Stars Living Gluten-Free: Famous Faces with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac.com 06/10/2025 - Celiac disease affects millions worldwide, including some well-known celebrities, athletes, and public figures. Many have spoken openly about their struggles with diagnosis, dietary changes, and how going gluten-free transformed their health. By sharing their diagnoses and experiences, these public figures have helped raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding the condition.

Here are some famous people with celiac disease and their stories:

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
1. Drew Brees (Former NFL Quarterback)

After years of unexplained fatigue and digestive issues, Drew Brees was diagnosed with celiac disease in his early 30s. He credits a strict gluten-free diet for extending his NFL career, improving his energy, and maintaining peak performance. Brees has since advocated for celiac awareness, emphasizing how dietary changes helped him win a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.

2. Zooey Deschanel (Actress & Singer)

Zooey Deschanel discovered she had celiac disease after suffering from chronic stomach pain and fatigue. She switched to a gluten-free diet, which she says improved her overall well-being. Deschanel has joked about the challenges of avoiding gluten in Hollywood but remains vocal about the importance of proper diagnosis.

3. Emmy Rossum (Actress & Singer)

Emmy Rossum, best known for Shameless, struggled for years before her celiac diagnosis. She experienced severe bloating, brain fog, and exhaustion before cutting out gluten, which she says made a dramatic difference in her health. Rossum often shares gluten-free recipes and tips with fans.

4. Novak Djokovic (Tennis Champion)

Though Djokovic has never confirmed celiac disease, he follows a gluten-free diet after discovering a severe wheat intolerance that affected his stamina and breathing. His dietary shift in 2010 coincided with a historic rise in his tennis career, including multiple Grand Slam wins.

5. Sarah Joy Brown (Actress, General Hospital)

Diagnosed with celiac disease in her 20s, Sarah Joy Brown struggled with misdiagnosis for years before finding answers. She has spoken about the difficulty of managing gluten-free eating on set but says eliminating gluten resolved her chronic migraines and digestive problems.

6. Elisabeth Hasselbeck (TV Personality & Author)

Television personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck, former co-host of The View, was diagnosed with celiac disease after experiencing years of digestive discomfort. She transitioned to a gluten-free lifestyle and authored the cookbook Deliciously G-Free, aiming to make gluten-free eating enjoyable and accessible. One of the most vocal celiac advocates, Hasselbeck was diagnosed after years of suffering from severe symptoms. She has worked to increase awareness about celiac disease and proper labeling laws. 

7. Heidi Collins (CNN News Anchor)

Former CNN anchor Heidi Collins was diagnosed with celiac disease along with her son. She became an official spokesperson for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, using her platform to educate the public about the disease and advocate for those affected.

8. Keith Olbermann (Sports Journalist & Political Commentator)

Olbermann was diagnosed with celiac disease after years of digestive distress. He has spoken about the challenges of dining out safely but says going gluten-free drastically improved his health and focus.

9. Jennifer Esposito (Actress & Health Advocate)

Actress Jennifer Esposito, known for roles in Blue Bloods and Crash, experienced severe health issues—including fatigue, hair loss, and difficulty walking—before being diagnosed with celiac disease. Her condition was described by her doctor as the worst case they had ever seen. Post-diagnosis, Esposito adopted a strict gluten-free diet, which significantly improved her health. She authored the book Jennifer's Way and opened a gluten-free bakery to support others facing similar challenges. Esposito now educates others on the dangers of misdiagnosis.

10. Russell Crowe (Actor)

Though not confirmed as celiac, Crowe follows a gluten-free diet due to a severe intolerance. He has mentioned that cutting out gluten helped with inflammation and energy levels, especially during intense film roles.

11. Chelsea Clinton (Author & Public Health Advocate)

Chelsea Clinton was diagnosed with celiac disease in her teens. She manages it through a strict gluten-free diet and has spoken about the importance of accessible gluten-free options in schools and public spaces.

12. Billy Bob Thornton (Actor & Musician)

Thornton has mentioned in interviews that he has celiac disease and avoids gluten to manage his symptoms. He jokes about the difficulties of staying gluten-free while traveling but says it’s essential for his health.

13. Susie Essman (Comedian & Curb Your Enthusiasm Star)

After years of misdiagnosis, Essman discovered she had celiac disease. She has talked about how going gluten-free improved her digestion and overall health, even joking about it in her stand-up routines. Susie is known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2002. She manages her health by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet and has also eliminated other foods like red meat and dairy to alleviate symptoms.

14. James McAvoy (Actor)

McAvoy has discussed his gluten intolerance, which led him to adopt a gluten-free diet. While not confirmed as celiac, he avoids gluten due to severe reactions and says it has helped his energy levels.

15. Victoria Beckham (Fashion Designer & Former Spice Girl)

Though primarily gluten-free by choice, Beckham has mentioned sensitivity to gluten and avoids it for digestive comfort. She often shares gluten-free recipes and promotes healthy eating.

16. Rebecca Adlington

British Olympic swimmer and BBC Sports presenter Rebecca Adlington revealed her celiac disease diagnosis in 2024. She has since advocated for better access to gluten-free prescriptions in the UK, emphasizing the importance of support for individuals managing the condition.

17. Megan McKenna

Reality TV star and singer Megan McKenna was diagnosed with celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome. She has spoken openly about her health challenges, addressing misconceptions and advocating against body shaming related to her condition.

18. Cedric Benson

Former NFL running back Cedric Benson was diagnosed with celiac disease during his rookie season. He managed his condition through a strict gluten-free diet, which allowed him to maintain his professional athletic career.

19. Emily Montague

Actress Emily Montague follows a gluten-free diet due to her celiac disease diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of balanced meals and has shared her dietary practices to inspire others managing similar health conditions.

Final Thoughts

These celebrities highlight how celiac disease can affect anyone, regardless of fame or profession. Their stories emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis, dietary management, and advocacy for better gluten-free options. Their openness about their diagnoses and management strategies contributes to greater public understanding and support for the celiac community. Whether through public awareness or personal lifestyle changes, they prove that living well with celiac disease is possible.