10 Famous People I Bet You Didn’t Know Have ADHD

Did you know that more very successful people have ADHD than you know of? I guarantee that after reading this list, you’ll be surprised by one—if not all—of the famous people with ADHD.

As a parent, when you find out that your child has ADHD, it can be helpful to know of people of influence who have ADHD. It helps both you and your child see ADHD for what it is and not as a “death sentence.” It’s not the end of the world—they can do anything and be anything they want!

ADHD is not a prescription for failure; it’s a superpower, which is why I want to share with you my top 10 celebrities and famous people with ADHD:

#1. Simone Biles

As you may know, she won the 2024 Olympics. Right now, she has 11 Olympic medals and 30 Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. She really used her ADHD as her superpower, her motivation, and her determination to win a gold medal and make a comeback.

She’s also a great example of how exercise can help with your ADHD symptoms!

#2. Michael Phelps

Another athlete, Michael Phelps wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until he was nine years old—but once he was diagnosed, his mom made sure he had really strict discipline, schedule, and structure.

That’s likely what led him to be the highly successful swimmer he is! He is also an Olympic gold medalist and holds the all-time record for Olympic gold medals.

#3. Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado is awesome. She’s a Canadian singer-songwriter who, quote, credits her “ADHD because it can be so debilitating in your home life, but when you’re in your creative life, at work—for me—it’s amazing,” on Today.com.

She was formally diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD as an adult. This is one of those situations where someone doesn’t realize they have ADHD because they’re using tools to help them stay focused (like playing instruments six days a week), and when that tool’s removed, they start to see the symptoms. 

#4. Emma Watson

Emma Watson has ADHD, and she went to the Ivy Leagues. She’s known as Hermione from Harry Potter—also, highly successful.

After learning she had ADHD, I was inspired to finish the Harry Potter series. To be honest, after 23 years of trying to read it and not knowing the ending, I was so proud of myself!

#5. Richard Branson

An entrepreneur, Richard Branson has had many successes and careers in his life. He and three other employees rode on VSS Unity 22 as passengers, marking the first time a spaceflight company founder has traveled on his own ship into outer space.

#6. Jim Carrey

Jim Carey is iconic in the acting world—he’s created a signature for himself and his energetic slapstick performances. He’s also a two-time Golden Globe winner!

#7. Justin Timberlake

Did you know that Justin Timberlake has ADHD? He’s successful, even going from a boy band to a single solo artist, and has just continued to evolve in his music. Timberlake remains one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with sales of over 117 million records worldwide.

#8. Ryan Gosling

Another Canadian actor, Ryan Gosling is known for his roles in both independent and major studio films—his films have grossed over $2 billion worldwide. Unlike some celebrities, he often prefers solitude while not working, which he attributed to his autonomous childhood.

#9. Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw is an American former professional football quarterback—he’s also a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday.

He discovered his ADHD as an adult and has since shared, “I truly wish I had been tested when I was a child so I might have been able to reach my potential academically. But I wasn’t tested, I struggled, and in football, I found my answers.”

#10. Adam Levine 

Adam Levine not only has ADHD but motivates young adults and adults to take an active role with their ADHD. As the lead singer of Maroon 5 and one of the four coaches on NBC’s The Voice, he’s not only famous and successful but active in partnerships and ADHD awareness campaigns.

With all of these famous people with ADHD, there’s one commonality: they didn’t just stop what they were doing. They continue to keep going, to keep riding the wave. They’re known for doing, evolving their gifts, and using their superpowers to do more powerful things. 

Take this as your sign to continue to reach for the stars, reach your full potential, and help your child reach theirs, too.