Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects women and is caused by the partial or whole loss of one X chromosome. Several physical and developmental issues, including infertility, delayed puberty, and small stature, can result from this illness. Many women with Turner syndrome have accomplished amazing success in a variety of industries, such as activism, athletics, and entertainment, despite these obstacles.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 15 celebrities who have soared to greater heights despite having Turner syndrome.
What is Turner Syndrome?
Turner syndrome is a hereditary disorder that only affects women. This illness is characterized by an altered or absent X chromosome. Affected women may consequently experience physical and health issues like infertility, small stature, and a higher risk of renal or heart disease.
Although they may have issues with physical development, people with Turner syndrome typically have normal mental health. With the right medical attention, many women and girls with Turner syndrome lead normal lives.
Other names exist for the disorder, such as Ullrich-Turner syndrome and 45, X.
15 Celebrities With Turner Syndrome
1. Linda Hunt
One of the well-known Americans with Turner Syndrome is Linda Hunt, a well-known Hollywood actress. Among the numerous well-known movies she has starred in include “Dune” (1984), “Pocahontas” (1995), “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006), and “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” (1998).
Among her thirteen accolades are the 2012 Teen Choice Award and the 1984 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2008, she wed Karen Kline, her longtime partner.
She has spread awareness of the illness by using her position.
2. Mariska Hargitay Magdolna
Mariska Hargitay Magdolna, born on January 23, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, is a well-known actress recognized for her role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Coming from an acting family her mother was actress Jayne Mansfield and her father was actor and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay.
She has also founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault. Hargitay is married to Peter Hermann and has two children, and she has been open about her experiences with Turner syndrome.
3. Natalie Gulbis
Natalie Gulbis, a professional golfer from California, was diagnosed with Turner syndrome at 12 but didn’t let it hold her back. She has achieved four professional wins and is considered one of the most successful golfers, despite facing the emotional challenges associated with the condition. Notably, she won the 2007 Evian Masters and is married to football player Josh Rodarmel.
4. Dominique Moceanu
Born in Hollywood, California on September 30, 1981, Dominique Moceanu, a retired Olympic gymnast with Turner syndrome, became the youngest gymnast to win the senior all-around title at the U.S. National Championships in 1995 at the age of 13.
She is an advocate for athlete safety and health and was a member of the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. gymnastics team. Moceanu has one child with his spouse, Michael Canales. Her accomplishments demonstrate her extraordinary talent and tenacity in conquering the obstacles posed by Turner syndrome.
5. Jessica Alba
The actress and businesswoman disclosed that she had Turner syndrome, which has affected her journey toward self-acceptance and body image. She began acting when she was 13 and became well-known at 19 thanks to her part in the 2000–2002 television series Dark Angel.
She was born in Pomona, California, on April 28, 1981. Her parents are Catherine Louisa and Mark David Alba. She married Cash Warren in 2008 and started a consumer goods company called The Honest Company in addition to her acting profession.
6. Saoirse Ronan
The well-known Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan was born in New York City on April 12, 1994. Her career started in 2003 with the Irish television series The Clinic. She became well-known throughout the world for her performance in the 2007 film Atonement, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award at the age of 13.
Renowned for her roles in historical dramas, Ronan has won numerous honors, including a Golden Globe and four Academy Award nods for her portrayal in Lady Bird (2017). Other noteworthy films are Ammonite (2020), Little Women (2019), and Brooklyn (2015). Along with her achievements in movies, she debuted on Broadway in a Crucible revival.
Despite having Turner Syndrome, which she is said to have had from birth, she is a great actress.
7. Natasha Hamilton
Natasha Hamilton is a well-known English singer and stage actress who was a member of the girl group Atomic Kitten, which was founded in 1998. She started singing with the Starlight Show Group at the age of twelve. Hamilton has become a well-known personality in the entertainment industry thanks to her considerable success in both her acting and music careers, despite her having Turner syndrome.
8. Fran Drescher
The Nanny actress Fran Drescher has been candid about her struggle with Turner syndrome. Her memoir, Cancer Schmancer, explores how her illness has influenced her life and work. Drescher also supports health education and cancer awareness.
9. Emily Ratajkowski
Born in London on June 7, 1991, Emily Ratajkowski is an American novelist, model, and actress. Born and raised in Encinitas, California, she signed with Ford Models at the age of 14 and started modeling.
In her book My Body, actress and model Emily Ratajkowski disclosed that she was diagnosed with Turner syndrome. She talks about how the illness has affected her quest for self-acceptance and body image. By being transparent about her experiences, Ratajkowski hopes to encourage others to value their own beauty.
10. Haley Moss
Author and lawyer Haley Moss was born with both Turner syndrome and autism. She uses her position as Florida’s first openly autistic lawyer to promote neurodiversity and increase public awareness of both disorders.
In addition to practicing law, she has authored multiple books, including Great Minds Think Differently, and is a speaker and consultant on disability inclusion in the workplace.
11. Beckanne Sisk
Beckanne Sisk is a gifted American ballet dancer best known for her performances with Ballet West and her appearance on the reality show Breaking Pointe.
Beckanne Sisk suffers from Turner syndrome and has been outspoken about her condition. She has played many leading parts, including as Kitri in Don Quixote and the title role in Giselle, and has received recognition for her dedication, especially in overcoming scoliosis-related obstacles. Sisk is engaged to Chase O’Connell, a fellow dancer.
12. Jorgie Porter
Jorgie Porter is an English actress and model best known for her role as Theresa McQueen in the popular soap opera Hollyoaks, which she started in 2008 and left in 2016, returning in 2020. Born on December 25, 1987, in Trafford, Greater Manchester, she initially trained in ballet before pursuing acting. Porter has Turner syndrome and actively supports the Turner Syndrome Support Society to raise awareness about the condition.
13. Nicole Gale Anderson
Nicole Gale Anderson, an American actress, was born on August 29, 1990, in Rochester, Indiana. She is best recognized for playing Heather Chandler in Beauty and the Beast, Macy Misa in Jonas, and Kelly Parker in Make It or Break It.
Anderson married Roberto Paniagua in 2018, and the couple has one child together. Nicole Gale Anderson has been upfront about her Turner Syndrome diagnosis.
14. Missy Marlowe
Missy Marlowe is a notable figure with Turner syndrome who was part of the U.S. gymnastics team at the Pan American Games and achieved great success in artistic gymnastics, including becoming a World Champion.
She competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and now serves as a spokeswoman for the Turner Syndrome Society, advocating for awareness about the condition. Marlowe has a daughter named Milan Clausi, who is also a gymnast.
15. Catherine Ward Melver
Catherine, a surgeon and medical geneticist, has Turner syndrome and has been living with it since the age of eight. With over 16 years of expertise and licensure from the Ohio State Medical Board, she frequently speaks publicly on Turner syndrome.
Although she is unable to have biological children owing to her disability, she has embraced parenting by adopting a daughter. Catherine is well-known for her expertise in Turner syndrome, and she has written numerous publications about chromosomal anomalies and treatments.
