Stars Who Lived With Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is often called a silent infection because many people live with it for years without obvious symptoms.

That is one reason celebrity disclosures matter. When a well-known person speaks publicly about hepatitis C, it can reduce shame, encourage testing, and remind people that the condition can affect many kinds of lives.

This article is not medical advice. It highlights public figures who have publicly discussed hepatitis C or whose diagnosis has been reported by reliable sources. It does not assume how anyone contracted the virus unless that person or a trusted source clearly stated it.

According to the CDC, safe and highly effective treatments that can cure hepatitis C have been available since 2014. The CDC also says hepatitis C can now be cured in more than 95% of cases with 8–12 weeks of oral treatment using direct-acting antivirals.

Here are celebrities who have lived with hepatitis C and, in several cases, used their stories to raise awareness.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson became one of the most famous celebrities to speak openly about hepatitis C.

The Baywatch actress said she had lived with the virus for more than 15 years before receiving newer treatment. In 2015, she told People that she was excited about treatment and said she did not have liver damage or side effects at that point.

Naomi Judd

Naomi Judd helped change how many Americans viewed hepatitis C.

The country music star and former nurse was diagnosed in 1990. The American Liver Foundation says Judd contracted hepatitis C from a needlestick injury during her time working as a nurse, and that her diagnosis forced her to step away from the touring demands of The Judds at the height of their success.

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler revealed in 2006 that he had hepatitis C for years without symptoms.

The Aerosmith frontman said he had lived with the infection for a long time before being diagnosed and treated. CBS News reported that Tyler underwent 11 months of treatment and described the experience as extremely difficult.

Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman lived with hepatitis C and later underwent a liver transplant.

The Allman Brothers Band co-founder was diagnosed with hepatitis C and developed serious liver problems. Rolling Stone reported in 2010 that Allman underwent liver transplant surgery after battling hepatitis C for several years.

Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole publicly announced her hepatitis C diagnosis in 2008.

The Grammy-winning singer had been diagnosed with hepatitis C and her publicist said she likely contracted it through past drug use more than 30 years earlier.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne’s hepatitis C diagnosis became public during a difficult period in her life.

In 2005, reports said Lyonne had been hospitalized with serious health problems, including hepatitis C, a heart infection, and a collapsed lung. The Guardian later summarized that period while discussing her recovery and career comeback.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe has spoken publicly about hepatitis C connected to earlier medical treatment.

The Guardian reported that Watanabe discovered before filming The Last Samurai that he had contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion he received during treatment for leukemia.

David Crosby

David Crosby lived with hepatitis C and underwent a liver transplant in 1994.

The Associated Press noted after Crosby’s death that the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young musician survived hepatitis C, diabetes, heart surgery, and a liver transplant.

Lou Reed

Lou Reed struggled with liver disease after years of serious health problems.

ABC Australia wrote after Reed’s death that his liver cancer raised awareness about the challenges of living with hepatitis C. In 2013, Reed underwent a liver transplant. His wife, Laurie Anderson, said the situation had been extremely serious and that the transplant was life-saving.

Keith Richards

Keith Richards has publicly discussed hepatitis C in connection with his own health history.

He wrote that he cleared hepatitis C without treatment. His case is unusual because some people do clear hepatitis C naturally, though many develop chronic infection.

Anthony Kiedis

Anthony Kiedis has been included in public lists of celebrities with hepatitis C.

Healthline notes that the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the 1990s and attributed the infection to intravenous drug use.

Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland, the late Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer, has also been included in public hepatitis C lists.

His health and addiction history were often discussed during his lifetime and after his death.

Ray Benson

Ray Benson, frontman of Asleep at the Wheel, has been publicly linked to hepatitis C awareness.

Benson believed he contracted hepatitis C from a tattoo needle and later became a vocal spokesperson for the disease.

Mickey Mantle

Baseball legend Mickey Mantle has frequently been included in hepatitis C awareness discussions because of his liver transplant and health history.

Mantle reportedly believed he contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion and the disease contributed to the need for a liver transplant.