Though we see them on the big screens, read their names in headlines, and hear countless stories about their endless accomplishments, celebrities aren’t immune to hardship.
In fact, some of the most prominent names in Hollywood and history books were dealt an unfortunate hand, but they managed to do great things despite their shortcomings.
Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking are two people who spring to mind, but there are several other famous people who have moved mountains regardless of their disability.
Below, you’ll find a list of famed personalities who require disability services NSW but refuse to let that get in the way of their success.
Nick Vujicic
Born without limbs, Nick Vujicic suffers from a rare disorder called tetra-amelia syndrome.
While having no arms or legs could’ve easily driven Vujicic to lead a hopeless life, he decided to use his disability to inspire others.
Following his graduation from Griffith University, Vujicic founded Life Without Limbs, an international ministry that serves individuals like Vujicic.
These days, you’ll find Vujicic traveling the world as a motivational speaker. When he’s not impacting lives, he enjoys fishing, painting, and swimming.
Franklin Roosevelt
A man of tremendous merit, Franklin Roosevelt is the essence of resilience. When polio left him paralyzed from the waist down, Roosevelt worked tirelessly to overcome his disability.
Though he never reached his goal of learning to walk again, that didn’t stop Roosevelt from making great strides in his political career.
America was so taken by Roosevelt’s optimism and can-do spirit that he was elected president an impressive four times.
Roosevelt’s story goes to show that a little positivity can spark widespread hope and change.
Christopher Reeve
Most prominently known for his role as Superman, Christopher Reeve is a talented actor whose life flipped upside down in 1995.
After being thrown off a horse, Reeve damaged his spinal cord, which resulted in the loss of feeling and movement in his arms and legs.
As a determined quadriplegic, Reeve won the hearts of many. Though bound to a wheelchair and portable ventilator, Reeve continued to act and direct.
His unwavering ambition and optimism motivated thousands with spinal cord injuries.
Tanni Grey-Thompson
Touted as one of the United Kingdom’s most successful disabled athletes, Tanni Grey-Thompson was born with spina bifida.
Fortunately, her disability didn’t deter her from getting involved in sports.
As a result, Grey-Thompson became a household name in the Paralympics.
Her athletic aptitude and commendable confidence earned her over 20 medals as a wheelchair racer.
Frida Kahlo
A mover and shaker through and through, Frida Kahlo is a tremendously gifted painter who was afflicted with polio as a child.
Her illness damaged both her right leg and foot.
As a teenager, Kahlo also endured several injuries from a traffic accident that left her in a wheelchair.
Kahlo’s misfortunes ignited a fire inside of her, which is why she’s the legendary Mexican artist that she is today.