Celebrities have been battling ALS for decades, starting with Lou Gehrig in 1939. The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder that causes individuals to lose control of their muscles. Despite no cure being available, advancements have been made to manage symptoms. Most recently, Eric Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, expressing gratitude for his family’s support.
Other notable figures who have faced ALS include physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived for decades after his diagnosis, and baseball Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter. Singer Roberta Flack retired due to ALS in 2022 and passed away in 2025.
In addition to celebrities, individuals such as Brooke Eby and Sarah Langs have shared their experiences with ALS on social media and in the sports industry. The condition has also affected figures in the music industry, such as Toto’s Mike Pocaro and punk rock band The Muffs’ Kim Shattuck.
ALS has also had an impact on the acting community, with actor Kenneth Mitchell incorporating his wheelchair into his roles and Joe Bosall retiring from the Oakridge Boys due to a neuromuscular disorder later identified as ALS. Despite facing this challenging diagnosis, these individuals have raised awareness about ALS and inspired others with their resilience.
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