Friday, March 22, 2024

What Actress Has Parkinson’s Disease

Hollywood Fixture Valerie Perrine Is Now Fighting Parkinsons Disease

Alan Alda Announces He Has Parkinsons Disease

Valerie Perrine appears in head-to-toe leather at the world premiere of What Women Want, December 13, 2000.Photo by Shutterstock.

A new short documentary called Valerie looks at the early career of actress Valerie Perrine and her current battle with Parkinsons disease. She burst onto the screen in the 1972 movie Slaughterhouse Five, based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut. Then she played comedian Lenny Bruces wife, Honey, opposite Dustin Hoffman. But people may know her best as the effervescent assistant of the Lex Luthor in Superman. Valerie is now available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and more.

Valerie Perrine celebrates her 75th birthday, as shown in the documentary, Valerie. Photo courtesy of Stacey Souther.

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Famous People With Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.

There are more than 1 million people living with PD in the United States and around 55,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

The three main symptoms of PD are:

  • stiff and inflexible muscles
  • slow movement
  • involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body.

Since the late 1960s, levodopa has been the most effective treatment for addressing motor symptoms of PD.

Alan Alda: Taking Action Keeping Active

The award-winning M*A*S*H actor broke the news of his Parkinsons diagnosis during an appearance on the CBS This Morning TV news show in July 2018 and hes found that exercise helps him stay positive. You can hold back the progress if you do a lot of specific exercises, so I do a lot of crazy things, he told Today in 2019. For this actor, these crazy things reportedly include boxing, juggling, tennis, swimming, marching, and biking.

Confirming the news of his diagnosis on Twitter, Alda remained optimistic. I decided to let people know I have Parkinsons to encourage others to take action, he wrote. My life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!

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Maurice White: A Performer With Parkinson’s

One of the founding members of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White noted the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the 1980s while the band’s popularity was going strong. Although he was diagnosed in 1992 at age 50, he kept quiet about his disease for eight years. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, he discussed his diagnosis, saying, “I traveled with the band for five years with Parkinson’s. I was treating it with medication then, and I still have it under control. It’s not taking anything away from me.”

White died in 2016 at age 74.

Freddie Roach: Boxing Trainer With Parkinson’s

Famous People With Parkinson

Frederick “Freddie” Roach is a boxing trainer and former professional boxer. Bryant Gumbel included his story in the HBO series Real Sports, detailing Roach’s efforts to control his Parkinson’s disease with medication and continued work as a trainer. Roach, who began to show Parkinsons symptoms over 20 years ago, trains world-famous boxers at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, which he owns. His client list has included the likes of Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, Mark Wahlberg, and Georges St. Pierre.

But having Parkinson’s hasn’t dimmed his commitment to boxing, even as it’s caused his speech to slur and his left arm to shake. “I’m in the gym every day it’s part of life. Instead of taking a vacation, I like what I do. My vacations are right here,” Roach said in a 2015 CBS interview.

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Bob Hoskins: Retirement With Parkinson’s

A British actor best known for his award-winning turn in the 1982 film The Long Good Friday and for his voiceover in 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Bob Hoskins announced that having Parkinson’s disease forced him into retirement in 2012. He was quite private about the details of his diagnosis, but in a 2012 interview with Saga Magazine, he said, “I’m trying to retire. I’m not doing very well at it, though.” When he did retire, he announced that he would be focusing on living a healthier lifestyle after leaving the acting profession.

Hoskins died in April 2014 at age 71.

Liza Minnelli 75 Has Married And Separated With Four Spouses

Liza Minnelli has reached the age of 75 years as of January 2022, being born on March 12, 1946. She has been married and divorced four times with her spouses in her life.

Regardless, she does not have any children till now. Her first marriage was on March 3, 1967, to entertainer Peter Allen, but they divorced on July 24, 1974, after she find out that he was gay.

Liza Minnellis Spouse Peter Allen Was Once Caught in Bed with Her Mother Judy Garlands 4th Husband

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Later on September 15, 1974, Minnelli married producer and director Jack Haley Jr. However, in April 1979, they got divorced over some uncertain reason.

Following that year, she married sculptor and stage manager Mark Gero on December 4, 1979, and they divorced in January 1992.

Finally, she was married to concert promoter David Gest from March 16, 2002, to April 2007. The reason behind their divorce was Minnelli’s alcoholism.

After that, she dated several men but never married anyone.

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Pregnant Hollyoaks Star Nadine Mulkerrin Shocks Fans With Newborn Baby Pic

One of the symptoms you can get is muscle freezing. You cannot move but then you just get this rush of smoke sound inside your ears and then you fall and knock yourself down.

I thought that was it. I couldnt get off the couch. I was so frightened in every sense. I couldnt stand. I had to crawl to the loo it took 45 minutes just to get there and its only around the corner.

She added: But Id be damned if I wasnt going to do it myself. I didnt want to wee on my velvet sofa. I remember thinking and heres a profound thought this is it. If I dont keep breathing, Ill be dead.

Inspired by other celebrities battling Parkinson’s including Michael J Fox and Billy Connolly, Lysette worked out she had the disease after hearing their stories.

Former Girlfriend Of Laurence Fishburne

Actor Alan Alda Reveals That He Has Parkinson’s Disease

Victoria Dillard was in a relationship with Laurence Fishburne. He is a popular personality of the industry as an actor, playwright, producer, screenwriter, and film director.

As belonging in the same field, the pair met on the set of the film, ‘Deep Cover‘ in 1992. After working on the same project, they started loving each other. Unfortunately, in 1995, the two broke up and ended their relationship. Currently, the actress has been enjoying the single life whereas Mr. Fishburne was married to Gina Torres from 2001 to 2018.

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Ben Petrick: The Major League With Parkinson’s

Ben Petrick dreamed of a stellar baseball career as a catcher with the Colorado Rockies. He played in 240 Major League games, the majority of which came after Parkinson’s disease struck him at age 22 in 2000. He retired from baseball in 2004.

He’s since authored Forty Thousand to One, a book whose title in part references the 40,000 Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year. The book also recounts his experiences in Major League Baseball while coping with Parkinson’s disease. According to an ESPN interview, Petrick’s father was also diagnosed with the condition but maintains a positive attitude, saying that although he has Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s doesn’t have him.

Famous People Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease

The motor system disorder Parkinson’s disease is characterized by unintended or uncontrollable body movements, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, impaired balance, and problems speaking, swallowing, and sleeping. It can also cause cognitive issues and generally occurs around the age of 70, affecting more men than women. There is no cure.

There are several celebrities who have been diagnosed with PD. Many were older when they started experiencing symptoms, but some, like actor Michael J. Fox, was only in his late 20s when he learned that he had the disease. Several of these stars have continued to perform and entertain even after experiencing symptoms of the disease, proving that it’s not a death sentence. While it can be debilitating at times, and some days are better than others, the following actors, singers, and athletes have largely tried to remain positive and not let PD get them down. Many of their stories are inspiring, and while some have since passed on, many more are still living with the disease and making the most of it.

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Actor Michael J Fox Has Parkinson’s Disease

Breaking seven years of silence, Michael J. Fox has revealed he has Parkinson’s disease.

“It’s not that I had a deep, dark secret,” the 37-year-old actor, best known for his roles in the “Back to the Future” movies and the old sitcom “Family Ties,” says in the Dec. 7 issue of People magazine. “It was just my thing to deal with.”

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder, destroys brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical important for movement. Symptoms include muscle stiffening, tremors and difficulty moving.

The disease affects about 1 million Americans, most older than 60. Former heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali and Attorney General Janet Reno both suffer from it.

Fox, who currently stars on the ABC sitcom “Spin City,” says the trembling in his left arm and leg was so bad last January that he asked his limo driver to circle the block three times before dropping him off at the Golden Globe Awards.

In March, Fox underwent a thalamotomy, a form of brain surgery.

Fox’s spokeswoman, Nanci Ryder, said Fox will continue to work on “Spin City,” and an interview with Barbara Walters will air on Dec. 4.

In 1991, Fox noticed a “twitch” in his left pinkie while on the set of the film “Doc Hollywood.” After undergoing tests, he received the diagnosis.

Actress Meredith Baxter, who played Fox’s television mother on “Family Ties,” applauded his decision to go public.

Jesse Jacksonstruggle With Parkinsons Disease

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A part of Martin LutherKing Juniors inner circle and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the worldwas truly saddened when it heard the news of Jesse Jacksons diagnosis withParkinsons disease.

At the age of 76, therenowned politician and social activist informed the public of the news andshared his struggles.

Initially, when he firstdiscovered the tremor symptoms, he tried to work through them. However, at onepoint it could no longer be ignored. After numerous tests run by the doctor,Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.

According to a quote fromJesse Jackson himself, he sees the diagnosis of Parkinsons as

a signal that I must make lifestyle changes and dedicate myself to physical therapy in hopes of slowing the diseases progression.

Jesse Jackson

In a statement in 2015,he did admit to attempting to make the change. Jackson now devotes his time tomeditation, physical exercise, and prayer every day to help him cope.

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Jesse Jackson was born inGreenville, South Carolina and is a two-time presidential candidate for theDemocrats.

As well as being very close to the causes of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bill Clinton and successfully negotiated the release of three American soldiers held prisoners in Yugoslavia.

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Montel Williams: Multiple Sclerosis

p> In 1999, daytime talk show host Montel Williams went public with his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis , a debilitating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. “My primary symptom is pain,” Williams told Oprah Winfrey on her talk show in 2009. “I’ve got pain from my shins to my feet, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it’s been there for the last 10 years.” About 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As with other autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the person’s healthy tissue. It is not known exactly what triggers the condition. Williams lives with the disease by paying close attention to three things: his diet, exercise and medication, he said on “Oprah.”

While there are no known ways to prevent MS, a 2016 meta-analysis found a link between coffee intake and a reduced risk of MS. The study showed an association, rather than proving cause and effect, but it’s possible that caffeine may have a protective effect on the brain and spinal cord, according to the researchers.

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I just thought, Thats what Ive got. I just knew it, she explained. I did what I normally do and made sure I knew as little about it as possible.

I thought, Whats the point? I could lose the power of my neck, I might not be able to speak, walk or even have a wee and thats not exactly pretty.

So I didnt go soon enough. But then, eventually, I went said I was too young, or that it was probably a trapped nerve. In the end they gave me a brain scan and you dont get away from a brain scan.

The actress lives in Liverpool with son Jimi, admitted things were not looking great for her, but she was not going to let it get her down.

The prognosis is not great, but that doesnt mean that is going to be it, she said.

The prognosis is you lose control of the body youre in. One of my cousins Peter is a colonel in the medical corps of the army and he said, The medicine works really well and after that, youre f**ked! But were not going to get there.

The star learnt of her shocking diagnosis years ago when she was first cast on the Channel 4 soap.

I was diagnosed the same week I was offered the job at Hollyoaks. But needs must, Im a single mum. Also, denial is a marvellous way to pass the time. I had to work, and Im glad I made that decision,” Lysette said.

The one person that knew at the beginning was Greg who played my on-screen son James. Thats why Marnie and James were so close because he was literally dragging me from one set to another.

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Celebrities With Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease is a common nervous system disorder. Parkinsons disease is a progressive disease. Symptoms, such as tremor and slowed movement, may be so mild they go largely unnoticed for a long period of time. Then, when the disorder worsens, they become more noticeable. These well-known actors, politicians, and public figures have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and spoken openly about their experiences.

Linda Ronstadt: Parkinson’s Took Her Voice But Not Her Spirit

Alan Alda reveals Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Known for her rich soprano vocals as the lead singer of the 1960s band the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt opened up about her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis to AARP The Magazine in 2013. After two very bad tick bites in the 1980s, Ronstadt says her health never fully recovered but she didn’t visit a neurologist until she was no longer able to sing.

“I didn’t know why I couldn’t sing all I knew was that it was muscular or mechanical. Then when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was finally given the reason. I now understand that no one can sing with Parkinson’s disease. No matter how hard you try. And in my case, I can’t sing a note,” she told AARP.

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Alan And David Osmond

Alan Osmond and many of his siblings became famous as members of the singing, dancing Osmond family. His son, David, is now carrying on the family name as a performer, including a turn on TV’s American Idol. They share something else, too: Both father and son have multiple sclerosis. They live by Alan’s motto: “I may have MS, but MS does not have me.”

Brian Grant: Staying Positive With Parkinson’s

Brian Grant spent 12 seasons as a National Basketball Association player, playing for the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Phoenix Suns. As an NBA player, he was known for his positive team commitment as well as his work with disadvantaged children. According to an interview with ESPN, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in January 2009, following his retirement from professional basketball. He went on to found the Brian Grant Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring those living with Parkinson’s disease to include exercise as medicine.

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Jillian Michaels: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

In addition to having endometriosis, fitness guru Jillian Michaels suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome .

Polycystic ovary syndrome, which occurs when a woman’s female sex hormones are out of balance, can cause changes to the menstrual cycle and the skin, along with small cysts in the ovaries and trouble getting pregnant. Michaels, a former trainer on the TV show “The Biggest Loser,” announced that she had PCOS and endometriosis after being criticized for stating in an interview that she would rather adopt than put her body through the physical challenges of pregnancy. Because of her conditions, she most likely couldn’t get pregnant, The New York Times reported in 2011. Michaels manages her symptoms by eating organic foods and exercising regularly, Prevention reported.

Celebrities Who’ve Been Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease

9 Celebrities With Parkinson

After getting a life-changing Parkinsons disease diagnosis, it can be comforting to find out who else has the same diagnosis. While its important to have a friend, family member or acquaintance to talk to in person who knows exactly what youre going through. Knowing one of your favorite public figures is experiencing similar symptoms as you can also help you feel less alone. These famous folks have spoken out about their condition, bringing awareness and visibility to conditions the general population might not know much about, if anything at all.

Parkinsons disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. As a result, the nerve cells cannot produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement. Hallmark symptoms include shaking in limbs when the limbs are at rest slowness of movement, where you cannot move your body as fast as you would like and rigidity, or stiffness in the body. Parkinsons also causes a number of symptoms unrelated to movement, including digestive issues, loss of smell, chronic pain, depression and blood pressure issues.

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