Celebrities can be highly regarded in society among those who influence global change through their opinions on critical issues of foreign policy, the environment or health care, however, a number of them suffer from a range of health issues, some of them may be open enough to be revealed to the public while a few others may choose to keep it a secret.
Among the most common health problems faced by these celebrities is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS, as it is commonly called, is a severe form of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, sometimes called FASD, that often occurs in someone whose mother was engaged in alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. Mothers who drink a lot of alcohol usually pass some amount to their fetus through the placenta, preventing the fetus from getting the nutrition and oxygen it needs to grow its vital organs. This can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb, unbeknownst to the mother. The situation is usually worse with pregnant women who consume a lot of alcohol.
Common Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Symptoms and Effects
Fetal alcohol syndrome often affects the growth and brain development of an unborn child. It can go further and damage other parts of the child’s body, such as the eyes, lips, fingers or toes. During this time, most of the commonly seen symptoms can include a small head, learning disabilities, heart problems, mood swings, kidney abnormalities and abnormalities, sight or hearing problems, and problems of thought, speech, and movement, among others.
Some of these deformities may not be easily identified or discovered even in close contact with affected patients, but the fact remains that most famous individuals across the world suffer from this disorder. Most of them deal with it with the help of medication or surgery, while others have little or nothing to do to correct it. Here we will reveal some of the fetal alcohol syndrome celebrities. Apparently, some celebrities and popular personalities that you may never know suffer from this health problem or group of conditions.
Celebrities with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Bernie Sanders
Bernard Sanders, popularly known as Bernie Sanders, is a famous American politician and notable celebrity known for his services in the political sphere of the United States of America. He currently serves as a junior U.S. senator from Vermont.
Sanders was born on September 8, 1941, in the small town of Brooklyn, New York City. Her father, Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders, was born into a Jewish family while her mother, Dorothy Sanders (née Glassberg), was born to Jewish immigrant parents from Poland and Russia based in New York.
Sanders reportedly suffers from various illnesses, such as gout, hernias, diverticulitis and a cyst on his vocal cord. He would also be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These conclusions were reached by examining his lack of impulse control, his prickly little eyes, and his poor social skills. He is said to have suffered from this disease since birth due to his mother’s consumption of dangerous alcoholic beverages when she was pregnant with him.
During a media interview, Sanders, who rarely talks about his family, especially his mother, revealed that he grew up in a moderately wealthy household with his paint-selling father while his mother was a “stay-at-home mom. “. Sanders also revealed that when he was young, his parents always struggled for lack of money. His mother later died at the age of 46 after undergoing a failed heart operation following rheumatic fever.
Since her death, Sanders has remained on the front line of those campaigning for help to support those suffering from FAS. In fact, it has been reported that quite a few of his political supporters fall victim to Fatal Alcohol Syndrome. The prominent politician has built his political platform on fighting the effects of the severe symptoms of FAS on millions of American citizens. He maintained that his mother was among those who fundamentally shaped how he hopes to bring change to the nation.
Joaquin Phoenix
The American-born actor, producer and activist is one of the fetal alcohol syndrome celebrities. He was born on October 28, 1974 as Joaquin Rafael Bottom; his father’s name is John Lee Bottom and his mother is Arlyn Bottom. Although he was born into a Christian home, Phoenix, alongside his siblings, River, Rain, Liberty, and Summer seemed to have had a tough upbringing with a mother who was likely a heavy drinker.
A closer look at Joaquin’s face will reveal a scar that runs from his lip to his nose. It is called a microform cleft lip, a facial and oral malformation that occurs in a child during the first few weeks in its mother’s womb. Born into a financially unstable home, Phoenix is one of many Americans suffering from FAS which is now widely considered the most common birth defect in the country.
The microform cleft does not require corrective surgery as it rarely causes damage, the appearance of the scar does not affect his acting abilities in any way which in turn has won him several international attentions.
Since the early 1980s, when he ventured professionally into acting, Phoenix has gradually honed his skills to become a polished actor. Her appearance in such renowned films as Gladiator helped her fame in the entertainment industry. Phoenix was also a victim of alcoholism. In April 2005, he was placed in rehab to be treated for alcoholism. He was even involved in an accident due to his alcoholic behavior. He was one of those who supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon is a popular American entrepreneur, actress, and producer who has won several awards for her active roles in the movie industry. The awards she has won so far include an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. She is best known for playing roles in the drama series The Man in the Moon as well as the 1999 American black comedy-drama film titled Election, among other films.
Born March 22, 1976, at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, Witherspoon’s original name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon and his father’s name is Dr. John Draper Witherspoon, a former medical student at Tulane University. while her mother’s name is Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (née Reese).
The Hollywood star has a thin upper lip, malformed skull and learning difficulties that are classic signatures of fetal alcohol syndrome. Some of his physical deformities, which also include behavioural attitudes like a rapidly changing mood and lacklustre personal hygiene, are his birth defect. But despite these shortcomings, Reese never failed to stay focused on her dreams of becoming a phenomenal actress.
Rumor has it that Witherspoon’s mother drank heavily when she was pregnant with her. Reese is also said to be an excessive alcoholic like his mother.
Peter Bowers
SCOTS DJ Peter Bowers is one of the few celebrities who have had the audacity to open up about their health issues without worrying about the stigma attached to it. Speaking during an interview with a BBC documentary Scotland, the famous DJ revealed how he struggled with learning difficulties and loneliness after doctors diagnosed him with FAS, thanks to his mum, who was a heavy drinker. He said not only did he face learning difficulties while growing up, but he also had to suffer the challenge of not being with his parents when he needed them most.
When asked what he thought of his mother’s situation in full action, he said with emotion: “I was 10 years old when I found out that mum had died from alcohol, and I think that she’s up there looking over me, saying she’s sorry.
Despite the health issues, Peter was able to rise above the effects of his predicament and was able to semi-independently do something good with his life. Supported by the charity C-Change, Peter is at his best in his DJ career.
Jim Carrey
Born James Eugene Carrey on January 17, 1962, the Canadian-American comedian and actor is indeed an inspiration to all FAS sufferers around the world. Despite being plagued by severe deformities in his joints, causing his wobbly mannerisms, Carrey was able to convert his challenges into entertainment gold by doing the involuntary facial contortions and sporadic out-of-control tantrums that have now helped his rise. as one of the famous comedians of His time.
While showing his mother’s excessive alcohol intake during pregnancy, Carrey also credits her for his success as an actor and comedian. Carry happens to be one of those with severe symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome who also refused to be defined by him. Today he is a household name as he continues to make millions of his fans laugh through his unbearably erratic moves and comedic abilities.
Morgan Fawcett
Native American flautist, Morgan Fawcett has taken it upon himself to educate women about the need to help stop the spread of fetal alcohol syndrome. The teenager, who is also a renowned public speaker, was diagnosed with FAS and to help those with the same health condition as him, he founded a non-profit organization called One Heart Creations, which he has dedicated to giving pregnant mothers and unborn children the healthiest life possible.
The young Alaskan native is traveling around the country to raise awareness about FASD, and he’s using his personal story to spread the word. He often mentions his family and his flute as the two key elements that helped him overcome his medical condition. He was born without hair on his head, underweight and undersized. He also had a persistent case of eczema and clinical failure to thrive.
Hrithik Roshan
Is the Indian actor one of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome celebrities? He may not have revealed to the public the reason for his deformed finger, but there are rumors that his deformed thumb could be caused by his mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy. Although it is not yet confirmed, the handsome Bollywood star who was voted the sexiest man in Asia three times by the American weekly Eastern Eye has six fingers on one hand, he also confirmed that he had speech and learning difficulties in school, which made him feel abnormal among his peers.
Hrithik, who often calls his deformed finger “beautifully flawed,” once noted that his “ugly bit” was part of what made him famous.
Daniel Radcliffe
English actor Daniel Jacob Radcliffe is also among those whose learning difficulty is doubtless linked to FAS. Notable for his role as Harry Potter, Daniel was diagnosed with partial dyslexia which is a learning disability that involves reading difficulties. Also called reading disorder, dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language. Some, however, argue that the young actor may be suffering from fatal alcoholism syndrome associated with maternal drinking during pregnancy.
Patients with FAS and dyslexia have a common neurological disorder that affects the development of motor skills. Daniel Radcliffe suffered from this learning problem all his life. He said that so far he still had trouble tying his shoelaces.
Taye Diggs
American singer and actor, Scott Leo “Taye” Diggs is another celebrity born with an extra body part that could be caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The Private Practice star revealed during an interview with The Talk that he was born with an extra finger on each hand. Although he made no mention of what led to the appearance of the 6th fingers on each hand, he revealed that his mother asked doctors to remove them while he was still a child.
Randy Jackson
Famous American singer, record producer, bassist, entrepreneur and TV personality, Randy Jackson was born on June 23, 1956. There is speculation that Jackson might be among the fetal alcohol syndrome celebrities. The speculation follows a report of the American Idol judge’s serious illness as a toddler.
Jackson is said to have suffered from severe diabetes, which he faced even as an adult. As a child, Jackson struggled with obesity. He started at 350 pounds, and thanks to gastric bypass surgery in 2004, he was able to lose a lot of weight. But then, you can’t really tell if his health issues have anything to do with FAS.