Justin Timberlake Isn’t Alone: These Celebs Have Also Battled Lyme Disease

Justin Timberlake recently revealed that he has been battling Lyme disease, joining a growing list of public figures and celebs who have also had the same illness. Primarily caused by ticks, Lyme disease affects many patients for months after their initial diagnosis, with fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues cited as the most common symptoms.

Timberlake’s diagnosis is just another in a long list of once-healthy celebs who are battling the same disease. In fact, many actors have come forward over the years to share their struggles with Lyme disease, using their platforms to raise awareness. These performers often faced years of misdiagnoses before finally getting the help they needed. 247 Tempo brings you the celebrities who have spoken out about their time with this illness.

We used verified information from sources like People Magazine, Healthline, CNN, Today, Rolling Stone, and the Lyme Disease Association to confirm the public figures who have faced Lyme disease head-on. Let's go over how these people have dealt with this illness and how it has affected their careers.

Justin Timberlake recently disclosed he's been quietly battling Lyme disease for several years. Unexplained fatigue and brain fog affected his performances and day-to-day life, according to reports. He's currently undergoing treatment for the disease and has encouraged fans to educate themselves about it, as Lyme disease is often a pervasive, subtle illness.

Alec Baldwin revealed that he suffered from chronic Lyme disease, describing the experience as “excruciating”. He would have symptoms every summer and be incapacitated for days at a time. The illness appears to have manifested from repeated tick bites, and Baldwin’s story illustrates how easily Lyme disease can become a long-term battle.

Singer and actress Shania Twain was diagnosed with Lyme disease after experiencing dizziness and blackouts while on one of her tours. The illness even damaged her vocal cords and was responsible for the singer taking a long break from both recording and performing. Twain had to have multiple surgeries to regain her voice and return to the stage, something that many people don't realize was caused by Lyme disease.

Known for her work on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills", her modeling career, and her modeling children, Yolanda Hadid has been one of the most vocal celebrities about this particular disease. She has been open about her experience with it, discussing her struggle with chronic symptoms and her search for treatment. She even published a memoir detailing her battle with the disease, something that she claims was the cause of her divorce from David Foster.

Musician Avril Lavigne was bedridden for five months after contracting Lyme disease. She described feeling like she was consistently dying as the disease progressed. Her lengthy recovery kept her out of the public eye for years, and she has since become an outspoken advocate for Lyme awareness and effective research.

Actor and comedian Ben Stiller has had his own experience with Lyme disease. While he and his doctors caught it early on, Stiller noted that it was still an exhausting and confusing time before he received a proper diagnosis. The incident also made him much more cautious when spending time or shooting films outdoors, especially in forested areas.

TV personality and actress Kelly Osbourne believes she contracted Lyme disease at a reindeer sanctuary during one of her travels. She experienced seizures, cognitive issues, and extreme fatigue following the trip before eventually being diagnosed. Now involved in efforts to improve Lyme education and testing, Osbourne has been outspoken about how difficult this disease is to both diagnose and treat.

Amy Schumer revealed on Instagram in 2020 that she had tested positive for Lyme disease. She shared that she was undergoing treatment with antibiotics and herbal supplements, having dealt with undiagnosed symptoms for years. Schumer urges fans to check for ticks anytime they're outside, regardless of where they live and how long they're in the great outdoors.

At one point in her career, Debbie Gibson's symptoms were so severe that she lost significant weight and was unable to perform in any capacity. Having since returned to the stage, she continues to speak openly about her healing process and how debilitating Lyme disease can be, no matter your career or general health.

Rumors have confirmed that Richard Gere has had his own battle with Lyme disease. While details are notably scarce, sources say he experienced flu-like symptoms and fatigue after a trip to New York’s Hudson Valley, a place notorious for ticks. Gere has kept his experience largely private but has supported Lyme research initiatives since the diagnosis.

Actress and fashion mogul Ashley Olsen was diagnosed with Lyme disease several years ago, with reports saying that the illness left her feeling drained, impacting her daily life. Her condition was widely reported in entertainment media, helping to contribute to Lyme disease awareness, especially among younger women.

Daryl Hall from the eponymous Hall & Oates also suffered from Lyme disease for several years, interfering with his ability to tour, record, and live his life. Hall spoke out about how serious and pervasive the illness can be, with his recovery taking years. It also involved intense holistic treatment, a process that has historically had mixed results in treating the disease.

Model and actress Crystal Hefner said she was battling Lyme disease as early as 2016. She experienced all of the hallmark symptoms: brain fog, fatigue, and hypersensitivity to light and sound. Hefner used her social media platforms to update fans on her recovery, with her vulnerability helping younger followers recognize symptoms they might otherwise dismiss.

These celebrities prove the importance of diagnoses and visiting medical professionals whenever symptoms strike. Lyme disease can have lifelong effects, so be sure to stay aware the next time you take a hike through the woods!