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Celebrities with Post Polio Syndrome
Celebrities and famous people with Post Polio Syndrome, and how going public has raised awareness of the condition.
Allan Alda, Franklin Roosevelt Mia Farrow
Posted Jul 20, 2019 by Terry 3000
Alan Alda – Actor best known for M*A*S*H. Contracted polio at age 7 during an epidemic. His parents used the Sister Elizabeth Kenny method, involving hot wool blankets and muscle stretching. He has spoken about ongoing physical challenges and the impact of PPS on his later life Wikipedia+1.
Mia Farrow – Actress and UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Diagnosed with polio at age 9, requiring an iron lung for eight months. She has described long-term physical limitations and the effects of PPS, including muscle weakness and fatigue Wikipedia+2.
Itzhak Perlman – World-renowned violinist. Survived polio as a child, which left him with significant physical challenges. He has spoken about the long-term effects of the disease, including PPS symptoms, and how they have influenced his career and life Wikipedia+1.
James Drury – Actor who played the title role in The Virginian. Contracted polio at age 10 and has spoken about the lasting physical impact of the illness Wikipedia.
Mel Ferrer – Actor, director, and producer. Contracted polio in the early 1940s, which halted his theatre career for a year. He has discussed the long-term effects of the disease on his health Wikipedia.
Donald Sutherland – Actor with over 130 film roles. Suffered severe polio as a child, often bedridden, and has spoken about the enduring physical and health challenges, including PPS Global Citizen.
Francis Ford Coppola – Director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. Contracted polio at age 9, leading to a year-long illness. He has described the long-term effects on his mobility and health
Mia Farrow – Actress and UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Diagnosed with polio at age 9, requiring an iron lung for eight months. She has described long-term physical limitations and the effects of PPS, including muscle weakness and fatigue Wikipedia+2.
Itzhak Perlman – World-renowned violinist. Survived polio as a child, which left him with significant physical challenges. He has spoken about the long-term effects of the disease, including PPS symptoms, and how they have influenced his career and life Wikipedia+1.
James Drury – Actor who played the title role in The Virginian. Contracted polio at age 10 and has spoken about the lasting physical impact of the illness Wikipedia.
Mel Ferrer – Actor, director, and producer. Contracted polio in the early 1940s, which halted his theatre career for a year. He has discussed the long-term effects of the disease on his health Wikipedia.
Donald Sutherland – Actor with over 130 film roles. Suffered severe polio as a child, often bedridden, and has spoken about the enduring physical and health challenges, including PPS Global Citizen.
Francis Ford Coppola – Director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. Contracted polio at age 9, leading to a year-long illness. He has described the long-term effects on his mobility and health
Posted Jun 14, 2026 by sreames 2500
