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Celebrities with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility

Updated:
November 2024
by
David Harris

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rarely diagnosed but surprisingly common genetic disorder that affects connective tissues in the body. While it may not be on everyone's radar, there are actually quite a lot of celebrities who live with EDS. In this article, we will take a closer look at wide range of famous people with hypermobility as well as those with hypermobility due to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is by far the most common among these celebrities and the general public, but until recently there was no known gene linked to hEDS. Many of these celebrities also have other conditions that often appear alongside EDS (also known as EDS comorbidities).

There are more than 15 well known celebrities who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome including Billie Eilish, Selma Blair, Halsey, Sia, Rebecca Yarros, Lena Dunham, Jameela Jamil, Yvee Oddly, and Cherylee Houston. There are many others who are already diagnosed and even more who are still looking for answers.

Fame impacts how celebrities manage chronic illnesses like . These public figures use their influence to raise awareness about EDS, advocating for better understanding, research, and treatment. While they face the added challenge of maintaining a public image despite their health struggles, their openness about living with EDS helps to foster empathy and support within the community. By sharing their experiences, celebrities with EDS not only raise awareness but also inspire others, turning their personal challenges into opportunities for advocacy and change.

Many of these celebritites with EDS also have MCAS. Click here if you are interested in learning more about celebrities with Mast Cell Activations Syndrome.

Famous People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

  1. Billie Eilish
  2. Selma Blair
  3. Halsey
  4. Sia
  5. Lena Dunham
  6. Jameela Jamil
  7. Cherylee Houston
  8. Yvee Oddly
  9. Rebecca Yarros
  10. Many more are listed below!

Deep Dive into Celebrities with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

1 Billie Eilish:

Billie Eilish hardly needs an introduction. Since her breakthrough in 2015 with the release of her debut single, "Ocean Eyes," Eilish has emerged as a cultural phenomenon. Eilish has been applauded for her candidness in addressing her battles with panic attacks and depression.  In an interview with Vogue, she acknowledged that an injury, was actually one of the reasons she started focusing on music, but it wasn't until much later that her movement coach, Kristina Cañizares, pointed out that she might be hypermobile. Her hypermobility related injury may even have propelled her to become an even better musician. In reference to that first injury, Eilish stated “I got injured right after we made ‘Ocean Eyes’, so, music kind of replaced dancing."

In 2023, she publicly disclosed her diagnosis of Hypermobile Type EDS, revealing the physical challenges she's faced over the years. Eilish expressed her frustration, saying, "A lot of it came from my anger toward my body, and how mad I was at how much pain it’s caused me, and how much I’ve lost because of things that happened to it." Despite the early indications of hypermobility, Eilish wasn't diagnosed till much later

Without hypermobility, Billie Eilish may not have forced to focus so much energy on her music instead of dance. Although hypermobility has limited her ability to exercise in the past, Eilish is not letting hypermobility stop her anymore. In recent years, Eilish has been very focused on exercising and staying fit.

2 Selma Blair

Actress Selma Blair has been very transparent about her health struggles over the years. She had courageously shared her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) publically, and now more recently, she has revealed her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Studies have shown that patients with Multiple Sclerosis are 10 to 11 times more likely to have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Blaire was diagnosed with MS in 2018 after years of misinterpretation of her symptoms, and her battle with this autoimmune disease has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the challenges, including a rigorous treatment involving chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, she remains in remission, continuing to face daily struggles with strength and resilience. In 2024, Blair  opened up about living with EDS. Through her New York Times Best Selling memoir "Mean Baby," social media updates, and public appearances, Blair has become a beacon of awareness, advocating for greater understanding and medical attention towards these complex conditions.

3 Halsey

Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, has achieved remarkable success in the music industry with her genre-defying sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Her impressive musical accomplishments include multiple chart-topping albums and hit singles, along with critical acclaim for her unique and boundary-pushing approach to pop music. She has achieved all of this despite being diagnosed with mutliple chronic medical conditions.

In 2022, Halsey told Vanity Fair, that she has had autoimmune issues for most of her life, including endometriosis, but since the birth of her child, it's been much worse. "I didn't 'just get sick' I've been sick. For a long time. My sicknesses just have their names now." Although a diagnosis like EDS can be scary, Halsey actually celebrated it. She told People magazine, "It took me a long time to get to even having a diagnosis so I'm celebrating!"

Her path to diagnosis was not easy. During her diagnostic odyssey, Halsey "was called crazy and anxious and lazy amongst other things."  She was even hospitalized mulitple times with severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but still nobody was able or willing to help her. She told People that after 8 years and "seeing like 100,000 doctors... she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). At that time, Halsey continued to wear a heart monitor, and said that the doctors are still looking for the "root cause of some of these things."

4 Sia

Sia, the celebrated singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and innovative music, disclosed in 2019 that she has been confronting not only the demands of fame but also a debilitating health struggle. In a courageous and candid revelation, Sia shared that she is battling a chronic pain, a neurological conditon, and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. She announced on twitter to her followers, “Hey, I’m suffering with chronic pain, a neurological disease, Ehlers-Danlos and I just wanted to say to those of you suffering from pain, whether physical or emotional, I love you keep going,” She continued saying, “life is f*cking hard. Pain is demoralizing, and you’re not alone.”

In addition to Ehlers Danlos, she has previously mentioned her diagnosis of hyperthyroid disease, alcoholism, neuralgia, and Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is common in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, although it is rarely diagnosed.  In fact, she was previously incorrectly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Sia also has cubitle tunnel syndrome and has previously herniated c6-7 c4-5, although she did not say if it was related to her EDS diagnosis.

Sia's decision to go public with her health challenges is not only a personal revelation but also an important step in raising awareness about these often misunderstood conditions. SIa typically is very private about her personal life, so her disclosure underscores the significance of her compassion and support for individuals navigating similar health battles.

Although some have expressed dismay that Sia's diagnosis led to news coverage that incorrectly defined EDS as a rare condition, the increased visibility of the disease might help others find their own diagnsosis. At the very lease, Sia's openness paves the way for more understanding and empathy toward those living with chronic illnesses and chronic pain. Teen Vogue highlighted one fan's response via twitter by saying, “I’m also an ehlers-danlos warrior. This disease is a beast and your music has carried me through many moments in my fight. Love you forever.”

Source: Instagram

5 Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham, the actress and writer, has been open about her struggle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She was photographed using a cane after leaving a doctor's appointment in Los Angeles. Rather than concealing her situation, Dunham decided to address it directly and shared the photo on Instagram, explaining that she was going through an EDS flare-up and needed the support of a cane. She acknowledged that using a cane was a significant step for her, as she had resisted it in the past, but she recognized that it allowed her to participate in life more fully. Dunham also humorously mentioned wearing her nightgown outside, emphasizing the importance of comfort during her health struggles.

In addition to EDS, Lena Dunham was previously diagnosed with Endometriosis. To help relieve the endometriosis pain, she underwent a histerectomy to remove her uterus and she also later removed one of her ovaries. After the surgery, she developed a dependency to the anti-anxiety medication, Klonopin. Over the years, many woman who suffer from conditions like EDS have been innapropriately diagnosed with anxiety and prescribed these anti anxiety medications. While it's not typically prescribed for EDS, MCAS or other comorbidities, it's worth noting that Klonpin and other Benzodiazepine type medications are a mast cell stabilizer that can reduce the severity of EDS related infllammatory conditions, but the risks of addiction are too high so they are very rarely prescribed.

Despite dealing with sobriety chronic illnesses like EDS and endometriosis. Dunham remains resilient and continues to pursue her dreams and passions while also celebrating her one-year sobriety journey. Her openness about her health challenges has helped raise awareness and provide support to others facing similar issues. Although she was photographed in a bed gown with cane in the morning, Dunham pointed out that just a few hours later that same day she was "in a meeting look tackling the job I love." “That’s the two-fold life of a woman with chronic illness; we still rock our dreams and goals and passions (and fashions) and we live many lives in one day.”

Source: Twitter

6 Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil, the British actress, and activist, who rose to fame through her role in TV show, The Good Place, revealed in 2019 that she lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). This revelation came as part of her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about invisible illnesses and the challenges individuals face when living with conditions like EDS. Jamil has been a vocal advocate for body positivity and mental health, using her platform to address societal pressures and promote self-acceptance.

In her announcement, Jameela Jamil shared that she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome several years ago, and she expressed the difficulties she has faced due to the condition. EDS can cause a range of symptoms, including joint hypermobility, skin that is prone to bruising and scarring, and chronic pain. Her boyfriend also referenced her swollen joints, dislocations, severe allergic reactions, her constant high fevers which may be indicative of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) By sharing her own experiences with scarring, stretchmarks, and pain, Jamil aims to destigmatize invisible illnesses and encourage open conversations about health and well-being.

She has consistently used her platform to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and to promote self-love and acceptance. She has even been known to tell photo editors to not remove her stretchmarks. She once tweeted, "I *refuse* to have these normal human marks weaponized against me."  It has even gotten her into a spat with Kim Karadashian. She criticized Kardashian's make up line and the idea that body make up should be normalized. She celebrated her own natural skin including her eczema. “I have such severe eczema all over that my legs are covered in huge patches of pigment loss from scratching,” she wrote on Twittter. “I have a [ton] of stretch marks, and because I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, *every* time I cut, I scar.”, but instead of covering up her natural skin, she celebrates it and refuses to intimidated into hiding it.

Her dedication to advocacy is more than skin deep. Since her diagnosis, Jamil has used her platform to raise awareness about Ehlers Danlos. During an interview with Karina Sturm for Abilify, Jamil said that she is "“I am an advocate first, and everything else last.” During the same interview, Jamil pointed out the difficulty of living with EDS due to lack of recongition. She said “Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is always at the forefront of your mind because it affects every single cell in your body, and so every micro decision you make is in consideration of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome." Despite her diagnosis and advocacy, people have accused her having Munchausen syndrome, a factitious disorder, which is a mental illness that causes people to fabricate health scares for attention. She told Abilify, "For someone to discard that just because you look ‘Ok,’ according to their own Bible of ableism, it’s very hurtful.”

Jameela Jamil is well known for her EDS related advocacy, and she hasbeen recognized by many patient advocacy groups. Jamil was acknolwedged by Chronic Pain Partners, and she received the Patient Advocate of the Year award from the Ehlers Danlos Society. Her openness about living with EDS serves as an inspiration to others facing similar health challenges, demonstrating that one can thrive and continue advocating for positive change despite the obstacles presented by chronic illnesses.

7 Cherylee Houston

Cherylee Houston, a distinguished British actress born on April 29, 1975, in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, has left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment. She is most recognized for her portrayal of Izzy Armstrong in the iconic soap opera "Coronation Street" and her role as Maz in the BBC Radio 4 comedy series "Tinsel Girl."

What sets Cherylee apart is not just her talent but her unwavering resilience and advocacy. She is a wheelchair user and has been an outspoken advocate for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) awareness since her diagnosis. Her journey with EDS has not deterred her from pursuing her passion for acting; in fact, she incorporates her experiences into her performances. Beyond her acting career, Cherylee has become a prominent advocate for disability rights and inclusion in the arts. In an interview with Karina Sturm in Abilify Magazine she stated, "In my early teens, I was told I had a growing disability, then arthritis and MS, and then they decided I was making it up... This part was tricky and impacted my identity quite a lot because I’d struggle, but I couldn’t tell people how much I was struggling." Cherylee Houston's courageous advocacy has shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and continues to inspire change in the entertainment industry and beyond.

8 Yvee Oddly

Yvie Oddly, a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race," gained attention for discussing her experience with Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) on the show. This condition, known for causing hyperflexibility due to a lack of collagen production, has significantly impacted her life. Oddly revealed that she has always experienced pain, initially dismissing it as growing pains, and had to withdraw from extracurricular activities due to its severity. Despite the lack of a cure or specific treatments for hEDS, she manages her condition with glucosamine supplements, physical therapy, and daily maintenance routines like Epsom salt baths and resting.

Oddly's condition has compelled her to gradually reduce her physically demanding performances. In one clip from "RuPaul's Drag Race", she tells the group, "I'm just a little worried about hitting my knees because they come out of place a lot. It's part of my disease I've got, girl. All of my s—t just pops out!"

When speaking with Out Magazine, Oddly expressed a reluctance to discuss her disease initially, fearing it might be perceived as a weakness, but later realized the importance of speaking up about her invisible disability. This openness has connected her with others facing similar challenges, forming a community she refers to as "Zebras"​​​​. She has received a lot of support from people in the Zebra community. One fan posted, “As someone w/ EDS it’s amazing to see you bring so much awareness of this debilitating condition on a worldwide platform – you are an inspiration and a much needed voice our community.”

9 Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros, the New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, has become a source of inspiration and representation for the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) community. Rebecca Yarros and her four sons are diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), and she incorporates her lived experiences into her writing. In Fourth Wing, the protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, navigates life in a brutal war college while contending with chronic pain, joint instability, and physical limitations. Although Violet’s condition is not explicitly named in the story—owing to the fantasy setting—it is unmistakably modeled after hEDS. Yarros made this deliberate choice to offer representation that resonates with readers who live with similar challenges, filling a gap in the fantasy genre that had long been devoid of chronic illness representation.

Yarros has spoken openly about her personal journey with EDS, describing the daily pain, joint dislocations, and surgeries she endured, including a shoulder reconstruction at the age of 18. Like her character Violet, Yarros has had to learn to accept her limitations and accommodations, balancing a desire to push boundaries with the need to prioritize her health. She has also been vocal about how chronic illness impacts every decision, from daily tasks to long-term goals, a reality she portrays with honesty through Violet’s character. This nuanced depiction has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom credit Fourth Wing with helping them feel seen for the first time or inspiring them to seek a diagnosis for their own symptoms.

The impact of Yarros' work extends beyond the pages of her books. Fans and healthcare providers alike have praised her ability to shine a light on the challenges of living with EDS. Many readers have shared stories of discovering they have EDS after recognizing themselves in Violet's struggles. Yarros' success not only highlights the need for more inclusive narratives but also challenges stereotypes about what people with chronic illnesses can achieve. Her advocacy—both through her books and her openness about her personal experiences—has made her a powerful voice for disability and chronic illness representation in the literary world.

The bestselling novel by Rebecca Yarros is being adapted into a TV series by Amazon MGM Studios, and many expect this to accelerate awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

10 Russell Kane

British comedian and writer who shared his journey with EDS on Loose Women, focusing on joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and its impact on his life. Chronic Pain Partners has highlighted his journey alongside other British actors like Myleene Klass in their article.

11 Saarah Ahmed

Saarah Ahmed, a finalist of Miss Universe Great Britain 2020, passed away after having suffered liver failure and severe colitis at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. She suffered from an extremely rare form of EDS called Kyposcholiotic Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (Type 6).

12 Daine

Daine is a Filipino-Australian dark pop musician who hails from Australia. In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Coproration Daine shared that she has been diagnosed with POTS, EDS, and Autism.

13 Gigi Robinson

Gigi Robinson, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, openly lives with the trifecta of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, PoTS, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome according to her interview with Allure in August 2022.

14 Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass, a prominent celebrity host, initially kept her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) diagnosis private but later opened up about her condition, including her double jointed arms as well as the the unexplainable and excruciating pain for which she found herself resorting to high doses of painkillers for relief.

15 Nicola Blackwood

Nicola Claire Blackwood, The Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford, is a British politician who served as a Conservative MP for Oxford West and Abingdon from 2010 until 2017. She has also been known by her married name Nicola Blackwood-Bate since 2016. Baroness Blackwood has a history of significant health challenges. Diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) at 15, she became housebound by the age of 17. After being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in 2013 and subsequently with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which causes her chronic migraines, Blackwood has undergone extensive treatment, including 32 injections in the head every 10-12 weeks. Despite these health issues, she has maintained that her conditions have not hindered her duties as a Member of Parliament, even after an incident where she fainted in the House of Lords, which she attributed to POTS but later dismissed as "no big deal.


16 Daisy LaFarge

Daisy Lafarge, a celebrated poet and author, has been open about her struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). In a recent interview, Lafarge shared her journey with this connective tissue disorder, detailing the impact it has had on her life and work. Known for her poignant and evocative writing, Lafarge has used her platform to raise awareness about EDS, discussing the challenges she faces in managing chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with the condition.

Lafarge's journey with EDS began with subtle signs that were often dismissed or misdiagnosed. It wasn't until she experienced more severe symptoms, such as joint dislocations and severe fatigue, that she was able to receive a proper diagnosis. Despite these challenges, Lafarge has continued to produce award-winning literature, using her experiences to fuel her creativity and connect with readers on a deeper level.

Her candidness about living with EDS helps shed light on the often misunderstood aspects of the disorder, inspiring others in the chronic illness community to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Through her work and advocacy, Lafarge highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting those with invisible illnesses, encouraging a more compassionate and informed approach to healthcare.

For more information on Daisy Lafarge and her work, you can read her full interview on The Guardian here.

Famous People who live with hypermobility

Many celebrities have shown impressive feats of flexibility, but that's not exactly the same as hypermobility.  Some people might call it being double jointed, and doctors might diagnose it as Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Hypermobility Syndromes, or even Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. These celebs have been open about their hypermobility, but they haven't shared if it is a diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos.

1 Shakira

Shakira, the Colombian singer, and performer, has been known to be double jointed and hypermobile, a condition that allows her joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, but it's not well documented if this hypermobility extends to the severity of Hypermobile type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. She also has been diagnosed with a more rare condition called Belly Dancer's Syndrome which is still not fully understoond.

While Shakira's hypermobility has been an asset to her stage presence, it's also essential for her to maintain proper physical conditioning to prevent injuries associated with hypermobility. Her trainer Anna Kaiser works with her to develop exercise routines that support her unique physical needs, helping her stay in top form for her energetic performances. Kaiser points out an important distinction between hypermobility and flexiblity. "When you're hypermobile, it's easy to think your muscles are flexible but your flexibility is really around your joints and not your muscles," Kaiser told Women's health.

2 Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne, the British-American television personality, actress, singer, and daughter of Sharon and Ozzy Osborne. Although Kelly has not been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder, she has mentioned multiple times online and on television that she suffers from many symptoms of hypermobility. She has posted pictures on instagram of the "party tricks" she doers with double jointed fingers, which is a major signial for identifying hypermobility in childhood, but it does not make a diagnosis by itself. She has also mentioned that she suffers from thyroid problems and "really bad TMJ (pain in the jaw joint)" both of which are also common comorbiidities of hypermobility. In addition to these conditions, she also has double joinited hips that she can pop in and out of the socket. Most noticeably, however, Osborne shared a story that resonates with many people who suffer from hypermobility and EDS. She said: "I'm double-jointed everywhere, I think that's why I'm so accident prone. Tight jeans and high heels equals one of my hips popping out and my face on the floor."

3 Kyle Richards

Kyle Richards, known for her role in "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," revealed during an episode of the show, which aired on August 10, 2022, that her remarkable flexibility is attributed to hypermobility syndrome which is closely related to and even overlaps with EDS. "I'm not just bendy, I actually have something called hypermobility syndrome," she said. "This is actually a problem. You're not supposed to be born like this." She has vowed to stop doing her "party tricks" saying, "My new party trick. No more splits." In addition to her diagnosis of Hypermobility Syndrome, she was previously diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and suffered a back injury both of which could belated to her hypermobility.

4 Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is one of the most famous hypermobile athletes, and many people have speculated that Phelps may have Marfan Syndrome. Even Phelps himself admitted that he was also so concerned about having Marfan Syndrome that he has been genetically tested many times, but doctors did not find any genetic markers for Marfans. It's worth noting that Hypermobility and Hypermobile EDS still have no known genetic markers. No matter his diagnosis, Phelps is hypermobile, but one thing is clear, for many famous athletes with hypermobility, the hypermobile joints can actually be an advantage.

5 Taylor Swift

The Hypermobile Swifties have long speculated that Taylor Swift is hypermobile. In 2017, Taylor added fuel to the fire when she revealed to US Weekly that she is "Double jointed in her elbows." After the release of her music video for "Anti-Hero" in 2022, speculation about Swift's hypermobility has increased and even bubbled into the mainstream conversation. Slate wrote an article that speculated Taylor Swift either is either hypermobile or suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. On top of this, Taylor also frequently eats gluten-free and "drink[s] so much water [that her] friends call [her] an alien." is quite common in thehypermobile community, but all of these pieces of evidence are only annecdotal. Taylor is almost certainly aware of hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome through her close friend, Lena Dunham. There are a lot of signs that suggest Taylor Swift might be hypermobile, but she hasn't yet revealed any diagnoses to the public.

Historical Figures with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

1 Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was known for his incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and dancer. His medical conditions were not extensively documented in the public domain, but some people believe that Michael Jackson was hypermobile. We don't know for certain if he did in fact suffer from Ehlers Danlos or even hypermobility, but it is known that he experienced chronic pain and insomnia, both of which are common symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). According to The Zebra Mom, Professor Rodney Grahame, a renowned expert in the field of EDS, suggested in a video that Michael Jackson likely had EDS, but the original video is no longer available.

2 Elvis Presley

There is no way to know for sure if Elvis Presley had EDS, but there is a lot of evidence in the public record that suggests he was hypermobile and suffered from many of the symptoms associated with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Elvis Presley's extensive list of health issues, including his hypermobility, traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic headaches, body pain, an autoimmune condition, and several other related diagnoses, provides a compelling though speculative case for potential hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).  In his book, The Strange Medical Saga of Elvis Presley, Dr. Forest Tennant noted that the traumatic brain injury possibly triggered an autoimmune response, further complicating Presley's health challenges. He began to experience health issues as early as 1970, if not sooner, according to girlfriends, friends, colleagues, and the medical professionals who were treating him for pain.

FAQ:

1. Do any celebrities have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

Yes, several celebrities have publicly shared their EDS diagnosis. Some notable figures include actress Selma Blair, singer Sia, and pop star Halsey. Other well-known individuals, like Lena Dunham and Jameela Jamil, have hypermobile EDS (hEDS), which is the most common form​.

2. Are most people with EDS skinny?

No, EDS affects individuals of all body types. Although some people with EDS might appear leaner due to factors like muscle weakness or the Marfanoid habitus appearance, this is not a rule. EDS can impact anyone, regardless of shape, size, or gender​. Celebrities of all shapes are affected by EDS.

3. Did Michael Jackson have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

There is speculation that Michael Jackson may have had EDS or hypermobility, as he was known to suffer from chronic pain and hypermobile joints. While some experts have suggested he may have had EDS, this has never been confirmed​.

4. Does Billie Eilish have hypermobility syndrome?

Yes, Billie Eilish has been diagnosed with hypermobile EDS. After years of struggling with various injuries, she was diagnosed in 2023. Eilish has been open about the physical pain and challenges she faces due to her hypermobility, and she has shifted her focus from dance to music because of these injuries​.

5. Are there any athletes with EDS?

Yes, some athletes are known for their hypermobility, which may be related to EDS. Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, has demonstrated exceptional flexibility, though it is not confirmed if she has EDS. Other athletes like Michael Phelps and Shakira have been noted for their hypermobility​.

6. What celebrities have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

Several celebrities with EDS also have MCAS, a condition that often occurs alongside EDS. These include Billie Eilish, Halsey, Jameela Jamil, and actress Kate Beckinsale​.

7. What type of EDS does Jameela Jamil have?

Jameela Jamil has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). She has spoken candidly about the challenges she faces, including joint dislocations and chronic pain. Jamil uses her platform to raise awareness about EDS and invisible illnesses​.

8. Does Shakira have EDS?

While Shakira is known to be hypermobile, it has not been confirmed that she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Her hypermobility has helped her on stage, but she works with trainers to prevent injuries related to her flexible joints​.

9. What singer has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Several well-known singers have publicly shared that they have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or related hypermobility conditions. Billie Eilish, Sia, and Halsey are among the most notable. Eilish has been diagnosed with hypermobile EDS and has spoken openly about the physical challenges she faces due to her condition. Sia revealed in 2019 that she has EDS, along with other health issues, including chronic pain. Halsey, who also has multiple chronic conditions, including MCAS and POTS, shared her diagnosis with EDS as part of her ongoing health journey. While not confirmed, there is also speculation that Lady Gaga may have hypermobile EDS, as she has mentioned joint pain and hypermobility in the past​​.

10. Who is the influencer with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Tia Wilson, an Instagram influencer, has shared her experience with EDS, including how she manages frequent joint dislocations. She uses her platform to spread awareness and connect with others dealing with the condition​.

Sources: 

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  14. Mirror. Corrie's Cherylee Houston on life with famous disability. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/corries-cherylee-houston-life-famous-26329831
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  34. Michael Phelps Unintentionally Raises Marfan Syndrome Awareness. https://www.foxnews.com/story/michael-phelps-unintentionally-raises-marfan-syndrome-awareness

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