Bruce Willis – Actor
Diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, later updated to frontotemporal dementia. He retired from acting following the diagnosis.
Gabrielle Giffords – Former U.S. Congresswoman
Survived a gunshot wound to the head in 2011, which caused aphasia. She has since become an advocate for gun control and aphasia awareness.
Ralph Waldo Emerson – Philosopher, Essayist, Poet
Believed to have developed aphasia in his later years, showing increasing difficulty with word recall and communication.
Patricia Neal – Actress
Suffered multiple strokes in the 1960s that led to aphasia. She made a notable recovery and returned to acting.
Maurice Ravel – Composer
Experienced aphasia late in life, likely due to a neurological disorder, which impaired his ability to write music though his cognitive creativity remained.
Kirk Douglas – Actor
Had a stroke in 1996 that caused aphasia. He underwent speech therapy and continued public appearances, becoming an advocate for stroke awareness.
Emilia Clarke – Actress
The “Game of Thrones” star experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2011, leading to temporary aphasia. She recovered and continued her acting career.
Sharon Stone – Actress
In 2001, Sharon Stone suffered a severe stroke that resulted in a nine-day brain hemorrhage. She spent two years relearning to walk and talk, overcoming significant speech and reading difficulties.
Glen Campbell – Musician
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, Glen Campbell experienced aphasia as a symptom of his condition. Despite challenges, he continued to perform until his passing in 2017.
Aubrey Plaza – Actress and Comedian
At age 20, Aubrey Plaza had a stroke that caused temporary paralysis and expressive aphasia, leaving her unable to speak despite understanding others. She gradually recovered her speech and mobility and went on to build a successful acting career.