In fact, throughout history, many people with diagnosed or undiagnosed dyslexia have gone on to become celebrated for their exceptional creativity. The famous visual artists Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci, for example, are thought to have been dyslexic. And even though dyslexia can make it difficult to spell and write, authors have succeeded despite this challenge. The iconic mystery writer Agatha Christie and the great American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald may have had dyslexia that went undiagnosed. (1,2) According to Sally Gardner, a British writer of children’s books, her dyslexia has been “a gift.” (3) The actor Orlando Bloom, who struggled with dyslexia growing up, has said that creativity is key for any child who has the condition. Determination is just as important. “I’d say just hold on to your dreams and never ever think that you’re not good enough or that you’re stupid,” he told audiences at a Child Mind Institute lecture to raise awareness about the condition. “Never let anyone tell you that you’re not capable. … Take this obstacle and make it the reason to have a big life, because if you can overcome this obstacle you are going to be that much further ahead than anyone else.” (4) Here’s a look at 12 famous people who have overcome dyslexia.
