Did You Know These Famous Celebrities Were Seriously Ill?

Catherine Zeta-Jones: Bipolar II Disorder

Catherine Zeta-Jones opened up about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder with the intent of removing some of the stigmas around mental disorders. In April 2011, the actress checked herself into New Canaan, Connecticut’s Silver Hill Hospital to seek treatment for bipolar II disorder, which is categorized by at least one episode of severe depression and at least one episode of hypomania.

Catherine’s husband was diagnosed with throat cancer, which has been discussed much more in the press than Catherine’s own battle. Her mental illness has not stopped her from crafting a fantastic career, and the BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Award-winning actress has currently appeared in more than 30 major movies.

Tom Hanks: Type 2 Diabetes

In 2013, Tom Hanks revealed that he has type 2 diabetes on the Late Show with David Letterman. For years, Tom struggled with prediabetes, which is where a person’s blood sugar levels are high, but still not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Since his doctor revealed that his condition progressed to type 2 diabetes, he’s been trying to manage his health with regular exercise and a healthy diet. 

There are endless risks associated with the disease, which stops the body from effectively controlling its own blood sugar levels. To name a few possible consequences, patients can experience heart disease, nerve damage and even kidney failure if their condition goes untreated. The actor has blamed his own actions for the sickness, claiming that he made the wrong food choices for years.