, finally, survival", "Teen Mom OG's Amber Portwood Reveals Bipolar Re-Diagnosis Has Forced Her to Give Up Hope on More Children", "Das Talent des Genesis Potini: Schach mit Maori", Auto pioneer's family helps U-M turn tragedy into discovery with promise to match donations up to $5M, "Lou Reed Described Bob Dylan as a 'Pretentious Kike', "Twitch streamer, former World of Warcraft pro Reckful dies at 31", "Bipolar Disorder and The Working Musician (Improvisation)", Rivkin children silent about fabulously flawed father, "The Disappearing Man: The Raider who went missing before Super Bowl", "Svend Robinson biography reveals the man behind the image", "Rene Russo didn't expect to reveal her bipolar disorder but she did", "Sampson jury hears pleas for life, death", "She pulled herself from addiction by learning to code. I would feel so lonely and sad even guilty that I wasnt doing what I needed to be doing for my career.. On February 28, 2014, E! Her diagnosis came out in 2001 and in her own words, she claims to have "lived in denial and isolation" for many years before finally seeking the help she needed. "All of it was nonsense. John Daly. Talking about her trauma in the People interview, she said: "You can never predict what might trigger the [PTSD]. ", Psychological Care & Healing Center: "Is Mel Gibsons Latest Outburst Related to Bipolar Disorder? Mood episodes may include depression, mania (or hypomania), and/or mixed states. Some of the world's greatest writers have suffered from bipolar disorder. "There's a stigma associated with it. People suffer extreme mood swings. Mendez (AJ Lee) said, "I see bipolar disorder as the gift of extraordinary emotions. She's now in therapy and taking medication for bipolar 2 disorder, which involves mood swings between depression and hypomania, but isn't as severe as bipolar 1 disorder. I found out recently Im manic depressive. (Manic depression is the previous term for bipolar disorder. According to AP Radio, Hamilton struggled with symptoms of bipolar disorder for 20 years before being diagnosed, a time she calls her "lost years. Though she initially worried that treatment would diminish her talents, she is now on medication and speaks openly about having the disorder. Sometimes I was raring to go; other times, just hanging on.". The Academy Awardwinning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones first became known to movie audiences in the 1998 film The Mask of Zorro. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Listen Now! The television journalist Jane Pauley made her network debut on NBC's Today show at age 25. Birthplace: Carmichael, California, United States of America. Over time, however, she came to terms with her condition and became a bestselling author, writing books such as Postcards From the Edge and Surrender the Pink. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. In 2011, Van Damme said he took medication for mood swings that he says he had since childhood., Pauley, a TV anchor and journalist, has been in the spotlight since she replaced Barbara Walters on NBCs Todayshow in 1976. Kanye has been open about his mental health struggles, particularly following a nervous breakdown in 2016 which led him to cancel the remainder . Numerous notable people have had some form of mood disorder. Overview. Many people living with bipolar disorder have demonstrated themselves to be highly creative. Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist. It can be incredibly isolating," she told People. At one point, he owned the Atlanta Braves and Hawks, and won the Americas Cup., This Welsh-born star won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Chicagoand a Tony Award for her onstage work. His personal life made headlines when he berated a police officer during a drunken driving arrest in 2006 and pleaded no contest to domestic abuse charges in 2012., This singer and actress starred in the Disney Channel movie Camp Rock.After the sequel, and a role in the TV series Sonny With A Chance,Lovato admitted herself into a clinic for addiction and self-harm in 2010. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a difficult mental health condition to live with for anyone, let alone for people who are famous and constantly in the limelight. She posted, "I'm bipolar and I'm not ashamed anymore." There are numerous famous artists, actors, and musicians who have bipolar disorder. Carey was diagnosed with bipolar in 2001 when she was hospitalized for an emotional and physical breakdown according to her publicist. Ford E. B. A: Nah, I'm not that brave or clever. "It was hard to process," he said. But the burden of keeping the diagnosis to herself and constantly living in fear that someone would expose her as well as a particularly tough two years that included a broken engagement to business mogul James Packer eventually encouraged Carey to seek treatment and ultimately share her story. Bipolar Disorder: #N# <h2>What Is Bipolar Disorder?</h2>#N# <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden">#N# <div class="field . A year later, Wilson began experimenting with LSD. This singer, songwriter, and actress came into prominence as a Disney star. In November 2015, he admitted battling "anxiety, bipolar (disorder), and depression" in a now-deleted Instagram post. I could take a deep breath and go, Okay, that explains so much. News obtained the singer's probation. More than 5 million Americans suffer from the disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Her treatment was electroshock therapy., From his start as a teen signing idol to his successful movie and stage career, Sinatras popularity never waned. She said in an interview: "After seeing my current psychiatrist for a couple of months, he diagnosed me with borderline personality disorder." Why Its Difficult to Accept a Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and What Helps, Inside Bipolar Podcast: Owning Our Mistakes (Caused by Symptoms). Emmy-winning actress Mariette Hartley, well known for her Polaroid commercials with actor James Garner, went public with her bipolar diagnosis in an interview with USA Today. Learn how Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, and others have coped with the condition. From that point on, she spent much of her life educating the public on mental health issues. Elizabeth Burke-Dain, "Cosmo Campoli" (obituary). Today Brand is a public thought leader and passionate activist for drug rehabilitation and mental health. The 54-year-old actress was diagnosed in the '90s. In this week's PEOPLE cover story, Mariah Carey reveals for the first time her battle with bipolar disorder . 2005-2023 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. Use this bipolar disorder test to find out if your. Additional reporting by Barbara Kean, Maura Corrigan, and Max Lee Onderdonk. "Through actual therapy and having kids it's way more under control and something I can see when I'm on the roller coaster and control it more. Tracking down the wandering Rovers; Corrie made them household names, but what became of them when they left? Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health disorder characterized by significant mood and energy shifts as well as impaired thinking. Stigma festers in the dark and scatters in the light. Jean-Claude Van Damme Kristy Sparow / WireImage According to Jean-Claude, getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder was a wake-up call for him. You feel all these things., Selena Gomez is a popular American singer and actress. " Manic, A Memoir " by Terri Cheney. "I could take a deep breath and go, 'Okay, that explains so much.'". Individuals should not be added to this list unless the disorder is regularly and commonly mentioned in mainstream, reliable sources. Bipolar disorder may not be our fault, but it is our responsibility. It has long been said that those with bipolar disorder are more creative than average. Catherine Zeta-Jones: Singer Demi Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she entered rehab at age 22. Researchers are trying to find genes . Unfortunately for Kurt, compliance with the appropriate treatment is also a critical factor, said Beverly. ", Television journalist Jane Pauley became a household name on NBC's Today Show and Dateline, and now appears as a contributor for CBS News' "Sunday Morning. She was first treated for depression. Halsey (Ashley Nicolette Frangipane) is a popular American singer whose 2020 album Manic was written during a manic episode. I had really good highs but some very low lows, Gibson said. "Breaking this silence has been really wrenching for me. Linda Hamilton is best known for her role as Sarah Connor in Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. In the 2008 documentary Acting Class of 1977, Gibson revealed hed been diagnosed with bipolar. Many writers, artists, and actors have been open about their journey with bipolar disorder. Successful Famous People with Bipolar Disorder. She said she was the opposite of her "Terminator" character Sarah Connor and suffered horribly with severe mood swings. Can you live with bipolar disorder and be happy at the same time? ", "Cyclothymia: Matt Edmondson reveals impact of mental health disorder", "Kayak Founder Paul English on How Bipolar Disorder Was Key to His Startup's Success", "CBS Sports' David Feherty on His Mental Illness and Pill-Popping: 'He's Got Every Psychosis There Is', "Carrie Fisher 'strikes back' at mental illness", "Caroline Flack was 'ashamed' of mental health problems and bipolar diagnosis", "Helen Flanagan Discusses Contemplating Suicide After Stopping Bipolar Disorder Medication", "Tom Fletcher | Tom Fletcher Struggled With Weight Obsession Before Bipolar Diagnosis", "Tom McFly reveals weight issues RT Ten", "Piers Morgan Tonight: Interview With Larry Flynt", "YouTube star battles bipolar depression", "Blue October's Justin Furstenfeld on His Bi-Polar Disorder and Divorce", "The Game Talks About The Benefits Of Being Bi-Polar [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]", "Selena Gomez: Singer speaks about bipolar disorder", "CANOE JAM! In addition, she had chronic insomnia. Many high-profile, successful people have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression. Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, radio host, and YouTuber who became famous for his wild antics and shocking comedy. Vivien Leigh of "Gone with the Wind" fame swung between severe depression and mania. Frank Sinatra. Copeland, Mary Ellen. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh actress best known for her roles in the movies The Mask of Zorro, Entrapment, and Chicago.. An article in the American Journal of Psychiatry explains her behavior: "From the age of 13, Woolf had symptoms that today would be diagnosed as bipolar disorder; she experienced mood swings from severe depression to manic excitement and episodes of psychosis. Duke was one of the first celebrities to go public with bipolar disorder, as it is called today. Bipolar disorder type I, II or more mild cyclothymia is defined by "dramatic shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to think clearly," according to the National Alliance on . Elton John is known and loved for his soulful music, which always manage to lift the spirits of the listeners. Within the last few years, West has been the subject of both curiosity and criticism for his erratic behavior and social media posts. More John Daly. She also co-hosted the evening news, and then co-anchored Dateline NBC,for a decade beginning in 1992. Sinatra's popularity never wavered, from his early days as a teenage singing idol to his successful career in movies and on stage. 8 Black Celebrities Living with Bipolar Disorder. She first disclosed her bipolar diagnosis in April 2020 during Miley Cyruss Instagram Live show Bright Minded., In an interview with Elle Magazine, Gomez expresses the relief she felt after receiving the diagnosis: I felt a huge weight lifted off me when I found out, she said. 2. She said she uses such experiences to fight stigma with sophistication.. It has made me empathetic. Her father, Eddie Fisher, was also bipolar. Podcast episode discussing hints and tips on preventing and minimizing the damage bipolar mania can cause. 24. Common symptoms include loss of energy, problems sleeping, difficult concentrating and o n the other side of the spectrum euphoria, needing less sleep, feeling edgy, hyper, irritable and engaging in risky behavior. I hope I can help remove any stigma attached to it.. Now she's leading a worker uprising at Apple", "Francesco Scavullo, Fashion Photographer, Dies at 82", "Robert Schumann: Music amid the Madness", "Bipolar music and how to get the mood swinging on Today: Robert Winston's Musical Analysis, R4", "Katja Schuurman (44) gestopt met medicatie vanwege kinderwens", "Manic-depressive illness and creativity", "Charlie Sheen reveals bipolar diagnosis on Dr Oz", "Yo Yo Honey Singh thanks doctors for helping him fight bipolar disorder", "Mumbai police chief tells: Sushant Singh Rajput had bipolar disorder", "Sushant Singh Rajput was taking medication for bipolar disorder", "Eels' Tim Smith reveals bipolar disorder", Britney Spears opens up on bipolar disorder: 'I turn into a different person', "Phil Spector, famed music producer and murderer, dies at 81", "Spellman returns to football after addressing disorder NFL ESPN", "An Interview with Peter Steele of Type O Negative", "TOO SOON Comedian Brody Stevens Dead by Suicide at 48: 'Another Singular Force of Nature Gone', "Episode 26: The Pudding Cup of My Brain (feat. "Prior to having a child, I really did feel it's my business if I wanted to stop my medications," she told bpHope. Heath Ledger (1979-2008) Some people believe that Kurt was manic depressive because he wrote his famous song Lithium - the most important drug in treating this disorder. Rexha went on to say how much she's looking forward to her next project: "This next album will be favorite album ever because I'm not holding anything back. Kurt Cobain was the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the grunge rock band Nirvana. People with bipolar disorder experience changes in their mood, energy level, and ability to function normally. There was also a history of suicide in his family. Good, Matthew: Matthew's Good gospel", "Ben Bradlee, legendary Washington Post editor, dies at 93", "With therapy, grit, ex-Cowboy Haley tackles bipolar disorder", "The Specials back on stage after 30 years", "Halsey Opens Up About Being a Reluctant Role Model", "Charles Hamilton Opens Up About Bipolar Diagnosis", "Linda Hamilton says she has bipolar disorder", "Suzy Favor Hamilton: Olympic athlete to Las Vegas escort", "On the Case at Mount Sinai, It's Dr. Data", "Anthony John Hardy, England's famous Camden Ripper", "Beth Hart on how bipolar disorder manifests itself in the process of songwriting", "Kayfabe, Lies and Alibis: Diana (Hart) Smith Shoot Interview", "Mariette Hartley triumphs over bipolar disorder", "Being Ernest: John Walsh unravels the mystery behind Hemingway's suicide", "Hemingway family mental illness explored in new film", "Kristin Hersh: 'I let bipolar disorder colour my early songs', "The Life and Work of Artist Derek Hess Examined Through New Film", "Disgraced NASCAR driver Hmiel had turned his life around", "Cat Hulbert: How I Got Rich Beating Men at Their Own Game", "Seeing Stars: Meg Hutchinson & Bipolar Disorder", "Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Bipolar 2: A Diagnosis Muddled by the Market", "Jill Janus, lead singer of Huntress, found dead aged 43", "Adam Jasinski sentenced to four years in jail", "Eddie Johnson Works at Coping With Manic-Depressive Disorder", "Bellevue family's battle with bipolar disease leads to 'Perfect Chaos' | Bellevue mother, daughter write book to give voice to those with mental illness", "His life is troubling, his fame disturbing", "U.K. Singer-Songwriter Rumer on Battling Depression & Bipolar 2 to Create 'Into Colour', "Monet, Khalo and van Gogh, Their Art and Mental Illness", "Werken met een Bipolaire stoornis Isa Hoes over haar leven met Antonie Kamerling", "Openly Gay Former Wrestler Dies at 40 in Apparent Suicide", "Patrick Kennedy stands up again to talk about his lonely illness", "28 June 2001 Letter to A&E from Margot Kidder Concerning her biography", "Otto Klemperer Behind every great conductor", "Cssia Kiss: 'O Espiritismo me faz feliz, me tranquiliza', "7.30 Report 05/01/2006: Rogers death highlights depression stigma", "Lesbian Macklemore Collaborator on 'Same Love' is Poised for the Big Time", "Preview: Debra LaFave: 'I crossed the line', "A public lecture by Matilde Marcolli mood Disorder Andrew Lange", "AJ Mendez Brooks opens up on her suicide attempt and helping others with mental illness", Assassinating the Reader:A Conversation with Yoon Ha Lee, "Jenifer Lewis's Battle with Bipolar Disorder", "chef Bernard Louiso suicide bipolar disorder", "la-verite-sur-le-suicide-du-chef-bernard-loiseau_", "After death of Canto-pop star Ellen Joyce Loo, Hongkonger with bipolar disorder speaks up about mental illness to raise awareness", "Demi Lovato Speaks Up About Living With Bipolar Disorder", "Shameless star Tina Malone drops weight and her man", "We've got it all except Davina's gleeful frenzy", "Lighting a Spark to Heal Trauma: An Interview with Jesse Zook Mann", "Manziel says he's bipolar, trying for comeback", "Jessica Marais reveals bipolar disorder struggle to Australian Women's Weekly", "Democrat Karen McCarthy of Missouri dies at 63; congresswoman opposed Iraq war, was target of ethics probe", "Daughter of 'UK's toughest' reveals why he suffered violent rages", "Kristy McNichol of 'Family,' 'Empty Nest' comes out as a lesbian", "Burgess Meredith dies at 89 10 September 1997", "Former Eagles Member Randy Meisner Allegedly Threatened Murder-Suicide", "LANL astrophysicist Dimitri Mihalas dies at 74", "Interview: Dr Liz Miller on mental health", "Former North East radio and TV presenter Jonathan Morrell shares his story of depression in the wake of Robin Williams tragedy", "The Boston Case of Charles Merrill Mount: The Archivist's Arch Enemy", "A confident Alison Moyet is beating her demons", "Choroba, kterou trpl zpvk Muk, asto kon sebevradou", "Rich and famous mourn Wall Street's John Mulheren", "Kim Novak says she's bipolar, regrets leaving Hollywood", " " " ", "Bill Oddie reveals he thought he'd die with his bipolar battle last year", "The Cranberries lead singer Dolores O'Riordan, 45, on the band's new album, The Voice and being chased by a bear", "bleeding through makes me want to mosh, and throw up a pointer finger towards my computer", "Famed frontman Steven Page shares his journey through mental illness", "Pauley's struggle with bipolar disorder", "Jane Pauley shares her story: Former Dateline NBC co-host talks about struggle with illness in new book", "Coronation Street 19602000: Where are they now? Hinckley Jr. shot Reagan with a revolver as the president was walking out of the Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. 64-year old Mel Gibson is another famous actor known for suffering from bipolar disorder. The actor burst onto the scene as an action hero, then branched out into producing and directing, earning two Academy Award nominations. Brand has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. In this memoir, Cheney discusses her life as a high-powered entertainment lawyer with bipolar disorder. Martins findings show that Hemingway had symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as possible borderline and narcissistic personality traits, which were likely exacerbated by his alcohol use. Whether it's Hemmingway, Van Gogh Robert Schumann has been mentioned Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath" ~ Stephen Fry Quotes From People Living With Bipolar Disorder He underwent drug overdose during Elton Week . By one estimate, 30-60% of people who suffer from manic depression also have substance abuse problems. Vincent Van Gogh The celebrated artist's bipolar disorder is discussed in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb and Dear Theo, The Autobiography of Van Gogh. 1 But the disorderwhich is. 143 Famous People with Bipolar Disorder Jun 27, 2013 by Brandon Gaille For anyone who is bipolar or knows someone who has it, here are 143 inspiring examples of famous people with bipolar disorder that have had tremendous success. Famous bipolar individuals of the past include Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill. The singer also showed signs of depression in his lifestyle, its common knowledge the level of drugs he took, his lazy attitude polarised by his ecstatic bursts of energy, his bursts of uncontrollable temper and his prolific writing - all symptoms of somebody going through depression. She also shared an experience with bipolar-related stigma: After Pauleys diagnosis, her doctor tried to give her a cover story of thyroid issues to hide from her employers that she had bipolar disorder. John Hinckley Jr. was the man who attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronal Reagan in 1981, making him one of the most notorious famous people with schizophrenia. Celebrities With Bipolar Disorder Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on May 16, 2021 Mariah Carey 1/19 The chart-topping singer was diagnosed with bipolar disorderin 2001, but she told. ", ABC News: "Catherine Zeta-Jones Sheds Light on Bipolar II Disorder. Winehouse is ranked 26th on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list. If someone has a sprained ankle, youre not going to push on him more. In 1991, O'Connor was named Artist of the Year by Rolling Stone. Its not clear if Yes recent behavior was related to his bipolar disorder. People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience elevated moods alternating with episodes of depression. Before her diagnosis she had struggled with bulimia, drug addiction and cutting. People with bipolar disorder may notice a change in seasons may trigger their symptoms. It unmasked what doctors described as a genetic vulnerability to a mood disorder, and by that time I was in pretty deep trouble, Pauley told CBS News in 2019. Some of its symptoms can overlap with that of schizophrenia, while other symptoms, like mood swings, can look similar to bipolar disorder. There are several types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, rapid-recycling, mixed bipolar and cyclothymia. Obsessed with death, he eventually shot himself in the head in 1961., The founder of Turner Broadcasting and CNN has spent much of his life battling bipolar disorder and depression. ", The Independent: "Being Ernest: John Walsh unravels the mystery behind Hemingway's suicide. She has chosen to use. So we decided to honor a few of those musicians who have battled with mental illness against all odds, while giving us wonderful music. In 2011, actor Catherine Zeta-Jones, then 41, revealed that she has bipolar II disorder, which causes severe depression. All three types involve clear changes in . This is a list of people accompanied by verifiable sources associating them with some form of bipolar disorder (formerly known as "manic depression"), including cyclothymia, based on their own public statements; this discussion is sometimes tied to the larger topic of creativity and mental illness. In 2016, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam held a conference of 35 psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and art historians to discuss van Goghs possible diagnoses. Learn more about seasonal bipolar disorder and how to cope. He suffered from substance abuse in addition to having mental health problems. Much of his work dates back to the final two years of his life. And it is very difficult to talk about it," Hartley told USA Today. View this post on Instagram. She was diagnosed in 1994 during a serious suicidal depression. It became a big sigh of relief, because finally, we had an answer.". Nearly 3 percent of Americans have bipolar disorder, so its not surprising that some people with this condition are household names. Read more on 10 Famous People with Schizophrenia. On the one hand I was impressed with my new creative energy, but on the other hand I was suspicious that I didn't have it completely under control. Here are some of the most well-known ones. He described his experience with bipolar disorder as having a sprained brain similar to having a sprained ankle. Singer Demi Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she entered rehab at age 22. I finally decided that education is more important.". He later wrote a song called "Manic Depression," which described his trouble with mood swings. It turns out that I was experiencing a form of mania., Carey says she eventually hit a wall. He ultimately committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 37. As a child, he had a binge eating disorder and was only treated for depression though he was also showing signs of mania. Kurt Cobain's cousin, Bev Cobain, a registered nurse with a background in mental health, spoke about Kurt being diagnosed at a young age with Attention Deficit Disorder and then with bipolar disorder. Allitt, John Stewart (1991), Donizetti in the light of romanticism and the teaching of Johann Simon Mayr, Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element Books, p. 43. Famous People With Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Disorder) The following people are thought to have suffered from bipolar disorder: Abraham Lincoln (leader) Agatha Christie (writer) Buzz Aldrin (other) Carrie Fisher (actor) Gordon Sumner (Sting) (musician) Heinz Prechter (entrepreneur) Jane Pauley (other) Jim Carey (actor) As a child, he had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, according to his cousin Beverly Cobain, a registered nurse and mental health professional. 23. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before it's diagnosed for several reasons. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Mood Disorders: How to Recognize and Treat Them. She said she finally sought treatment after a series of professional and romantic issues. Apart from acting, Mel Gibson is also praised as a film director, screenwriter, and producer. These . Famous People With Bipolar Disorder. Before being diagnosed, Van Damme said, he relied on training to cope with his symptoms. To help anyone struggling know they're not alone and to have hope", "Ex-New York Times Reporter Jayson Blair On The Day It All Came Crashing Down", "B.C. SELF Magazine: Women's Workouts, Health Advice & Beauty Tips | SELF She told Oprah Winfrey in 2007 that before her diagnosis she had struggled with thoughts of suicide and overwhelming fear. List of 20 Famous People With Bipolar Disorder: #1 Catherine Zeta-Jones Getty Images She is an Academy Award-winning Welsh actress who is best known for films like 'Chicago" and "Traffic." Also, for her role in Chicago, Catherine won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Bipolar disorder has varying levels of severity and in really severe cases there.