‍

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a misunderstood condition that affects the immune system. It occurs when mast cells, a type of white blood cell, release too many inflammatory chemicals, causing a range of mast cell activation related symptoms throughout the body.

While MCAS is not well-known, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people may have some type of mast cell disease, with MCAS being the most common. And while it can affect anyone, there are a few celebrities who have openly shared their struggles with MCAS, helping to raise awareness and understanding of this condition.

‍

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

Before we dive into the famous people who have MCAS, let's first understand what this condition is and how it affects the body.

Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for releasing histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in response to an allergen or infection.

In a healthy person, mast cells only release these chemicals when necessary. However, in someone with MCAS, the mast cells are overactive and release these chemicals in response to triggers that would not typically cause a reaction. Mast cell activation triggers can include many different environmental and diet related factors including medications, viruses, mold, and many others. There is no cure, but there are many treatment options available for MCAS related symptoms.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a challenging condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or status. In this article, we'll delve into the lives of several well-known celebrities who have openly discussed their experiences with MCAS. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that MCAS can affect anyone and that raising awareness is crucial to help those who suffer from this condition.

It's also important to mention that celebrities with MCAS often have a co-occuring conditon called hypermobile EDS.

‍

Celebrities with MCAS

1. Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish, the chart-topping music sensation, known for her hit songs like "Bad Guy" and "Ocean Eyes," has not only been candid about her struggles with depression and panic attacks but has also revealed her battle with MCAS. Eilish's openness is helping to destigmatize MCAS, EDS, and POTS as well as bring it to the forefront of public awareness.

2. Halsey

Halsey, the talented singer-songwriter famous for songs like "Without Me" and "Closer," faced a health scare after giving birth to her son, Ender Ridley. She was diagnosed with MCAS, among other conditions including the EDS trifecta and Sjogren's Syndrome. Her willingness to discuss her diagnoses in interviews and on social media has been instrumental in educating the public about MCAS and its complexities. Interestingly, Halsey is not the only celebrity with Sjogren's Syndrome, POTS and MCAS. Solange also shares these diagnoses with Halsey.

3. Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil, an actress known for her role in the TV series "The Good Place" and an outspoken activist, has used her platform to shed light on various health issues, including MCAS, POTS, and EDS. Her transparency has created an opportunity for her followers to learn more about the condition and fostered a supportive community.

‍

4. Solange Knowles

Solange is an acclaimed singer and younger sister of global superstar Beyoncé. Solange Knowles has been open about her diagnoses of MCAS, POTS, and Sjogren's syndrome. Known for her soulful music and powerful performances, Solange uses her platform to highlight the struggles of living with these complex conditions, offering support and inspiration to others facing similar health challenges. Her transparency not only educates her fans but also raises critical awareness around the realities of chronic illness and the resilience it takes to continue pursuing her passions.

5. Bethenny Frankel

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel, famous for her appearances on "The Real Housewives of New York City" and her Skinnygirl brand, has been vocal about her battle with MCAS and other health conditions. Her candid discussions about her health journey, including her long COVID experience, have helped raise awareness and provide insight into the daily struggles of MCAS patients.

6. Kate Beckinsale

Actress Kate Beckinsale, known for her roles in movies like "Underworld" and "Pearl Harbor," has openly discussed her diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Her honesty has contributed to increasing understanding about MCAS in the public eye. Beckinsale's mysterious hospitalization in 2024 has also raised questions regarding her on going health issues, and given her biological father's history of a sudden death of a stroke at 31, she should probably be evaluated for Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (vEDS).

7. Natasha Coates

British gymnast Natasha Coates, famous for competing in the Disability British Championships, manages her athletic career while dealing with MCAS and autism. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for those facing similar challenges and highlight the importance of pursuing one's passions despite health conditions.

8. Gigi Robinson

Gigi Robinson, a renowned model, bravely shares her journey with the Trifecta of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS). In an August 2022 interview with Allure, she discussed her experiences, highlighting the challenges of these interconnected conditions. Gigi's openness inspires others dealing with MCAS, EDS, and POTS, raising awareness and fostering a supportive community.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the lives of celebrities who have confronted MCAS and championed awareness for this complex condition. Their stories demonstrate the resilience and strength of individuals living with MCAS while inspiring others to seek diagnosis and support.

9. Raquel Rodriguez

Victoria González who is known by her stage name, Raquel Rodriguez, is a professional wrestler from Feria, Texas who iscurrently signed to WWE. She has won mutliple championships in both WWE and NXT. On January 1st, 2024, Rodriguez revealed in an Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. She noted that the flushing and redness were preventing her from competing and appearing on camera. Later, in February 2024, she again took to instagram to reveal that she had experienced a severe flare while en route to a competition in Australia.

She took to Instagram to share more about the flare up: “If you had told me that on the long flight to Perth Australia for the first time it was gonna blow my face up and turn me the same color as my pink satin pillow case (might have been the makeup on Monday too) I would have still jumped on that flight! Maybe my trip didn’t go as planned but I’m still learning this new body of mine. A big part of being a female Wrestler for WWE is getting to sit in that makeup chair with our amazing makeup team who I love so much and getting to get dolled up. It’s part of being a girl. It’s part of feeling fully the part. At the end of the night, I’m proud I went out there Alicia Keys style.”

9. Justin Anderson

Chicago White Sox pitcher Justin Anderson is known for both his pitching and his advocacy for mast cell disease awareness. While Anderson does not have a mast cell disease, his child has Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia Syndrome (HAT), a rarely diagnosed condition that may affect up to 5% of people. Anderson is dedicated to raising awareness and support for this important cause​.

10. McKayla Maroney

Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney opened up in October 2023 about a health scare involving severe insomnia over the summer. After consulting multiple specialists, Olympian McKayla Maroney was diagnosed with histamine intolerance, which had caused her adrenaline to spike and led to extreme sleep deprivation and internal itching. By adjusting her diet and taking DAO supplements, Maroney finally found relief and regained her ability to sleep. Although MCAS and histamine intolerance are different, there are similarities that can help raise awareness for both conditions.

‍

Sources: 

‍

Billie Eilish:

1. Teen Vogue. (2021, May 27). Billie Eilish on Her Mental Health: "I Didn't Think I Would Make It to This Age". https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-depression-panic-attacks
2. Vogue. (2022, January). Billie Eilish on Climate Activism, Dealing With Fame, and More. https://www.vogue.com/article/billie-eilish-climate-activism-january-cover-2022-video
3. Independent. Billie Eilish talks YouTube, people, and children on the internet. https://www.independent.co.uk/celebrity-news/billie-eilish-youtube-people-children-vogue-b2256523.html

Halsey:

1. E! News. Breaking Down What Halsey's Diagnoses Really Mean, According to Doctors. https://www.eonline.com/news/1330622/breaking-down-what-halseys-diagnoses-really-mean-according-to-doctors
2. Vanity Fair. (2022, May). Halsey Opens Up About Her Health Scare, Diagnosis, and New Album After Giving Birth. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/05/halsey-health-scare-diagnosis-after-giving-birth-son-ender-ridley
3. USA Today. (2022, May 10). Halsey's Health Diagnosis: What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/05/10/halsey-health-diagnosis-ehlers-danlos-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-pots/9722199002/
4. Newsday. Halsey's Health: Hospitalization, Allergies, and More. https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/halsey-health-hospitalization-allergies-lldr7hao

Jameela Jamil:

1. HuffPost Australia. Jameela Jamil Talks Past Illnesses and Injuries. https://www.huffpost.com/archive/au/entry/jameela-jamil-past-illnesses-and-injuries_au_5e52f58dc5b6a4525dbcddaa

Bethany Frankel:

1. People. Bethenny Frankel Details Long COVID and Autoimmune Disorder Journey. https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-details-long-covid-and-autoimmune-disorder-journey/
2. People. Bethenny Frankel Discusses Battle with POTS Syndrome: "I'm Not Doing That Great". https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-discusses-battle-with-pots-syndrome-im-not-doing-that-great/
3. People. Bethenny Frankel's Health Precautions: IV Drips, Snowboarding, and More. https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-iv-drip-health-precautions-snowboard-aspen/
4. People. Bethenny Frankel Says She Now Just Drinks the Occasional Wine Due to Health Issues. https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-says-she-now-just-drinks-the-occasional-wine-due-to-health-issues/
5. People. Bethenny Frankel Had Medical Emergency After Accidentally Eating Fish. https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-had-medical-emergency-accidentally-eating-fish/

Kate Beckinsale:

1. Reddit. Kate Beckinsale Says She Has Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. https://www.reddit.com/r/popculturechat/comments/13uyjtf/kate_beckinsale_says_she_has_mast_cell_activation/
2. Instagram. Kate Beckinsale's Instagram Post
3. People. Kate Beckinsale Denies Plastic Surgery, Cites Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. https://people.com/kate-beckinsale-plastic-surgery-denial-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-7506064
4. People. Kate Beckinsale Tells The Sunday Times She's Never Gotten Work Done. https://people.com/style/kate-beckinsale-tells-the-sunday-times-shes-never-gotten-work-done/

Gigi Robinson:

• Allure. Gigi Robinson Sports Illustrated Interview. https://www.allure.com/story/gigi-robinson-sports-illustrated-interview

Natasha Coates:

1. Wikipedia. Natasha Coates. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_Coates
2. New York Post. (2022, July 4). Woman Allergic to Everything, Even Laughter. https://nypost.com/2022/07/04/woman-allergic-to-everything-even-laughter/

Raquel Rodriguez

1. Wikipedia. Raquel Rodriguez. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raquel_Rodriguez_(wrestler)
2. Wrestling News. (2024, February 24). WWE Star’s Status For Elimination Chamber Was Touch And Go At One Point. https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/wwe-stars-status-for-elimination-chamber-was-touch-and-go-at-one-point
3. Instagram. (2024, January 1). Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1lRmQ4OEiL/

‍

‍