5 Black Celebrities with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most debilitating illnesses that millions are diagnosed with, including some Black celebrities whose notoriety helps to shine a light on the prognosis within the Black community.

As public knowledge about Parkinson’s has increased, recent studies have shown that Black people are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to treatment. 

Parkinson’s is an illness of the brain that severely impacts body movements, and although there is no cure, the disease can be managed with treatment.

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According to U.S. News & World Report, research shows that the underdiagnosis of Black people with Parkinson’s points to lower rates of the disease, however that underdiagnosis also indicates that Black people are less likely than whites to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis and to receive specialist care.

Additionally, research also revealed that Black patients may be diagnosed at later stages of Parkinson’s compared to white people; their outcomes are more severe, and they also have higher rates of dementia, a lower health-related quality of life, and face a higher risk of death from the disease.

In celebration of World Parkinson’s Day (April 11th), here are 5 Black celebrities who had the disease.

1. Muhammad Ali

Perhaps the most well-known person to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s was the late legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, who was diagnosed in 1984. Ali was 30 years old when he was diagnosed and dealt with Parkinson’s until his death at age 74 in 2016.

From 1995 until his death, the boxing legend continued to receive neurological care at Atlanta’s Emory University, according to Med Page Today. There have been reports that the constant trauma of blows to the head throughout his groundbreaking career were a large cause of his diagnosis, although that has never been officially confirmed.

2. Maurice White

The late former lead singer of the iconic group Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White died in 2016 at age 74, after years of battling Parkinson’s disease—which ultimately caused him to retire from performing during the later years of his life.

His brother and fellow Earth, Wind & Fire bandmate, Verdine White, announced his death on social media and had this to say:

“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life-changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well-wishes.”

3. Jesse Jackson

Famed civil rights activist Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in November 2017. In September 2022, after an extensive stay in rehab to undergo therapy, Jackson spoke about his progress.

“I came in here in a wheelchair and I’m leaving here walking on my own power,” he said, reports ABC 7 Chicago. “Fighting Parkinson’s is about working and being active,” Jackson said. “You can’t sleep your way through Parkinson’s.”

4. Victoria Dillard

Victoria Dillard, the film and television actress known for her roles in Deep Cover and Spin City, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006 shortly after giving birth to her second child. Since then, she has become a staunch advocate for fighting the disease and specifically how it impacts the Black community.

“I take 10 medications a day, three times a day,” she said in a previous interview with Brain and Life. “They are hard to swallow, but they are like oxygen for me. Each medication manages different symptoms.”

“It helps to have supportive family and friends,” Dillard added. “It also helps to remain creative. When I try to hide my tremor, it tends to make it worse.”

5. Brian Grant

After former NBA player Brian Grant was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, he was in disbelief, but he went into action to combat living with the illness. 

He created The Brian Grant Foundation, which serves as a resource to others living with the disease. The foundation “empowers people impacted by Parkinson’s disease to lead active and fulfilling lives. Our mission is to educate people living with PD—and their loved ones—about effective, evidence-based practices that enhance their physical and emotional well-being,” according to the organization’s website. 

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