Resilience: Famous People Who Survived Strokes

At the age of 25, Hailey Bieber experienced a medical event known as a transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke. In a YouTube video, she recounted the incident, describing a sudden "weird sensation" starting from the top of her right shoulder, extending through her fingers, along with one side of her face drooping for about half a minute, and temporarily losing the ability to speak. Medical professionals attributed this brief interruption of blood supply to the brain to a combination of factors. These included taking a long flight without movement, recent recovery from COVID-19, and the use of birth control pills, all of which are known to increase the risk of blood clots.

While working on the series 'Game of Thrones' in 2011 and 2013, the actress experienced two brain aneurysms, a life-threatening condition that leads to a type of stroke called subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite the intense pain, she shared with BBC's Sunday Morning her gratitude for being able to speak and live a normal life without any repercussions, emphasizing that she is part of a very small minority who can survive such an ordeal. However, she discovered through brain scans that there were significant gaps in her brain. Clarke explained, "Strokes, basically, as soon as any part of your brain doesn't get blood for a second, it's gone. So the blood finds a different route to get around, but then whatever bit is missing is therefore gone."

During an appearance on the 'PDB Podcast,' longtime friend Mike Tyson unintentionally revealed a rumor surrounding Jamie Foxx's secret hospitalization, suggesting it was due to a stroke. Tyson mentioned that Foxx was not feeling well and stated that he heard it was a stroke, but quickly clarified that he had no direct knowledge of what actually happened. In a 2022 interview with 'Esquire', Foxx himself disclosed that two weeks after entering rehab in 2016 to address his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, he experienced a stroke and was subsequently hospitalized.

In 2012, there was a noticeable absence of the esteemed actor Tim Curry from the public eye, where he had previously been a comfortable presence. It was only a year later that it was revealed that Curry had suffered a significant stroke at the age of 66. Following the stroke, the British actor underwent physical therapy, but he has since relied on a wheelchair for mobility. As a result, Curry's focus has shifted primarily to voice acting and singing.

Luke Perry, renowned for his portrayal of "Dylan McKay" on the popular TV series 'Beverly Hills, 90210', experienced a devastating blow when he suffered a massive stroke at the age of 52. Sadly, his health declined, and he passed away five days later on March 4, 2019, due to complications related to the stroke. The news of his untimely death came as a profound shock to his devoted fans and served as a poignant reminder that strokes can strike individuals of any age.

In 2006, the renowned actress of 'Murphy Brown' fame, Candice Bergen was admitted to the hospital for several days, sparking rumors of a stroke. However, her publicist vehemently denied these claims. Six years later, Bergen candidly revealed that she had indeed experienced a minor stroke. In an interview with New York Magazine, Bergen disclosed that she chose to keep her stroke a secret, stating, "I just don't want it to be a liability." At the time, she only took a two-week break from her role on 'Boston Legal' to recover, but she later acknowledged that her memory had been affected, sharing, "It's not quite the same."

In 2010, renowned rock star Bret Michaels, the frontman of 'Poison', endured a stroke at the age of 47. The stroke was a result of a brain hemorrhage that originated from an injury he sustained during his live performance at the 2009 Tony Awards. Michaels' harrowing experience unfolded on stage after concluding the popular Poison hit 'Nothin' but a Good Time,' when he was struck in the face by a descending set piece. Michaels later filed a lawsuit, alleging that the producers had failed to provide him with proper instructions for a safe stage exit. The brain hemorrhage occurred several months after the incident.

During a 2022 interview with 'Esquire', Kidi shared a significant personal revelation. He disclosed that two weeks after entering rehab in 2016, while battling depression and suicidal thoughts, he suffered a stroke that led to hospitalization. Despite being just 32 years old at the time, the stroke had a profound impact on his speech and movements, prompting his manager to advise him to take a break from music and undergo weeks of physical therapy. The artist had previously been open about going on a two-week cocaine binge before seeking rehab, which likely contributed to elevated blood pressure.

The late TV host, Larry King, had a life-altering experience when he survived a near-fatal stroke in March 2019. This event shifted his perspective on death, as he expressed having less fear and a desire to continue working until the end. Following the stroke, he spent several weeks in a coma after undergoing a heart procedure that involved stent insertion. Although most aspects of his health improved, he experienced lingering issues with his left foot. Tragically, King passed away on January 23, 2021, with sepsis resulting from two underlying conditions: acute hypoxic respiratory failure and end stage renal disease.

In 2001, at the age of 43, the renowned actress of 'Basic Instinct' faced a life-threatening brain hemorrhage and stroke. Sharon Stone experienced a sudden and intense sensation in her head, described as a "lightning bolt," which caused her to collapse unconscious in her San Francisco home. After regaining consciousness, she struggled with confusion and physical impairments, making it difficult for her to seek immediate medical help. It took 72 hours before Stone finally reached the hospital, and in the aftermath, she faced the arduous process of relearning basic skills such as walking, speaking, and writing. The stroke deeply affected her career and mental well-being