The leading cause of death among athletes is sudden cardiac death (SCD); in fact, is estimated that the condition causes 1 death in between 50,000 to 300,000 athletes annually. Unfortunately, athletes with a faulty gene that causes Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are more prone to SCD. And that’s because the muscles of their hearts tend to thicken, making it hard for it to pump blood.

Most athletes with HCM don’t know that they have this condition. But there have been cases of the thickened heart muscles causing serious health symptoms. Some of these symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can affect the heart’s electrical system resulting in death or irregular heartbeats.

Here is a list of athletes who have been affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

1. Reggie Lewis

Back in 1993, the world mourned the death of Reggie Lewis, a basketball legend. Lewis collapsed on the court during an off-season practice at the University of Brandeis. The 27-year-old player was found by 2 university police who tried to revive him but were unsuccessful. Apparently, he had suffered a cardiac death attributed to HCM which causes death among young athletes.

2. Marc-Vivien Foé

Marc was a Cameroonian player who took part in the FIFA Confederation Cup of 2003. He played against Turkey and the Brazil, but the one against Colombia was his last match. During the match, Foe collapsed in the 72^nd minute. The medics tried to resuscitate him for 45 minutes and he was still alive when he arrived at the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The autopsy confirmed that he had Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

3. Miklos Feher

Benfica fans will never forget their away match against Guimaraes on January 25, 2004. On this day, Feher came in as a substitute and assisted Aguiar score the match’s only goal. But during the extra time, he collapsed after receiving a yellow card. He was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately, he passed away the same day. The cause of his death was cardiac arrhythmia caused by HCM. 

4. Zena Ray Upshaw

Upshaw played a major role in helping the Grand Rapids get a playoff spot on March 24, 2018. But in the final minute, he collapsed and his heart stopped for 40 minutes, even with the medics trying to resuscitate him. Zena died 2 days later and the examiner confirmed that he had SCD caused by HCM.

5. Omar Carter

Unlike most players who have been affected by this condition, Carter is still alive. Carter was 25 years old when he collapsed while playing a Pro-Am game. His heart stopped for 13 minutes before being resuscitated. He was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with HCM. 

6. Jared Butler

Butler was diagnosed with HCM in 2017 while he was in college. But that didn’t stop him from going after his dream since 3 years later, he was a rookie playing for Utah Jazz. Early detection of HCM gave him time to learn about it and manage the condition. This made it possible for him to live his dream and currently, he is playing for the Washington Wizards.

7. Gerome Graham

Graham was one of the fittest athletes on his team (Bodden Town), which is why his teammates first thought that he was joking when he collapsed. Unfortunately, Gerome didn’t make it and the autopsy confirmed that he had HCM. 

8. Yair Clavijo

In 2013, Peruvian soccer fans were struck with shock and sorrow as Clavijo, an 18-year-old player, tragically collapsed and died on the pitch.The player passed away in Cusco in their reserve game against Real Garcilaso. The soccer player suffered from HCM and cerebral edema. 

9. Fabrice Muamba

Muamba collapsed in Bolton’s FA game against Tottenham in March 2012. Luckily, there was a consultant cardiologist watching the match who helped the medic revive him and take him to the hospital. Further tests confirmed that he had HCM, a condition that has caused the death of many athletes. He later had his kids tested and confirmed that they all have the faulty gene causing HCM. 

10. Adam Wodon

Adam did not pursue a career as a professional athlete. Instead, he has been the voice behind college hockey games since 1988 as the play-by-play broadcaster for Princeton and Cornell. However, Adam’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with HCM in 2022. Despite this challenge, he is effectively managing his condition with the help of various medications.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has ended the career of most young athletes with most losing their lives. Luckily, some of the athletes like Muamba were able to survive and continue with their careers. But the key to a healthy life is early detection. Players like Jared Butler learned how to manage the condition and are still breaking NBA records to date.

Athletes are the world’s most physically fit individuals who can run for over an hour while taking part in intense sports like basketball or football. As such they need a working heart that can pump the right amount of blood when needed to maintain their intensity. Unfortunately, some athletes have discovered the hard way that they have a heart condition.

Stars like Papy Faty have collapsed and died on the pitch with others like Christian Eriksen collapsing and being rushed to the hospital.

Heart issues have also forced various athletes like Kun Aguero and Iker Casillas to retire earlier.

But some were lucky enough to return to doing what they love after the doctors inserted stents in their hearts.

Stents have saved the careers of many athletes while giving them a new lease of life. In fact, some athletes have made some life-changing decisions after surviving a heart attack.

Here is a list of famous athletes whose lives and careers have been saved by stents.  

1. Bernhard Gruber

The Gold medalist has had to undergo two heart surgeries in his career to save his life. The first one was done in 2020 and the doctor inserted a stent to help open his coronary artery. After the surgery, he was given a clean bill of health and he got back to skiing by the end of the year.

The second one was done in 2021 after he started experiencing chest pains while taking part in the Team Sprint Competition. He was once again rushed to the hospital and the doctor inserted 2 more stents in 2021. But this didn’t stop him since he went back to skiing again after a few months.

2. Ken Lewis

Lewis is a great example of an athlete who has been running marathons since the 1980s even with a heart condition. Ken competed in the first triathlon in England that included cycling, running, and swimming in 1982. But did you know that he has had 7 stents inserted in his heart over the years? Despite the heart issues, he still loves running and taking part in diathlons to date.

3. Alberto Salazar

Back in 2007, Salazar had a heart attack and died for 14 minutes and was saved by a stent. Alberto is a legend who has won 3 New York Marathons and everyone was disappointed when he collapsed at 48 years old. And while the doctors were trying to save him, he was unresponsive for 14 minutes. He was hospitalized for 9 days and within a few months he was back to doing what he loves.

4. Tim O’Donnell

The news of Tim’s heart attack in August 2021 took the world by surprise. He had suffered a widowmaker, which is a blockage of his LAD (left anterior descending) artery. The doctor repaired his LAD artery using a stent and gave him a clean bill of health by the end of the year. 

5. Ciaran Byrne

The former player of Naomh Mairtin of the GAA Championship experienced 3 heart attacks before he turned 30 years old. He was afraid that he may never become a dad, but thanks to the 2 stents placed in his heart, he is alive to date. 

He underwent an MRI scan that confirmed that he had 3 heart attacks that resulted in his coronary artery getting blocked. To clear the blockage, the doctors inserted 2 stents in his heart.

6. Connor Goldson

The Rangers FC player was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm which threatened his career. So, he had to undergo surgery to repair the aorta, and to ensure that it never pops back again while playing, the doctors placed a stent in his heart. With the stent, he can now continue playing for Rangers.

7. Iker Casillas

Back in 2019, the world was surprised to discover that Casillas would never play football again. Iker had suffered a myocardial infarction while training and was rushed to the hospital. The surgery was a success, but the doctors had to insert a stent in his heart to save him. Unfortunately, he could no longer play football, especially as a goalkeeper with a stent in his heart.

8. Nick O’Leary

O’Leary has had an exceptional career since he was drafted to the NFL in 2015. He has played for Raiders, Jacksonville, Miami, and Buffalo. But back in 2020, he suffered a heart attack that resulted in him undergoing a surgery. The doctors unblocked his artery and inserted a stent in his heart.

9. Adrian Morgan

Morgan suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest in 2021 that resulted in him being hospitalized and undergoing a surgery. By then he was 56 years old and had already played over 700 senior games. But after the surgery, he was back to the field representing Vic Country in the AFL-Masters National Carnival. 

10. Peter Matera

The West Coast Eagles player suffered a heart attack in 2022 and had to be rushed to the hospital. He is a 2-time AFL premiership player who has enjoyed over 253 games. He was rushed to Bendigo hospital where the doctor inserted 2 stents in his heart. 

11. Chris Kalantzis

After celebrating his 50^th birthday, Chris wasn’t feeling well, so he went to Rhodes to get medical help. A pharmacist identified him and after hearing his symptoms, he recommended him to the nearest cardiologist. After undergoing a few tests that confirmed that he was undergoing a cardiac event, he was rushed to the hospital where the doctor unblocked his arteries using stents. The Australian football legend passed away 4 times while the doctors were inserting the stents in his arteries.

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• 8 NFL Players with Spinal Fusion

There is nothing scarier to an athlete than experiencing a heart attack on the pitch. A heart attack can do more than end a career; it has ended the lives of a number of athletes in the past. Luckily, medicine is ever changing and the introduction of stents has saved the lives of many athletes. In fact, some of the above athletes have gone back to finish their careers after undergoing surgery.

A sociopath is a person whose behavior is characterized by a persistent disregard for the rights of others, often accompanied by a lack of empathy and remorse. Some common traits of a sociopath include:

• Charming and manipulative

• Lying and deceitful

• Impulsive and reckless

• Aggressive and violent

• No sense of guilt or remorse

• Lack of empathy

• Highly intelligent and often charismatic

While sociopathy is a mental health condition, there is much debate surrounding the role of the entertainment industry in influencing sociopathic conduct among famous persons.

For instance, consider films and television shows that feature the lives of wealthy and famous people. These shows often depict their subjects engaging in manipulative, exploitative, and selfish behavior.

They create a narrative in which these individuals are rewarded for their sociopathic tendencies, which, in some cases, later has an impact on the casts featured in such roles. A person’s background or lifestyle influences some sociopathic tendencies.

In this post, we will look at celebrities who are likely sociopaths in real life, as well as the reasons behind the observation.

1. Kanye West

The rapper has exhibited erratic behavior in public, including outbursts on social media and during interviews. One occasion where West portrayed sociopathic behavior was during the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009. After Taylor Swift received the Best Female Video award, Kanye went on stage, grabbed the mic from Swift, and said out loud that Beyonce deserved the award instead. He later apologized for his outburst, but nearly a year later, he withdrew his apology during an interview.

2. Courtney Love

Love is a musician and actress who has a history of drug abuse and erratic behavior that some have attributed to sociopathy or other mental health issues. In the early stages of her solo career, Love was caught up in legal troubles for her erratic behaviors. She was involved in scandals such as smacking a fan with a microphone stand and later denying it, reading her husband’s suicide note on national TV, breaking windows at the home of her producer, disrupting a flight, flashing her skirt, and standing on the desk during an interview, and failing to appear in court.

3. Donald Trump

Trump has been accused of exhibiting sociopathic tendencies on multiple occasions. He has portrayed narcissistic and manipulative behaviors and lacks empathy towards others. His behavior on social media and during public speeches has also raised concerns about his mental health. Even during his presidency, Trump never hesitated to use insults and defaming remarks, which he never recanted.

4. Britney Spears

Despite being a pop icon, Spears has had a tumultuous personal life, including public breakdowns and legal battles over her conservatorship. Many people suggest that her behavior may be indicative of sociopathy or other mental health issues. For instance, Spears has been accused of manipulation and deceitfulness in her relationships and has exhibited impulsive and reckless behavior in the past. A street camera once caught Spears driving with her child on her lap. Since 2023, Spears has displayed an erratic social media presence, blasting her former partners and sharing intimate details about their relationships and intimacy with no regard for other people’s feelings.

5. Christian Bale

Bale is known for his intense dedication to his craft and versatility, which has won many hearts. However, he has also been accused of exhibiting aggressive behavior towards coworkers on set. In 2009, on the set of Terminator Salvation, Bale humiliated and yelled at the movie’s director of photography, Shane Hurlbut, after he walked into Bale’s eyeline. Earlier in 2008, Bale was also arrested for slapping his mother and sister, accusations that dragged him into a 10-year-long lawsuit and his continued denial. Bale also demonstrated signs of narcissistic personality disorder during the premiere of the film Vice on December 11, 2018.

6. Lindsay Lohan

Lohan has struggled with addiction and legal troubles throughout her career. Lohan has, on several occasions, exhibited sociopathic tendencies with her reckless behavior and disregard for the consequences of her actions. In 2012, she hit someone with her car and drove off. Lohan also refused to pay bills worth $40,000 for salon services she had received between 2007 and 2009. Lohan also spent too much of her time partying at the peak of her career, which resulted in her showing up to work late and completely exhausted, negatively impacting Morgan Creek Productions and her co-workers.

7. R Kelly

R Kelly was embroiled in a series of controversies involving multiple allegations of sexual assault and abuse by several women, which led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. His behavior towards the victims has been described as sociopathic. Kelly used manipulation and control to have his way with the women he assaulted while maintaining a “stand-up guy” public image. The severity and frequency of these incidents caused outrage among the public and sparked widespread debate on consent, power dynamics, and the accountability of those in positions of influence. R Kelly’s legacy remains tarnished by the damaging impact of his misconduct on the lives of those affected.

8. O. J. Simpson

The former NFL player and actor was famously acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1995. However, many suggest that his behavior before and after the trial, including his lack of remorse and attempts to manipulate the media, are indicative of sociopathic behavior. Simpsons has been caught up in other scandals as well, including robbery with violence, kidnapping, and assault in 2007, charges he denied despite the presence of enough evidence incriminating him. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison in November 2008 but was granted early parole in December 2021 for good behavior.

9. Mel Gibson

Gibson is an actor and filmmaker with a history of controversial behavior, including making anti-Semitic remarks against Jewish people, including co-workers and police officers, and engaging in domestic violence. His behavior towards others has been described as aggressive and lacking in empathy. In 1991, Gibson made inflammatory remarks against homosexuals. In 1995, he openly stated regarding his comments that he would “apologize when hell freezes over,” following it with a profanity statement.

10. Naomi Campbell

The supermodel is known for her diva-like behavior and aggressive outbursts towards staff and others. Despite her contribution to philanthropy works and charity organizations, Naomi has been arrested for assault on several occasions, ranging from paparazzi to her assistant and a police officer. Naomi was a close friend of sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, which led many to conclude that she was aware of his conduct but had no regard for Maxwell’s victims. Whether she was aware or not, Naomi’s history of assault shows a sociopathic behavior.

11. Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry was a beloved actor who suddenly passed away on October 28, 2023. He was famously known for playing Chandler Bing in the 1994 sitcom Friends. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Matthew spoke of his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which had a significant impact on his personal and professional life. He had developed sociopathic behaviors as a result of his addiction, where he stole pain medications at open houses and lied to get painkillers while maintaining a charismatic and charming face in front of his friends and family. Towards the end of his life, some claimed that he had become violent and verbally abusive despite what his fans saw as a broken man working his way back on top of his health and sobriety.

Final Thoughts

It is important to note that these individuals have not been officially diagnosed with sociopathy, and any such diagnosis should only be made by a trained professional. However, their behaviors have been noted by experts and sources alike as potentially indicative of sociopathic tendencies.

Being a celebrity means standing out from the crowd. One way actors do that is by having distinctive features that set them apart from others. You will notice some celebrities maintaining a signature look, be it hairstyle, tattoos, or grooming style. But some stand out simply because of their natural physical features.

Enter the long face. It’s not the most common feature, but when it’s present, it can be very striking. In fact, some actors grow a beard to give the illusion of a long face.

Here are 15 male actors with long faces who stand out among the rest.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch is described as a lovely, generous, and humble man, qualities that make him unique. But he is also known for his sharp cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and narrow jaw.

Cumberbatch’s long face creates a dignified and regal profile, which, unlike most actors, he doesn’t try to cover with a beard.

Cumberbatch has often brushed off his inclusion in the list of handsome men since he regards his face as looking ‘weird.’ Regardless, there is no denying that Cumberbatch pulls off a fantastic look with his long face.

2. Keanu Reeves

Reeves is one of the most handsome men of all time. Over time, he could pull off different looks without losing his attractiveness.

However, many have noticed that Reeves’ face has gotten longer with time, which could be attributed to him growing a beard.

Reeves’ long face has a certain rugged quality, making him the perfect action hero in film series such as John Wick and The Matrix.

3. Jared Leto

While Leto’s face is considered average, he pulls off an amazing signature look with long hair and a thick beard.

Like Reeves, Leto’s face has gotten longer with time. With his chiseled features and piercing eyes, Leto’s long face exudes a mysterious charm.

4. Ben Affleck

Ever heard the phrase, “Why the long face?” It is often used to refer to a gloomy face. Ben has been spotted at the Grammy and events with a restful face that appears unhappy, which resulted in “Sad Affleck” memes circulating in 2016.

Ben’s long face gives him a boyish charm, but his strong jawline and shaggy beard keep him looking masculine.

5. John Krasinski

Krasinski has a long, narrow face with a broad, round jawline. He often grows a beard, which gives the illusion of a uniformly formed jaw that complements his long face.

Krasinski’s long face, combined with his easy smile, gives him a laidback, surfer ‘dude’ quality.

6. Zachary Quinto

Unlike most celebrities with long faces, Quinto has a full cheekbone and a round chin. Quinto’s long face, combined with his distinctive eyebrows, gives him a unique look that’s perfect for science fiction films. It’s no wonder he was so well-suited to play the role of Spock in the Star Trek film series.

7. David Schwimmer

Schwimmer’s long face is one of his most recognizable features, often leading to him being cast in roles that require a certain level of awkwardness. Despite this, Schwimmer has a certain charm that makes him endearing to audiences.

His sharp cheekbones and narrow jawline give him a distinguished look, which he often complements with a neatly trimmed beard.

Schwimmer’s long face adds to his overall comedic persona, making him one of the most beloved sitcom actors of the 90s.

8. Zeeko Zaki

Zeeko Zaki has a distinctively long face with a narrow jaw and deep-set eyes. However, unlike some of his fellow actors on this list, he often keeps a clean-shaven look, allowing his facial features to take centre stage.

Zaki’s long face gives him a serious and intense look, which is perfect for his role as an FBI agent in the TV series FBI.

9. Jake Gyllenhaal

Gyllenhaal’s long face, with a strong jawline and prominent cheekbones, is one of his defining features.

He often grows facial hair to complement his rugged look, but even without it, his long face exudes a certain intensity that makes him perfect for different roles.

Jake’s long face, combined with his brooding expression, creates a certain intensity that’s hard for fans to ignore.

10. George Clooney

Clooney’s long face, combined with his salt-and-pepper hair, gives him a distinguished and sophisticated look. His intense gaze makes him the perfect leading man in most films and television shows.

Despite being in his fifties, Clooney still maintains his charm and sex appeal, proving that a long face can be an asset.

Unlike what most actors with long faces feel about themselves, George’s long face gives him a refined, almost aristocratic quality that is evident in his confidence.

11. Eric Balfour

Eric has a very long and angular face that makes him look like a pirate. His face is often described as ‘elongated’, but he still manages to captivate his audience with his immense talent and bright smile.

Eric’s long face and delicate features create an almost angelic look, making him the perfect choice for romantic films.

12. Adam Sandler

Sandler is an iconic comedy actor. He has a long, rounded face, a long cheek line, and a long nose. His East Coast accent further complements his facial features.

Sandler often grows a thick beard that makes his nose appear more prominent and his face longer and rugged. Unlike the case with most actors, Sandler’s long face has not changed much over time. 

13. Ryan Reynolds

Ryan’s face has a particular vulnerability to it, but it’s offset by his striking brown eyes and defined jawline.

His long face and piercing eyes create an almost cartoonish quality that some find ‘goofy’, which makes him a fascinating character in the roles he stars in.

14. Jeff Bridges

Jeff’s signature look is mid-length hair and a beard, which perfectly complements his long face. Whether he goes bald with no beard, or bald with a long beard like in the Iron Man I movie, Jeff is one of the most attractive and talented actors of all time.

Jeff’s long face has an almost horse-like quality, but his rugged good looks keep him from looking too equine.

15. Jon Favreau

Favreau has a full face and rounded cheeks. However, during his time in the sitcom Friends, Favreau appeared to have quite a slim, long face.

With his intense eyes and rugged features, Favreau’s long face gives him a slightly menacing quality, perfect for playing unconventional characters.

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The long face is a unique and intriguing facial feature that can create a distinct profile. These 15 male actors above have embraced their long faces and used them to create memorable characters on screen. What makes these actors stand out is the confidence they depict in their roles despite what others think of their long faces. So, the next time you’re looking for an actor with a distinctive look, consider one with a long face.

If you are an avid Hollywood follower, you probably would agree that so many actresses are overrated. While some are considered A-listers because of their numerous movie appearances, box office hits, and recognitions, other not-so-famous faces deserve the spot more.

These so-called B-listers probably don’t have the highest billing and don’t always get the A-list attention. However, they are recognized for their immense acting talent and societal influence. They don’t have the biggest, most recent hits, but their global fan base is massive.

Here are some B-list actresses in their 40s who have consistently demonstrated their talent, surpassing many A-listers in the industry.

1.  Felicity Jones (40 Years)

Birmingham-born British Actress Felicity Jones began her acting career at 12 years old, featuring in the 1996 famous British family TV film, the Treasure Seeker. After that, the 40-year-old was featured in numerous blockbusters such as The Worst Witch, Amazing Spiderman 2, the Weird Sister College, the Tempest, True Story, and Like Crazy, among many others.

Felicity Jones has even been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, and the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress, among many other career-defining awards, which should affirm her position as an A-lister.

2.   Hayley Atwell (41 Years)

Hayley Elizabeth Atwell is another B-lister who deserves an A-lister salute. The 41-year-old British-American actress gained popularity for her roles in the 2008 historical drama, The Duchess, which earned her the British Independent Film Award.

Hayley also earned the 2010 Golden Globe Award for her role in the 8-part TV series The Pillars of the Earth.

Her long list of movie features also includes Captain America (First Avenger and Winter Soldier), Avengers (Age of Ultron and End Game), and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, to name a few.

3.   Rebecca Hall (41 Years)

You probably remember her as Ana from the 2017 romantic comedy-drama Permission. Rebecca Hall also plays Maya Hansen in Iron Man 3, Evelyn Caster in Transcendence, Jules in Teen Spirit, and Dr. Grace Hart in Holmes & Watson.

The 41-year-old British actress has also been featured in Awakening, Closed Circuit, A Promise, The Gift, the Dinner, and Passing, among many others. Her latest appearance is in Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, slated for 2024.

4.   Kirsten Dunst (41 Years)

Kirsten Dunst is a 41-year-old American-German actress who gained instant recognition for playing Claudia, a child vampire, in the 1994 American horror film Interview with the Vampire, where she starred alongside Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. The film earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress role.

Since then, Kirsten Dunst has been featured in numerous films, including Little Women, ER (Season 3), Wag the Dog, Bring It On, and Get Over It, among many others. Her role in Spiderman is arguably her highlight, which should earn her an A-list recognition.

5.   Cobie Smulders (41 Years)

Very few Canadian actresses are as established as Cobie Smulders. The 41-year-old mother of two is famous for her role in CBS’s sitcom How I Met Your Mother, the Avengers (2012 edition) and Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D., where she plays the role of Agent Hill.

Other appearances that support the argument that she is an A-lister include movies like Safe Haven, Results, The Lego Movie, Stumptown, and Present Laughter.

6.   Natalie Dormer (42 Years)

Natalie Dormer is an A-list prospect, having won the prestigious annual British Empire Award and earned nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Awards, and Gemini Awards.

The 42-year-old British actress grabbed the movie world’s attention for her appearance in Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Cressida.

7.   Mindy Kaling (44 Years)

44-year-old American actress Mindy Kaling was recognized by Time Magazine in 2013 as one of the world’s most influential people.

She even received the 2022 National Medal of the Arts Award from President Biden. That alone, coupled with her numerous appearances on blockbusters like Despicable Me, No Strings Attached, Ocean’s 8, and Late Night, should earn her an A-list spot.

8.   Evangeline Lily (44 Years)

Evangeline Lily is a 44-year-old Canadian actress who most people recognize from ABC’s drama series Lost, which earned a Golden Globe nomination in the Best Actress Drama category.

Besides, she has featured in Reel Steel, the Hobbit, and Ant-Man, among other hits, which should stamp her name as an A-lister.

9.  Zoe Saldana (45 Years)

Just for her role in the Avatar (2009), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: End Game (2019), and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), 45-year-old Zoe Saldana certainly should be an A-lister. After all, the four movies are among the highest-grossing films in history.

The mother of three was the 2^nd highest-grossing film actress in history in 2023. Time Magazine even named her one of the world’s top 100 most influential people.

10. Liv Tyler (46 Years)

Live Tyler started as a model at 14 years before making her film debut in 1994 in the American psychological thriller Silent Fall. The 46-year-old went on to feature in the Lord of Rings, Reign Over Me, the Incredible Hulk, the Strangers, and Harlots, features that should surely earn her an A-list recognition.

11. Judy Greer (48 Years)

Judy Greer kick-started her acting career in 1999, playing a supporting role in the American dark comedy Jawbreaker. The 48-year-old American actress would later feature in What Women Want, 27 Dresses, Elizabeth Town, 13 Going On 30, Love & Other Drugs, and The Village.

Judy Greer has received multiple nominations over the years, which should enlist her among the A-listers. Notable ones include the Teen Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Critics Choice Movie Awards.

Also Check: 20 Z-List Celebrities Who Deserve a Second Glance

Judging by their mastery of the acting craft, role execution, recognition, and fan base, the above actresses surely deserve a spot among A-listers. It’s an undeniable injustice to call them B-listers as you could argue they are more talented than most A-listers, and we hope that the movie world will soon realize that and accord them their due recognition.

It’s widely acknowledged that excessive drinking can have detrimental effects on our health. As a result, many of us consume alcohol in moderation. Even pregnant women have been known to take a small amount of whiskey or wine which most of us consider safe, but do you know that alcohol can harm an unborn baby? Unlike adults, their bodies are unable to metabolize alcohol efficiently.

Kids who are exposed to alcohol during the fetal stage end up with a condition known as Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This condition can affect their development while growing up, leaving them with learning disabilities and poor memory. But just because you have FAS doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve your dreams in life.

Many people including celebrities and politicians have made a name for themselves despite their condition. They have learned how to manage it and turn their shortcomings into a success story.  It may have taken them longer to learn, but now they can read scripts and have starred in some of the blockbusters that we enjoy.

Here is a list of the oldest people with fetal alcohol syndrome who have gone against the norm and achieved their goals in life.  

1. Bernie Sanders (82 Years Old)

Rumors of him having FAS started spreading during his initial stage as a politician. Unfortunately, no one in his team has ever denied or confirmed if Sanders has FAS. This has resulted in his opponent using it against him, but instead of defending himself, he has been advocating for people with FAS for years.

He may have not confirmed the rumors, but his activism for FAS strengthens the claim that he has the condition. People believe that he has FAS because of his poor social cues and prickly eyes.  

2. Gary Burghoff (80 Years Old)

The famous M.A.S.H actor was born with a condition known as brachydactyly which is triggered by the Poland condition that’s associated with FAS. This condition was hidden in most episodes, but once in a while, his fans could notice it.

3. Jim Carrey (62 Years Old)

Another top celebrity with this condition who has succeeded in Hollywood is Jim Carrey. Carrey always shares about his upbringing and he claims that he is from an alcoholic family and his mother struggled with drug and alcohol use.

Exposure to alcohol before being born left him with various conditions including uncontrollable sporadic seizures and involuntary facial contortion. But he used the involuntary facial contortions to his advantage and became the celebrity he is today. His fans love him for his unique facial expressions.

4. Frances’s Story (Over 50 Years Old)

According to CDC, Frances was born about 6 weeks earlier and weighed about 3 pounds. While growing up, she had a problem with making friends and learning issues in school. But she did manage to finish school and even go to college and get a job.  

Since she didn’t know what was wrong, she went from job to job, but she later started seeing a therapist and even got the right medication for FAS. She still struggles sometimes, but she always tells people that there is hope.

5. Joaquin Phoenix (50 Years Old)

Phoenix has checked himself into rehab several times in his career with the most memorable moment being in 2005 after he had finished filming. The star has had a tough upbringing, thanks to his heavy drinking mum which resulted in him developing FAS.

Phoenix has a unique scar that runs from his nose to his upper lip. The scar is referred to as a microform cleft lip that kids develop during the 1^st weeks in their mother’s womb. 

6. DJ Peter Bowers (44 Years Old)

Abandoned by his mother before he turned 2, the DJ has spent years struggling with FAS, thanks to his mother’s heavy drinking behavior while she was pregnant with him. His condition made it hard for him to fit in various care facilities and foster homes. Despite the struggle, the Scottish has managed to develop a unique career as a DJ.

FAS may be a tough condition that can make it hard for you to learn in school or even make friends. But that doesn’t mean that you should give up or stop motivating a family member with this condition. After all, the above celebrities went through the same struggle and made it in life, so why shouldn’t you? The struggle made them stronger and a better fit for their careers with some becoming activists for people with FAS.

Cold sores may not be as dangerous as other STDs, but they can be quite embarrassing. And that’s because hiding the tiny blisters on your lips or face is impossible. Sure, you can wear the facial masks that became popular during the Covid-19 period, but you will have to remove it at some point.

Cold sores may be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but did you know that it affects over two-thirds of the world’s population? This includes several celebrities who have owned them with pride. Some of these celebrities have even raised awareness and helped make this condition socially acceptable.

They have uploaded various photos of themselves with blisters on their lips and faces on social media. Luckily, most of these posts have received positive responses, with their fans appreciating their honesty and openness.

So if you have cold sores then you shouldn’t be ashamed as the following black celebrities have dealt with this condition at some point in their lives.

1. Rihanna

Back in 2008 when Rihanna was dating Chris Brown, she was seen with tiny blisters on her lips. Some tabloids claim that Chris attacked her in his car the night before the 2009 Grammys after she gave him cold sores. Some tabloids even claimed that she got the STD from Jay-Z.

Starkeema Greenidge also claims that she got cold sores after sampling a lipstick she had been given by Rihanna’s sponsors. She sued the superstar for an unspecified amount for emotional distress and mental anguish.

2. Janet Jackson

Back in the late 1990s, Janet suffered from this virus secretly and was seen with blisters on her lips. To hide the condition, she used her chef’s name to get medication, which was illegal. And after her chef, Macchi Ricardo, found out he printed the prescription at the local pharmacy, and sued her in 1999. Unfortunately, the judge dismissed the case against Rene Elizondo and Janet Jackson in 2000.

3. Chris Brown

During the lawsuit of Rihanna against him, Chris Brown said that the Barbadian singer infected him with cold sores. Brown said that he woke up with blisters on his private parts and when urinating it popped which was quite scary. The singer has been spotted with some cold sores on his lips which disappear after a few weeks.

4. Michael Jackson

After Michael’s death, a lady known as Shelly Smith sued his estate demanding $10 million. She claimed that the superstar infected her with herpes over 4 decades ago and ruined her life. During the trial, Shelly said that she started sleeping with Michael in 1979 and after a few weeks, she got blisters on her lips, face and legs. She said that he was his only sexual partner and believes that he is the one who infected her.

5. Michael Vick

A 26 years old lady, known as Sonya Elliott, claims that the Falcon quarterback knowingly gave her cold sores in the early 2000s. Elliott sued Vick on March 14, 2003 seeking damages for the infection and the quarterback’s negligence. Sonya sued after Vick refused to help get treatment after she started suffering. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount in 2006.

6. Usher

Another singer who has had to deal with lawsuits from women claiming that he infected them with herpes is Usher. He has been sued by various women and even settled the first case in 2012 for an undisclosed amount. Usher has had to pay millions of dollars in settlements against a number of women.

7. Mariah Carey

According to BecomeGorgeous.com, Carey is part of a popular herpes tree. The singer dated Jeter for a few months and is believed to have contracted this condition from him. Unfortunately, she has never talked about the condition.

8. Derek Jeter

Jeter has been accused of infecting several women with cold sores over the years including some top names like Jessica Alba and Mariah Carey. Alba got infected by Jeter in 2004 and used her assistant to get a prescription for the condition. Jeter has also dated and infected Vanessa Minnillo and Scarlett Johansson.  

9. 50 Cents

Back in 2018, Shaniqua Tompkins accused Curtis Jackson of having herpes. But the rapper dismissed her ex claiming that she was bitter after her $50 million lawsuit was dismissed. The two share a son and no other woman has publicly claimed that the rapper infected them with the virus to date.

10. R Kelly

During the case against R Kelly, his physician testified that he has been infecting women with herpes since 2007. At the time, the singer was facing a federal child pornography case which he lost and was jailed for 20 years.

11. NBA Youngboy

In his song “Can’t Be Saved” NBA Youngboy claimed that he has herpes, which his fans thought were just lyrics. They were confused since the rapper didn’t confirm or deny the rumor, but his ex-girlfriend, Jania, confirmed that he does have cold sores. Jania also confirmed that she also has herpes and was surprised with Youngboy’s confession.

12. Dennis Rodman

Rodman has been dealing with scandals for decades with the most popular ones being herpes infections. The NBA star was even sued for infecting ladies with the condition. Some of the ladies who accused him of infecting them with herpes include Lisa Beth Judd who he had an on-and-off affair between 1991 and 1993.

Also check: 11 Supermodels Who Have Had Their Runs with Cold Sores

Knowingly transmitting an STD is illegal and this includes cold sores, which some of the above celebrities have found out the hard way. Celebrities like Usher have had to deal with herpes-related lawsuits for over a decade. On the other hand, some celebrities have owned up and shared photos of themselves with these blisters is commendable. Instead of hiding the cold sores using makeup, they have opted to raise awareness of cold sores and show us that we’re not alone in the fight against the cold sore stigma. Let their courage remind us that we are all capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness, one day at a time. Let’s support and uplift each other as we navigate life’s ups and downs, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles.