19 Famous People with ADHD

ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone.

For some, it’s a whirlwind of energy. For others, it’s hyperfocus on what matters — and zoning out on everything else. But with the right understanding and support, ADHD can become a source of creativity, insight, and momentum.

The 26 individuals below have shared their diagnosis publicly — showing that ADHD doesn’t limit potential. It just means your brain works differently. And that difference can take you far.

Emma Watson – Actor and Activist

The Harry Potter and Little Women star has ADHD, as reported on Sheffield Children's NHS Trust website. She’s reportedly been on medication since childhood — and her academic and advocacy work reflects the power of understanding your mind and working with it.

Kit Harrington – Actor

Best known for Game of Thrones, Harrington was diagnosed with ADHD during rehab. He’s said the diagnosis helped him understand himself and access the support he needed.

Greta Gerwig – Director and Screenwriter

The Barbie director was diagnosed as an adult. She says it helped her make sense of her intense imagination, fast-moving thoughts and deep emotional world: “I was just interested in, like, everything.”

Barry Keoghan – Actor

Keoghan has spoken about how ADHD impacts his creativity — and how medication has helped him stay focused and in control.

Simone Biles – Olympic Gymnast

When her medical records were leaked, Biles didn’t hide — she spoke out. Since then, she’s used her platform to challenge stigma and show that ADHD doesn’t stop greatness.

Richard Branson – Entrepreneur

Branson has talked about living with both dyslexia and ADHD — calling them his “superpowers” and a core part of his entrepreneurial mindset.

will.i.am – Musician and Producer

The Black Eyed Peas frontman says his ADHD fuels his creativity — powering fast thinking, idea generation and outside-the-box solutions.

Jim Carrey – Actor and Comedian

Diagnosed in childhood, Carrey has said ADHD shaped his energy, imagination and boundary-breaking comedic style.

Ryan Gosling – Actor

Gosling was diagnosed in childhood and later homeschooled, which he says gave him the space to learn in a way that worked for him.

Sam Fender – Musician

Fender says ADHD gives him creative fire. “When you get hyperfocused with ADHD, it’s like a superpower,” he told the BBC.

Jamie Oliver – Chef and Campaigner

Diagnosed in childhood, Oliver has long spoken about using food, rhythm, and structure to support his ADHD — and his success.

Bill Gates – Entrepreneur

While not formally diagnosed, Gates has said today he likely would be labelled on the spectrum with ADHD. He’s described intense, subject-specific focus as a core part of how he works.

Nelly Furtado – Singer-Songwriter

Diagnosed in adulthood, Furtado says movement — especially dance — is how she channels energy, stays grounded, and finds flow.

Robbie Williams – Singer

Williams shared his diagnosis publicly on Instagram, describing his impulsivity, restlessness, and how ADHD affects his energy on stage.

Mark Ruffalo – Actor

Ruffalo has spoken about both the challenges and strengths of ADHD — especially how it shapes his ability to view characters from unexpected angles.

Michael Phelps – Olympic Swimmer

Diagnosed at age 9, Phelps credits swimming with helping him channel his energy and find structure — becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Charlie Austin – Footballer

Diagnosed later in his career, the former QPR striker says ADHD helped him make sense of how his mind works — calling it a “profoundly positive turning point” in an Instagram post.

Lily Allen – Musician

Allen was diagnosed with ADHD after moving to the US. She’s said it helped explain why she needed to step away from social media and refocus her energy.

Cara Delevingne – Model and Actor

Diagnosed as a teen, Delevingne has talked about the guilt and confusion she felt growing up — and how learning to communicate her emotions helped her heal.

Embracing your ADHD

These stories show — yet again — that ADHD isn’t a limitation. It’s a different way of thinking.

And when you understand how your mind works, you can build systems that work with it.

Support shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. These public figures prove that, with the right tools, divergent minds can do remarkable things.

Need support?

If you're exploring an ADHD diagnosis or want help that works with your brain, here’s where to start:

• NHS assessment: Ask your GP for a referral (wait times vary).
• Private care: Augmentive offers fast, in-depth ADHD assessments, plus personalised follow-ups, from medication to coaching. You can also try our free ADHD self-screening tool here, 12 quick questions to help you see how likely it is you have ADHD.
• Community resources: Visit ADHD UK or ADHD Foundation for tools, stories and peer support.

Augmentive’s co-founder and CEO, Kit Norman, was diagnosed with ADHD on our platform — so we know what it’s like to search for answers, feel overwhelmed, and not know where to start. That lived experience shapes everything we build.

Because knowing your mind is just the start — acting on it is what changes everything.