Did you know that there are plenty of successful Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and entrepreneurs who are dyslexic? Learn more!

Famous people with dyslexia

There are lots of people who live with learning disabilities like dyslexia every day. Some people are diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school or middle school. Others might not be diagnosed until high school or into adulthood. This can have a significant impact on people’s abilities to learn. However, this has not stopped people with dyslexia, ADHD, and numerous other learning difficulties from being successful and making their mark on the world.

Learning differences do not have to be something that slow people down. Let’s take a look at some of the top famous dyslexics below. Discover how dyslexic people are not only surviving but also changing the world!

Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is best known as the founder of Virgin Group, which is the owner of Virgin Atlantic, a well-known airline. He was not diagnosed with dyslexia until later in life, but he was still able to overcome his disability to be one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time. He has certainly left his mark on the world. Furthermore, he is an avid user of Speechify! This is a text-to-speech program that has already helped countless people with dyslexia keep up with their peers in the classroom. Richard Branson is also a well-known advocate for individuals with learning differences.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a famous British space scientist and science educator. She has taught the world about the wonders of the night sky, and her research has made great strides in the field of astrophysics and astronomy. She has also been diagnosed with dyslexia. She works hard to advocate for children who have been diagnosed with learning disorders. Therefore, she has made an impact not only in space but also on Earth.

Leonardo da Vinci

It is widely believed that Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous artists in all of human history, was actually dyslexic. While there was no terminology for dyslexia during the time of the Renaissance, there are clues which point to dyslexia, such as how he often wrote letters in a backwards or mirrored way from how they normally would be written. Despite his struggle with spelling due to dyslexia, the differences in Leonardo da Vinci’s brain helped him see the world in a very unique way and therefore create his timeless masterpieces—including the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and Lady with an Ermine—as well as many other incredible invention ideas.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney is one of the best-known people to have lived with dyslexia. He is the founder of the Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture company, which is synonymous with animation. This studio has produced some of the best animated films of all time. The Disney Corporation also has a very successful TV channel. Of course, Disney has multiple theme parks and has become a global brand. Despite living with dyslexia, Walt Disney was able to build one of the largest entertainment empires on the planet.

Albert Einstein

The famous scientist Albert Einstein also lived with dyslexia. His name is synonymous with intelligence and genius, and his discoveries have left their mark on mankind. He participated in the Manhattan Project, he developed the theory of relativity, and he served as an inspiration for countless physicists who came after him. He is proof that just because someone has been diagnosed with dyslexia doesn't mean they can't be successful in the classroom.

Sally Gardner

Sally Gardener is one of the most successful British writers of all time. Despite dyslexia directly impacting her ability to read, she is one of the most celebrated writers to this day. She has won multiple awards for her work. Some of her most popular books include Three Pickled Herrings, The Matchbox Mysteries, and Tinder. She is also a passionate advocate for children with learning disabilities. She has sold more than two million books in the United Kingdom, and her works have been translated into more than 22 languages. She typically writes children’s books, but she has also branched out into other genres.

U.S. Presidents George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and George W. Bush

Multiple presidents have also lived with dyslexia. George Washington, the very first president of the United States, is widely believed to have suffered from dyslexia. John F. Kennedy, president of the United States from 1961 to 1963, was also diagnosed with dyslexia. George W. Bush, president of the United States from 2000 to 2008, also lived with dyslexia. It is widely believed that there are numerous other presidents who have lived with dyslexia but did not know it.

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver, a celebrity chef, has also lived with dyslexia. In addition to being an amazing cook, he is also very active in the global community. He consistently spends his time cooking meals for people who might not know where their next meal is coming from. He also advocates for people who live with learning disabilities. He is proof that someone with dyslexia can go on to enjoy a successful career in the kitchen.

Theo Paphitis

Theodoros Paphitis, also known as Theo Paphitis, is one of the most successful retail magnates and entrepreneurs of all time. He is a regular guest on numerous BBC programs, and he is of British and Greek descent. He has had tremendous success as an entrepreneur. However, he spends his time giving back to those who might not have as much as him. He also advocates for people with dyslexia just like him. He makes sure that they have access to the resources they need. Some people even believe that he is a billionaire.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is another one of the most famous artist of all time. He is well known for producing pictures that look like they are jigsaw puzzles. There are a lot of moving parts that have to come together to create the actual image. It is widely believed that his pictures look the way they do because of his dyslexia. He sees things a bit differently, and he paints them as he interprets them. Someone with dyslexia can go on to be a successful painter, just like him.

Guy Ritchie

Guy Ritchie is one of the most famous film directors of all time. He also suffers from dyslexia. He has produced a wide variety of films throughout the years, but he is best known for Sherlock Holmes. He was inspired to go into filmmaking after watching Butch Cassidy. That is why a lot of his films have a gangster feel to them. When he is not busy directing the next blockbuster, he is working hard to help people with learning disabilities. He makes sure they have access to the resources they need. Even though dyslexia had an impact on him in the classroom, he has not let it stop him from becoming one of the best film directors of all time.

Chris Robshaw

Chris Robshaw is one of the most famous English rugby players of all time. He has spent his time competing both in the United Kingdom and in the United States. He has even competed for Great Britain on the Olympic stage. That makes him one of the most recognizable athletes in the country. He also suffers from dyslexia, but he was able to overcome it by accessing the help he needed and developing his athletic skills. He is a passionate advocate for children with learning disabilities.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg is perhaps synonymous with Hollywood. He is one of the best film filmmakers of all time. He also has dyslexia, but he did not let that stop him from enjoying one of the most successful Hollywood careers of all time. He has directed a wide variety of films over the years, including Schindler's List, The Post, Jurassic World, West Side Story, Ready Player One, and The Terminal. He has a lot of resources at his disposal, and he frequently uses them to give back to the community in multiple ways. This includes advocating for children with learning disabilities, including ADHD and dyslexia.

Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby is a British entertainment specialist. She has worn multiple hats during the course of her career. She has been a television presenter, a model, and an author. She is well known for hosting a wide variety of reality shows. Many people also know that she also lives with dyslexia. She spends her time advocating for children who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. She uses her platform to advocate for positive change in the local community. She is also proof that someone who has been diagnosed with dyslexia can also enjoy a multi-faceted career in the entertainment industry.

Dominic Wood

Dominic Wood is a successful British entertainer, magician, and television host. He has demonstrated that he can handle a wide variety of roles—and he has done it all with dyslexia. Even though he had some difficulties in the classroom at a young age, he was able to overcome them with the support of those around him. He understands how important it is for children to have support growing up, particularly if they have learning disabilities. He spends a lot of his time in the public eye. He uses his platform to advocate for children with special needs, including those living with dyslexia. His work has made a major difference in the lives of children everywhere.

Speechify - #1 tool for dyslexia

For individuals with dyslexia, processing written text can often be a challenging and sometimes discouraging experience. Speechify emerges as a beacon of hope in this scenario, seamlessly transforming written content into audio format. This innovative text to speech tool is designed to empower dyslexic users, allowing them to comprehend and absorb information without the typical struggles of reading. By converting text into clear, natural-sounding audio, Speechify ensures that dyslexic individuals can access, process, and retain information just as effectively as their non-dyslexic peers. In doing so, it levels the playing field, providing a boost in confidence and enabling those with dyslexia to pursue and achieve their dreams without the barrier of traditional textual constraints. Try Speechify for free today.

FAQ

Some of the most common questions people ask about famous people with dyslexia include:

Who is the most famous person with dyslexia?

It is difficult to say who the most famous person is to live with dyslexia. Some people have gone on to be successful talk show hosts. Examples include Whoopi Goldberg and Jay Leno. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, also had dyslexia. Orlando Bloom, an actor known for Pirates of the Caribbean, also has dyslexia.

Which famous singer was dyslexic?

Cher, one of the most famous singers of all time, has dyslexia. She is known for hits such as Believe, If I Could Turn Back Time, and Dark Lady. She has even won a five Grammy awards. John Lennon, a singer and songwriter from The Beatles, also had dyslexia.

Is dyslexia a disability?

Dyslexia is considered a disability, but it does not necessarily need to hold someone back. It simply means that the individual learns how to read and write differently. It is critical to make sure that people with dyslexia have the support they require. For example, there are programs, such as Speechify, that can convert text into speech. This is also a program that can highlight the text on the screen. That way, someone with dyslexia can learn how different words are pronounced. They can also listen to the text as it is read aloud. This makes it easier for them to keep up with their schoolwork, reading documents for their job, or reading for fun.

How many famous people are dyslexic?

There are tons of famous people who are dyslexic. For example, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Aniston, Henry Winkler, and Keira Knightley are dyslexic. They are also some of the most famous actors and actresses of all time. Henry Winkler is known for playing The Fonz on Happy Days.

Who was dyslexic?

There are also famous athletes who have dyslexia. Muhammad Ali and Tim Tebow have been diagnosed with dyslexia. Anderson Cooper, one of the most well-known news hosts, has also been diagnosed with dyslexia. They are all living proof that someone can be diagnosed with dyslexia and still be extremely successful.