Did you know that many famous names throughout history were once people who utilized wheelchairs at some point during their lives? Oftentimes, this representation isn’t talked about, but it’s important to shine a light on these individuals so that children and adults alike can have a sense of connection and see themselves in these famous and historical wheelchair users.
Hearing these stories shows that these famous people in wheelchairs, despite their disabilities or conditions, were able to garner a level of success many dream about. These stories are truly inspirational and prove that anything you set your mind to is possible!
Here are 10 famous people in wheelchairs:
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Stephen Hawking
- Frida Kahlo
- Christy Brown
- John Hockenberry
- Tanni Grey-Thompson
- Christopher Reeve
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tamara Mena
- Charles Krauthammer
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, is most remembered for his amazing leadership and positive contributions to American history. His presidency was during the Great Depression, one of the most challenging times that the United States has seen to date, but his perseverance and belief in the American people helped inspire citizens across the country. During World War II, Roosevelt fell ill with polio.
This was before the vaccine, and the disease left him paralyzed from the waist down. From that moment forward, he became an advocate for Americans with disabilities and helped lay the groundwork for disability rights through initiatives like the Social Security Act. Through his own challenges, he enacted positive changes for wheelchair users that still remain effective today.
2. Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking was a famous physicist most known for his in-depth work surrounding black holes and other space-related discoveries. For his entire time in the public eye, he battled ALS, which first flared up at the age of 21. This condition left him unable to function or communicate as he once could, yet that wasn’t enough to stop him from making an impactful contribution to science within his lifetime.
Due to his condition, he was also given a death sentence which he overcame, proving that his will was stronger than his physical condition. His story proves the confines of the human body can be overcome, especially with strong intent and a desire to learn and change the world for the better. Stephen Hawking’s mark on the world will be remembered for decades, if not centuries, to come.
3. Frida Kahlo
One of the greatest painters of all time was Frida Kahlo. Her unique perspective on art has made her work highly favored, and continually used in books, products, and clothing to this day. Frida was known for having to use a wheelchair due to an accident in her time and due to a battle against polio. Even with her condition, she continued to be a pioneer, not only for artists but for women of her time.
Her artwork challenged what femininity looked like, and also what it meant to be Mexican. With her creativity, uniqueness, and talent, Frida Kahlo didn’t allow her disability to stop her from creating the art she deserved and giving the world some of the greatest pieces of creativitywe’ve ever seen.
4. Christy Brown
Christy Brown was an Irish author who was born with cerebral palsy. This condition affects motor skills and one’s ability to use their body with full function. Christy Brown didn’t allow their condition to prevent them from following their passions, even at a young age. He learned to write and paint with his left foot! This was the only part of his body that he had full control over, so he used it to develop his own skill that way.
He wrote an autobiography called “My Left Foot,” which explores his life living with cerebral palsy and how he pushed past his bodily limits and tapped into his talents and strengths in his own way. His story is an inspiration, especially for those born into conditions that require them to use a wheelchair early on.
5. John Hockenberry
John Hockenberry is an American journalist who worked for NBC News and NPR. If you’ve ever listened to or watched these programs, you’re probably familiar with Hockenberry. What some don’t know is that he has been wheelchair-bound since the age of 19. At that young age, he unfortunately was in a car accident that left him paralyzed and unable to walk again. At 19, that could have been enough for him to lose hope and ambition—giving up on his goals completely.
Luckily, Hockenberry had a wonderful support system that continued to inspire him and propel him toward his goals of being a writer and a journalist. His story shows that even with life’s challenges, there’s still a way to get to the place you’ve always wanted to be, even if the journey along the way doesn’t go as planned.
6. Tanni Grey-Thompson
Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of the most successful disabled Olympians in the UK’s history. She has won 11 Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair racing, which is a huge feat in the sport. Even though Tanni is most known for her amazing achievements in the Paralympics, she’s also known for being a vocal advocate for disability rights.
She’s served as a member of the House of Lords and uses her position to help influence policy and change in support of those with disabilities. Regardless of her condition, she recognizes the strength of her experiences and uses her voice to make a powerful change in the world.
7. Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve is a household name, known for playing the role of Superman in his lifetime. Christopher had an unfortunate horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed and unable to walk. His accident urged him to become an advocate for spinal cord research. From there, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation was created, which was geared towards research for people who suffer from spinal cord injuries.
Even though his accident was tragic and changed the whole trajectory of his life, he used that experience to help others and improve the medical condition’s understanding of these injuries in hopes of creating a better quality of life for people in the future. This selfless act continues to inspire others and is felt in the hearts of all the people who have experienced these types of accidents since.
8. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell was an actor seen in NCIS, Brothers, and House Party. Daryl was a motorcycle rider who faced an accident that changed his life forever. The accident left him paralyzed and unable to walk, causing him to take a good look at his life and decide if he could continue acting or if he would let his disability take hold of his life’s passions.
Fortunately, Daryl continued on and pushed through the challenges that his disability dealt him, and continues to act. His disability has inspired him not only to continue acting to show that he can act even with a disability but also has become an advocate for others with disabilities in hopes of changing how Hollywood hires actors and encouraging inclusivity.
9. Tamara Mena
One of the greatest models of all time, Tamara Mena, underwent a traumatic accident in Tijuana that left her paralyzed from the waist down. After her accident, she continued to model and act, and became a motivational speaker, talking about her experience and encouraging other people who have disabilities.
She is an ambassador for the Wings for Life Run and is very vocal on social media. Tamara is a powerful advocate for spinal cord injury awareness and continues to inspire people with this injury to continue to live out their life’s passions and strive for greatness.
10. Charles Krauthammer
Charles Krauthammer is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and also a political commentator. When he was in his first year of medical school, he unfortunately experienced a spinal cord injury. Even though he became paralyzed, he still continued his studies and even obtained his medical degree!
Since then, he’s earned the reputation of being one of the most prominent leaders in political thought of his time, encouraging discussions on national and international affairs that inspired change amongst humanity.
Conclusion of Famous People in Wheelchairs
As you can see, there are many great people throughout history who have experienced the trials and tribulations that life has thrown at them. Whether they were born with a condition like Christy Brown or underwent a traumatic accident like Tamara Mena, these famous people in wheelchairs all persevere in the face of adversity. No matter what has happened to you to lead you to your condition or disability, life doesn’t have to stop here.
The people outlined in this article are a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and encouragement to go after your goals, use your voice to share your story and inspire others, and know that no matter what limits your body may have, your heart and your mind are boundless.