Live for today, make lifestyle changes, and tell people in your own time – these are some of the wise words contained in quotes from celebrities and famous people with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a condition with a wide range of symptoms and challenges. Here, we shine a spotlight on some of the world’s best-loved celebrities and famous people with Parkinson’s, showing how they responded to their diagnosis, and where they have discovered ways to find the positive and live well.
Quotes from celebrities and famous people with Parkinson’s Disease
Ozzy Osbourne
Legendary Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne died in July 2025, less than three weeks after performing a memorable farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, aged 76.
““You learn to live in the moment, because you don’t know [what’s going to happen]. You don’t know when you’re gonna wake up and you ain’t gonna be able to get out of bed. But you just don’t think about it.”
Valerie Perrine
Superman star Valerie Perrine, also known for her role in Lenny, first noticed tremors on set, when she was was carrying dishes in a scene.
“I take medications, and I had deep brain stimulation. Those help. Marijuana has also helped. I’ve always lived in the moment. I don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. I try to live for today, and Parkinson’s hasn’t changed that.”
Sonia Rykiel
Parisien fashion designer Sonia Rykiel, known for creating the Poor Boy sweater, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 66.
“I’m not brave, I’m not fantastic. I’m like any other woman. I’m unhappy. I’m difficult. I’m sad. Am I strong, too? Maybe, but not always. There are days when I don’t want to see anyone. The most important thing you learn? You can live with it. Unlike in my mother’s day, it’s still a difficult illness, but it’s treatable. You have so many more things at your disposal to help you.”
Brian Grant
Basketball star Brian Grant was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 36, two years after retiring from his playing career in the NBA.
“I would tell [someone newly diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease] to take the time for themselves before they try and help everyone else understand what’s going on with them. If you have a partner let them know first as they will need to know – but as far the kids, relatives and others come out at your own pace.”
Pierfrancesco “Frankie” Chili
Italian former Grand Prix motorcycle racer Pierfrancesco ‘Frankie’ Chili shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis in September 2020.
“It was a big blow, but I’m a rider and the riders get up while they have life. I have fallen many times, indeed some think that this disease may be a consequence of those blows to the head and of a head injury in particular remedied many years ago, but I do not ask myself. That’s just the way it is and you have to look ahead. I take medicines that keep the course in check, I can do practically everything and where I can’t I get help.”
Morten Harket
A-ha frontman and Norwegian father of five Morten Harket revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis of several years in June 2025.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time I’ve taken to heart my 94-year-old father’s attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: ‘I use whatever works’” […] I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects.”
Mick Jones
Mick Jones, Founder of British-American rock band Foreigner, shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis with fans through the band’s Instagram account in February 2024.
“Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music.”
Alan Alda
Multi-award-winning actor Alan Alda, known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in CBS wartime sitcom M*A*S*H, retains his trademark humour even when talking about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s.
“When all is said and done, I think the main thing that keeps me alive is laughing. When something goes wrong, I often see it as funny. Take my Parkinson’s. (Please.) The night I accidentally fell into the dishwasher, I reassured our dinner guests by telling them, “I’m fine. It was only on rinse cycle.” Fortunately, when you’re old, pretty much any bizarre thing you say gets a laugh.”
Linda Ronstadt
Eleven-time Grammy Award-winning US singer-songwriter, Linda Ronstadt, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 66 shortly after retiring from music.
“When you’ve been able to do certain things all your life, like put your shoes on and brush your teeth or whatever – when you can’t do that, you sort of go, ‘What’s this?’. You know, what’s happening here? Come help me with this. And then you have to learn to ask people to help, and that – that took a little doing. But I do that now, because I need the help.”
Michael J Fox
The celebrated star of Hollywood movies such as Teen Wolf and Back to the Future has proved an inspiration to many since launching the Michael J Fox Foundation in 2000. He publicly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991, at the age of 29.
“I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it. I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it.”
