Ulcerative Colitis (UC), an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) of the digestive tract, makes everyday life activities difficult for those suffering from it. But, coping with IBD successfully for a celebrity is a lot more difficult than anyone else. Celebrities are constantly under the radar and live an utterly hectic lifestyle with no pre-defined working hours and the need to stay healthy, fit, and attractive at its peak throughout the year.

IBD can cause a wide range of health issues from pain, anemia, and lethargy to chronic bowel symptoms. Hence, it is no ordinary feat to achieve big with IBD. That’s why we believe that everyone should take inspiration from the following 13 celebrities who didn’t let IBD affect their ambitions or celebrity status.

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy is famous for his contagious smile but the world had no idea that the former US president suffered from IBD and led a hard and painful life. His medical records suggest that he suffered either from IBD or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) while some records revealed that he was diagnosed with IBD during childhood.  All his life, he dealt with chronic diarrhea and continuously used antispasmodic drugs to control IBD.

Shinzo Abe

The Japanese premier took office in 2006 and resigned the very next year because of ulcerative colitis. The reason, as per Abe, was that he had to visit the lavatory rather too frequently (sometimes even 30 times a day), which made it impossible for him to focus on his responsibilities. But, unwilling to give up because of IBD, Abe continued to try medications until he found the right balance. He reclaimed premiership in 2012, and has held this position ever since.

Amy Brenneman

Brenneman rose to new heights of fame with back to back hit television series including Grey’s Anatomy, Judging Amy, and Private Practice. However, behind the camera, this Hollywood actress dealt with ulcerative colitis for years. She ultimately had to undergo surgery to heal properly. Today, she is an active supporter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and wants to help others deal with ulcerative colitis.

Marvin Bush

Bush, a well-known financier and youngest son of former US president George H. W. Bush, maintained a low-key profile throughout the presidential tenure of his father. In 1990, however, he decided to come out of his shell and become a representative of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (called the National Foundation for Ileitis & Colitis at the time).The reason, as he described, was to utilize his position to spread awareness about ulcerative colitis, which he had suffered from since the age of 28, and help those struggling to cope with it. Marvin Bush’s journey with UC hasn’t been an easy one; he had to get his colon removed and create an ostomy for removal of body wastes. Still, he has managed to remain one of the most successful businessmen in the US.

Sunny Anderson

This celebrity chef has been dealing with ulcerative colitis for over 20 years and has proven that it cannot become an obstacle in achieving one’s dreams. She launched her own website in 2014 with the primary aim to help people understand that diet and nutrition can play a productive role in managing ulcerative colitis.

Chuck Lorre

The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men fame Chuck Lorre has made the entire world laugh with him, but no one knows the struggles he has faced due to ulcerative colitis. Lorre once revealed that he was so poor that he couldn’t afford to visit a doctor, which is why he is such a strong supporter of free health care. He believes that everyone has a right to good bowel movement and if a doctor can help in ensuring that, the person must be able to get medical help.

Rolf Benirschke

The former NFL kicker was initially diagnosed with Crohn’s and after going through numerous surgeries throughout his ten-year long pro football career, he learned that he suffered from ulcerative colitis. Just like many other celebrities, Benirschke has collaborated with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation to help people suffering from this condition live a healthy and happy life.

Casey Abrams

Abrams became famous when he participated in the year 2011 season of the American Idol. One day while shooting for the reality show, Abrams was rushed to the hospital after his condition worsened. He was also facing a difficult time managing his career with ulcerative colitis as he had to visit the bathroom frequently, usually up to 14 times a day. However, he came sixth in the competition, showing the world that life with UC was not as complicated. He has also served with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and believes that one must always seek medical help on time instead of waiting for the condition to worsen.

Gregory Itzin

You must remember President Charles Logan’s character from the hit TV drama 24. It was played by Itzin. He had ulcerative colitis and one day he had to be taken to the hospital from the shoot because his condition deteriorated. His doctor scolded him for ignoring the symptoms of UC and that’s when he realized that his health was most important. In one of his interviews, the 71-year old actor revealed that he believed that it was just regular stomach flu. But, when he landed in the hospital, that’s when he learned that he has UC and decided to take control of the situation.

Dan Reynolds

Who would believe that Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds, whom we have always seen so energetic and lively, suffers from ulcerative colitis and ankylosing spondylitis. In 2018, Reynolds revealed on Twitter that for the past ten years he has been managing life with two of the most challenging inflammatory diseases. He further explained that he was able to control the diseases through diet and exercise.

Sir Steven Redgrave

Sir Steve Redgrave is an immensely successful athlete, five-time Olympic rowing champion, and one of the most inspiring sportsmen. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis during training session for Barcelona Olympics. However, he turned to medications and safe lifestyle practices almost immediately and remained competitive athlete right until the 2000 Sydney Olympics, after which he retired. Redgrave is also an active supporter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation UK.

Fernando Pisani

Pisani is an incredibly resilient and dedicated hockey player who participated in the National Hockey League for eight consecutive seasons. In 2005, Pisani began to notice symptoms of IBD, as he had to go to the bathroom at least 20 times a day and bloody stools became too frequent. Between 2007 and 2008 season he missed 26 games because of ulcerative colitis but later on he managed to control it through medication.

Tony Snow

Snow lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 53. The former White House press secretary lived with UC for 27 years. In an interview to Fox News, Snow revealed that he had inherited UC, and this made him vulnerable to colon cancer. Despite having regular colonoscopies he couldn’t survive. Yet, he left behind a legacy for many to take inspiration from.