Actresses You Didn’t Know Are Actually Legally Blind

The world of Hollywood often seems focused on physical perfection and sharp senses. However many successful performers have managed their careers while living with significant visual impairments or legal blindness. These women have proven that a loss of sight does not mean a loss of vision for their artistic goals. Their stories of adaptation and perseverance inspire audiences across the globe. From legendary icons to modern stars these actresses have navigated the industry with remarkable strength.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench has been open about her struggle with macular degeneration which severely affects her ability to read scripts. She often relies on close friends and family to read her lines aloud so she can memorize them for her roles. The legendary actress has appeared in several ‘James Bond’ films and ‘Shakespeare in Love’ throughout her long career. Despite her failing eyesight she continues to take on demanding roles in major motion pictures. She remains one of the most respected performers in the entertainment industry today.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis revealed that she was blind in one eye for many years due to a condition called chronic iritis. This condition caused a cataract that blurred her vision and eventually led to legal blindness in that eye. She kept this information private for a long time while starring in ‘That 70s Show’ and other projects. She eventually underwent surgery to correct the issue and restore her sight. Her career has flourished with leading roles in movies like ‘Black Swan’ and ‘Bad Moms’ following the successful procedure.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr has shared that she suffers from both macular degeneration and glaucoma. These conditions are progressive and have significantly impacted her vision over the years. She rose to fame starring in the popular sitcom ‘Roseanne’ during the late eighties and early nineties. The actress has noted that her field of vision is narrowing but she continues to work and stay active in public life. She remains a prominent figure in the world of comedy and television.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah is legally blind in one eye following an accident during her childhood. This impairment did not stop her from pursuing a successful career in Hollywood starring in major hits like ‘Splash’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She has often navigated film sets and complex action sequences with limited depth perception. Her ability to deliver powerful performances despite this challenge is a testament to her professional dedication. She continues to be a vocal advocate for environmental causes and independent filmmaking.

Sandy Duncan

Sandy Duncan lost the sight in her left eye due to a tumor on her optic nerve at the height of her career. She became a household name starring in ‘The Hogan Family’ and playing the lead role in the stage production of ‘Peter Pan’. Many fans were unaware of her visual impairment because she learned to move and perform so naturally on camera. She often spoke about the adaptation process and how she maintained her balance during dance routines. Her longevity in the industry has made her an inspiration for performers with similar challenges.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has dealt with vision issues for several years and has spoken about her experience with glaucoma. The ‘Sister Act’ star often wears tinted glasses to help manage her sensitivity to light and protect her eyes. She is one of the few performers to achieve the prestigious status of winning an Emmy Grammy Oscar and Tony award. Her work as a moderator on ‘The View’ keeps her in the public eye where she occasionally mentions her eye health. She continues to be a force in both film and television comedy.

Diane Schuur

Diane Schuur is a celebrated jazz singer and actress who has been blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity. She has won multiple Grammy awards and has made several guest appearances on television programs like ‘Sesame Street’. Her performances often feature her playing the piano while delivering powerful vocal arrangements. She has navigated the world of entertainment with grace and a sharp sense of humor about her visual impairment. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized by world leaders and music critics alike.

Aria Mia Loberti

Aria Mia Loberti is a rising star who gained international recognition for her lead role in the series ‘All the Light We Cannot See’. She is legally blind due to a rare genetic condition called achromatopsia which affects her perception of color and light. Before becoming an actress she was a scholar and advocate for disability rights on a global scale. Her performance in the ‘Netflix’ production received widespread acclaim for its authenticity and depth. She continues to break barriers for blind performers in the television and film industry.

Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Tyler Moore was a television legend who suffered from significant vision loss later in her life due to Type 1 diabetes. The ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ star became legally blind which made it difficult for her to navigate sets and read scripts. She spent much of her time advocating for diabetes research and funding to help others with the condition. Despite her declining health she remained a symbol of the independent woman in the entertainment industry. Her legacy continues to influence generations of actresses and television producers.

Marsha Hunt

Marsha Hunt was a Golden Age actress who lived a long life while dealing with the effects of glaucoma. She starred in numerous films during the 1940s and was known for her activism as much as her acting talent. In her later years she spoke about the challenges of losing her sight and the importance of eye health awareness. She remained active in her community and continued to support various humanitarian causes despite her visual limitations. Her career serves as a bridge between the classic era of Hollywood and modern advocacy.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller was a world famous author and activist who also appeared in film and theater productions. She famously played herself in the silent film ‘Deliverance’ which chronicled her life story and educational journey. As a deaf blind woman she broke through immense barriers to communicate and advocate for human rights. Her life has been the subject of numerous ‘The Miracle Worker’ adaptations on stage and screen. She remains a global icon for the capabilities of people with dual sensory loss.

Nanette Fabray

Nanette Fabray was a versatile actress and dancer who experienced vision loss due to macular degeneration later in her career. She was a star of the stage and screen winning multiple Tony and Emmy awards for her work. Many fans remember her for her role in the sitcom ‘One Day at a Time’ and various musical films. She was also a dedicated advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community throughout her life. Her resilience in the face of both hearing and vision challenges made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard is the lead singer of the Alabama Shakes and an actress who survived retinoblastoma as a child. This rare form of eye cancer left her legally blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other. She has branched out into acting and has been featured in television performances and documentaries. Her powerful presence and unique voice have made her a standout figure in the modern music and entertainment landscape. She continues to inspire fans with her story of overcoming early childhood health struggles.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was a legendary jazz singer and actress who suffered from severe vision loss due to diabetes in her later years. Known as the First Lady of Song she appeared in several films including ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues’ and ‘St. Louis Blues’. Her visual impairment became more pronounced toward the end of her life but she continued to perform for her fans. She remains one of the most influential vocalists in history with a career spanning several decades. Her ability to improvise and deliver flawless performances is still celebrated today.

Kathleen Battle

Kathleen Battle is a world renowned soprano and actress who has dealt with the effects of severe glaucoma. She has performed in many operas and television specials showcasing her incredible vocal range and acting ability. Her work with the Metropolitan Opera and other major companies has earned her several Grammy awards. She has had to manage her eye health while performing under bright stage lights and navigating complex set designs. She continues to be a respected figure in the classical music and performing arts world.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler is best known for her role in ‘The Sopranos’ and has lived with multiple sclerosis for many years. One of the symptoms of her condition is occasional vision loss and complications that affect her eyesight. She has been very open about the challenges of working on film sets while managing the unpredictable nature of her illness. Despite these hurdles she has continued to act in various television series and host successful podcasts. Her transparency has helped raise awareness for others living with similar health conditions.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair is a prominent actress who has faced significant vision issues since her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. She has appeared in many hit movies such as ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘Hellboy’ during her productive career. The actress has documented her journey with the disease including how it affects her motor skills and visual perception. She has become an advocate for accessibility in the fashion and entertainment industries while continuing to work. Her courage in the face of a chronic condition has inspired a wide audience of supporters.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is an award winning actress who has discussed her struggles with vision changes following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Known for her roles in ‘Married with Children’ and ‘Dead to Me’ she has navigated a long and successful career. She has noted that the condition can make reading and focusing on scripts more difficult than in the past. Despite these challenges she delivered a critically acclaimed performance in her final television series. She remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of television comedy.

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is a legendary singer and performer who has experienced vision loss due to progressive supranuclear palsy. While primarily known for her music she has appeared in filmed concerts and the musical ‘The Pirates of Penzance’. The condition has made it difficult for her to perform and eventually led to her retirement from the stage. She has been vocal about the loss of her physical abilities and how she adapts to her changing sight. Her impact on the music industry and her resilience remain part of her enduring legacy.

Teri Garr

Teri Garr is an iconic actress known for her roles in ‘Tootsie’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ who has dealt with vision issues related to multiple sclerosis. She spent many years managing the symptoms of the disease while continuing to work in film and television. Her career is marked by her comedic timing and versatile acting skills which made her a fan favorite. She has been an advocate for multiple sclerosis research and has shared her story to help others understand the condition. Her contributions to cinema have left a lasting impression on the entertainment world.

Alice Walker

Alice Walker is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and performer who has been blind in one eye since a childhood accident. She has appeared in various television programs and documentaries discussing her work and her life experiences. Her most famous work ‘The Color Purple’ was adapted into a celebrated film and a Broadway musical. She has often spoken about how her visual impairment shaped her perspective as a writer and activist. Her influence extends across literature and visual media through the many adaptations of her stories.

Georgia Engel

Georgia Engel was a beloved comedic actress who was legally blind in one eye for much of her life. She rose to fame as Georgette on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and later appeared in ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. Her soft voice and unique delivery made her a standout performer in every role she took on. She often worked around her visual impairment without drawing attention to it on camera. Her long career in theater and television is a testament to her talent and adaptability as an artist.

Andrea McArdle

Andrea McArdle is the original ‘Annie’ on Broadway and an actress who has dealt with significant vision issues. She has performed in numerous stage productions and television specials throughout her long career. She has spoken about the challenges of performing under intense stage lights with her visual limitations. Her talent as a singer and actress has kept her a fixture in the musical theater community for decades. She continues to perform and inspire new generations of musical theater stars.

Tell us which of these talented women inspired you the most in the comments.