Money, talent, fame, or beauty cannot protect anyone against vitiligo. Many actors may have looked perfect on camera, but off the screen even they could also be affected by the skin disorder. Being diagnosed with vitiligo can be a life-altering experience for anyone, leading to greater vigilance. But, for actors, it’s even harder.
Just like any of us, many actors have had to deal with vitiligo while living in the public eye. Thankfully, most of them maintained a positive outlook towards life and had a successful career. This can only motivate us to do more and be more, even with vitiligo. Here are actors with vitiligo who in their capacity educated the public about vitiligo in a much more positive way.
1. Jon Hamm
The American actor rose to fame with the AMC drama series Mad Men. It was the stress of shooting pilot episode of the series, which landed Hamm his first vitiligo patch. Soon, the skin disorder affected his hands. However, this did not affect the talented actor’s career. He went on winning many Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his acting abilities.
2. Steve Martin
Apart from being a brilliant actor, Martin has been a successful stand-up comedian, television producer, musician, film producer, and screenwriter. The actor has many popular television shows and movies to his credit, including The Pink Panther series. Steve has been among the most favorite Oscar hosts ever.
3. Leleti Khumalo
Leleti was diagnosed with vitiligo when she was 19. She gained worldwide fame for her role in Hotel Rwanda and went on becoming South Africa’s one of the most loved actresses. Over the years, she gained confidence and decided not to cover her vitiligo while acting on etv’s latest show – Imbewu. To know more, read Leleti Khumalo to help people embrace their vitiligo.
4. Holly Marie Combs
It’s incredibly hard to live peacefully with vitiligo, without feeling inferior to anybody. But, that’s what Holly Marie Combs has been doing for years. The actress, who rose to fame with her role in “Pretty Little Liars,” has white patches on both of her hands.
5. Kara Tointon
The list of actors with vitiligo is incomplete without Kara Tointon. The beautiful actress and trained dancer is best known for playing Dawn Swann in BBC’s EastEnders. The actress also won the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show in 2010, for her great dancing moves.
6. Dudley Moore
Known for his acting role in Arthur, Moore was also a filmmaker, comedian, pianist, film producer and screenwriter. The actor with vitiligo passed away in 2002 and also suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
7. Thomas Lennon
Best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Jim Dangle on Reno 911!, Lennon is also a screenwriter and director. The actor, who has vitiligo on his face, hands, and hips, has many famous movies (such as The Dark Knight Rises, Momento, and Night at the Museum) to his credit.
8. Countess Vaughn
After spending 30 years on television as a successful actor, Countess Vaughn disclosed to a fan on Instagram that she is living with vitiligo. The actress, who has also been open about her struggles with her weight, has acted in many iconic productions, including Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, 227, Moesha, and The Parkers.
9. Joan Severance
Known for her roles in American Horror Story and Masters of Sex, Joan Severance has been living with vitiligo since she was 8. Before becoming a well-known name on TV, the actress has worked as a supermodel during 1980s. She has been part of many brand campaigns for Chanel, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Revlon and Maybelline.
10. Gesata Stella Adriaan
The Indonesian actress and businesswoman was recently diagnosed with vitiligo. At present, the chronic skin disorder affects Gesata’s hands. Recently, the actress shared her diagnosis with her Instagram fans. By sharing a series of informational blogs on her handle, she attempted to educate others about vitiligo.
11. Brighton Ngoma
‘Scandal!’ star Brighton talked about his vitiligo openly on the occasion of World Vitiligo Day 2019. Brighton, who has large white patches on his arms and hands, answered questions about the skin condition and told his followers that it’s not painful or communicable.
12. Pia Miranda
Pia is an Australian actress, best known for her role in Looking for Alibrandi. She is also the winner of the Australian edition of Survivor (2019). Pia recently took to social media to explain a flare-up of vitiligo she was unaware she even had. “I was made aware of it, but I decided to push through and not stress about it until I came home,” she wrote in a long Instagram post.
The Famous Vitiligans (Actors with Vitiligo Edition) list was compiled on the basis of many online and offline sources. If you find any discrepancy, please write to us at reachus@uniteforvitiligo. We will amend the entry.
