Famous Dyslexics

The author and illustrator of the bestselling Tom Gates series, has dyslexia, which went undiagnosed during her school years. She struggled with spelling and grammar, making her believe she couldn't be a writer, but her experience later inspired her to create visual, doodle-filled books that are popular with dyslexic and reluctant readers.

Dav Pilkey, the creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants, was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, calling them his "superpowers" rather than disabilities. His struggles in school, including being sent to the hallway, led him to create his own comic books, which became the foundation for his bestselling series

Tom Holland is a British actor best known for playing Spider-Man in the Marvel films. Holland has spoken openly about having dyslexia, which he was diagnosed with at age seven. He has said that spelling was his biggest challenge in school and that he worked hard to overcome difficulties with reading and writing. More recently, he explained that dyslexia can make tasks involving reading aloud under pressure difficult, causing what he describes as a “mental block,” which is one reason he has been hesitant to host Saturday Night Live. Despite these challenges, Holland credits preparation, practice, and support from his parents for helping him succeed in his career.

Dahl was a renowned children's author who was dyslexic, a condition that influenced his creative use of language. Despite struggling with reading and writing, he became one of the 20th century's most successful storytellers, selling over 200 million books.

Keira says her problems have not affected her ability to learn her lines and adds, “I can learn them fine. It’s just reading them in the first place that is the problem.

Sir Richard Branson, KBE, a famed British entrepreneur, is best known for his widely successful Virgin brand, a banner that encompasses a variety of business organizations.

American film director, producer, screenwriter, and business magnate. He is considered one of the most popular and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

Space Scientist and Engineer Dr Maggie Aderin said that dyslexic thinking made her the scientist she is today, ‘If we could harness its power, imagine what could be possible…

The actor has said, “Dyslexia is not due to lack of intelligence, it’s a lack of access. It’s like, if you’re dyslexic, you have all the information you need but find it harder to process.” He now considers himself “mildly dyslexic.”

Tom Cruise is an American actor known for films such as Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible franchise. Cruise has spoken publicly about having dyslexia, saying he was diagnosed at age seven and struggled to remember what he had read, often feeling anxious, frustrated, and embarrassed by his learning difficulties. He has described hiding his dyslexia from classmates and later said that he trained himself to become a highly visual learner, using mental images to help him understand written material. Cruise has also said that the challenges he faced with dyslexia made him more determined and resilient throughout his career.

Walter Elias “Walt” Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, and animator. One of the most well-known motion picture producers in the world.

She struggled in school and wasn’t diagnosed until later in life. She helped win a $333 million class action lawsuit that is the largest in U.S. history.

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an inventor and businessman who developed many important devices. Edison is considered one of the most prolific inventors, holding a record 1,093 patents in his name.

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter, was one of the recognized masters of 20th century art, probably most famous as the founder, along with Georges Braque, of Cubism.

Lennon was an English musician, songwriter and activist. He gained global fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history. He was, however, expelled from school for misbehaviour. His teachers were unaware that he suffered from dyslexia.

The Right Honourable Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, FRS, PC was a British statesman, best known as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.

Duncan Goodhew is one of the most respected and instantly recognisable UK swimming athletes. He was an Olympic Gold and Bronze medallist at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. He was the England Swimming team captain, and multi-Olympics champion.