If there’s anything we have learned from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s that COVID-19 does not discriminate.
And while sometimes they may play characters who are out of this world, or have otherworldy athletic skills, one thing is for sure — celebrities are human too.
A handful of stars from around the globe have gone public with their coronavirus diagnosis.
From Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson to Idris Elba, here are the known famous coronavirus patients.
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump
On October 2, it was revealed that the US president, Donald Trump, and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, have both tested positive for COVID-19.
“Tonight, (the first lady) and I tested positive for COVID-19,” the president tweeted. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
Two hours prior to confirming their own diagnosis, Trump announced that his aide, Hope Hicks, had tested positive prompting the couple to get tested themselves.
“Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for COVID 19,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
Robert Pattinson
On September 4, US media outlets reported that The Batman star, Robert Pattinson had tested positive for COVID-19 just days after resuming filming on the film.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros, the Hollywood studio behind the film, said: “A member of The Batman production has tested positive for Covid-19, and is isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused.”
While the studio declined to name the person infected, Vanity Fair — a reputable US outlet, announced it was the star.
According to the website, Pattinson will now self-isolate for two weeks before they are able to resume filming again.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
On September 3, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took to his social media to announce that he and his wife and two children had contracted the coronavirus in recent weeks.
All four have recovered, however, The Rock called it a “rough go”.
“I can tell you this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family, and for me personally,” the former pro wrestler said in a video on his Instagram.
Johnson, 48, said that his family had taken all precautions to prevent contracting the disease and were “incredibly disciplined”.
His two daughters “a little sore throat the first couple of days”, however, he and his wife, Lauren, 35, were a little worse off.
“But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good. We are on the other end of it,” he said. “We are no longer contagious, and we are, thank God, we are healthy.“
The actor then urged people to follow instructions and wear face masks.
“It baffles me that some people out there, including some politicians, will take this idea of wearing masks and make it a political agenda,” he said. “It is a fact and it’s the right thing to do, and it is the responsible thing to do.”
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
On July 13, it was announced that Bollywood star, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has coronavirus.
The 46-year-old, who is also known as “the most beautiful woman in the world”, her husband, Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan, 44, and their eight-year-old daughter Aaradhya, have all tested positive.
Over the weekend it was confirmed that Abhishek and his father, Amitabh Bachchan (also a famous Bollywood actor) had been taken to hospital for treatment for “mild symptoms”.
The following day, Abhishek took to his Twitter to share the news about his wife and child.
“Aishwarya and Aaradhya have also tested COVID-19 positive,” he wrote.
“They will be self quarantining at home [sic]. The BMC [Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation] has been updated of their situation and are doing the needful. The rest of the family including my Mother have tested negative. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers.”
In another Tweet, he said: “My father and I remain in hospital till the doctors decide otherwise. Everyone please remain cautious and safe. Please follow all rules! [sic]”
Aishwarya and Aaradhya have also tested COVID-19 positive. They will be self quarantining at home. The BMC has been updated of their situation and are doing the needful.The rest of the family including my Mother have tested negative. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers 🙏🏽
— Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) July 12, 2020
India is ranked third in the world for the most confirmed cases with more than 879,000 people to have contracted it and 23,000 deaths.
Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic
On June 24, it was announced that tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has tested positive for COVID-19.
He is now the fourth player to have tested positive after competing in the Adria Tour in Zadar, Croatia.
Djokovic’s wife Jelena has also tested positive, however, his children have returned negative results.
In an Instagram post, the World No. 1 player said that they “will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days and repeat the test in 5 days.”
Djokovic also apologised for allowing the tournament to go ahead.
“Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions.
“We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons.
“We were wrong and it was too soon.
“I can’t express how sorry I am for this and every case of infection.”
The 33-year-old then urged those who had attended the tour “to get tested and practise social distancing”.
“We will be sharing health resources in the immediate future,” he added.
A spokesperson for the tennis star, Francis Keogh, took to Twitter to say that Djokovic was “not showing any symptoms”.
Before the diagnosis, the player had been criticised for allowing the event to go ahead, at such an uncertain time.
Boris Johnson
On April 8, a Downing Street spokesperson said that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson “has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits.”
“He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance,” the statement read.
“He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.”
On April 7, a statement announced that Prime Minister Johnson had been placed in intensive care due to the coronavirus.
“Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus,” it read.
“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.”
According to the statement, he is “receiving excellent care, and thanks to all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
On April 6, 10 Downing St announced that Prime Minister Johnson had been admitted to hospital with a persisting high temperature due to coronavirus “10 days after testing positive for the virus”.
According to the BBC, he was admitted to the hospital as a “precautionary step” taken on the advice of his doctor.
The report also stated that he would be expected to stay overnight and is having “routine tests”.
A Downing Street spokeswoman also told the outlet:
“The prime minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
On March 27, it was announced that Prime Minister Johnson had tested positive for coronavirus and was experiencing mild symptoms.
Johnson confirmed the news via Twitter.
“Over the last 24 hours, I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating,” he said.
“But I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives”
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.
Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
J.K. Rowling
On April 7, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling shared with her fans that she had experienced all the symptoms of COVID-19.
Although not formally tested for the virus, she has now since “fully recovered” and shared advice on how to relieve respiratory symptoms from a doctor at Queens Hospital in the United Kingdom.
“I’m fully recovered & technique helped a lot,” she wrote.
Thank you for your kind and lovely messages! I really am completely recovered and wanted to share a technique that’s recommended by doctors, costs nothing, has no nasty side effects but could help you/your loved ones a lot, as it did me. Stay safe, everyone x
In a later Tweet, the 54-year-old thanked her fans for their “kind and lovely messages!”
“I really am completely recovered and wanted to share a technique that’s recommended by doctors, costs nothing, has no nasty side effects but could help you/your loved ones a lot, as it did me. Stay safe, everyone x”
Jay Benedict
On April 7 it was announced that The Dark Knight Rises and Alien actor Jay Benedict had died from the coronavirus.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear client Jay Benedict, who this afternoon lost his battle with COVID-19. Our thoughts are with his family,” a statement from his management team read.
The 68-year-old also appeared on the long-running hit UK TV series, Emmerdale.
Lee Fierro
Jaws actor, Lee Fierro, best known for playing Mrs Kintner in the 1975 blockbuster, has died from complications of coronavirus. She was 91.
Kevin Ryan, the artistic director and board president for Island Theatre Workshop at Martha’s Vineyard, a program the actor championed for 40-plus years, estimated that Fierro had taught and mentored more than 1000 children in theatre.
“The one word I would think of when I think of Lee is dedication. I’ve watched her as a performer, director and businesswoman and then we became friends. She was my teacher and mentor,” Ryan told the Martha’s Vineyard Times.
“I would still call Lee for artistic discussion and commentary … She was fiercely dedicated to the mission of teaching. She, no matter what it was, would stay at it and get the job done.”
P!NK
On April 5, singing superstar Pink took to Instagram to reveal that she and her son Jameson, three, had tested positive for coronavirus.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, the Can We Pretend singer said that she and her small son were “showing symptoms of COVD-19”.
“Fortunately, our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive,” she said.
“My family was already sheltering at home and we continued to do so for the last two weeks following the instruction of our doctor. Just a few days ago we were re-tested and are now thankfully negative.”
The pop star then took the opportunity to slam the United States government for its lack of coronavirus screening.
“It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely accessible. This illness is serious and real.
“People need to know that the illness affects the young and old, healthy and unhealthy, rich and poor, and we must make testing free and more widely accessible to protect our children, our families, our friends and our communities.”
She then announced she would donate $500,000 ($834,000 AUD) to Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund in Philadelphia, the hospital where her mum Judy worked for 18 years.
“THANK YOU to all of our healthcare professionals and everyone in the world who are working so hard to protect our loved ones. You are our heroes!” she said, before addressing her fans: “These next two weeks are crucial: please stay home. Please. Stay. Home.”
Adam Schlesinger
On April 2, Adam Schlesinger from pop group Fountains of Wayne (who were most famous for their 2003 hit Stacy’s Mom) died from complications related to COVID-19.
The Emmy and Grammy-winning songwriter for film, television and theatre was 52-years-old.
According to reports, he was hospitalised in March and placed on a ventilator, while heavily sedated.
Schlesinger wrote a score of hits, including That Thing You Do from the film of the same name starring Tom Hanks which earned him an Oscar nomination.
Most recently, he served as a composer and executive music producer for the CWs hit musical series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and had just been announced to score the Broadway musical based on the 1990s sitcom, The Nanny.
Andrew Jack
On April 1, Star Wars actor Andrew Jack died aged 76 from the coronavirus.
The star, who was also a dialect coach, passed away in London as a result of the coronavirus, while his wife Gabrielle Rogers was stuck in quarantine in Australia.
Jack was known for his roles in Chaplin (1992) and James Bond: GoldenEye (1995) and also formed the Middle-Earth accents for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and 2004’s Troy.
According to a statement released by a representative, Jill McCullough to Metro.co.uk, the actor “died of COVID-19 at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey. Andrew lived on one the oldest working houseboats on the Thames, he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife; also a dialect coach; Gabrielle Rogers.
“Tragically she is stuck in quarantine in Australia having just flown in from NZ last week. She was unable to see or talk to him at the end of his life and there is a chance a funeral may not be held.
“Andrew was full of life — he was tall and striking with flowing white hair, you wouldn’t miss him if he walked into a room.”
According to McCullough, Jack was also currently coaching on the new Batman film, The Batman.
“He had been a dialect coach for many years and was one of those people who promoted mentoring and supporting younger coaches and he was a pioneer in our industry — in that he demonstrated to producers that we were a necessary department and that the job was important.
“He loved his work and was funny, charming and a joy to be around. He was a friend first and a client second and I will miss doing silly voices and pissing around with him on set. Dialect coaching isn’t just about being good at accents — you need to make actors feel safe and confident — and Andrew’s actors adored him.”
Alan Merrill
Alan Merrill, who penned “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” made famous by rocker Joan Jett, has died of complications from coronavirus at age 69.
His daughter, Laura Merill, took to Facebook to share the news.
“The Coronavirus took my father this morning,” she wrote. I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out. He seemed peaceful and as I left there was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn’t be a ticker on the right-hand side of the CNN/Fox news screen … By the time I got in the doors to my apartment I received the news that he was gone.”
“I had just photographed his portrait for his new album. Texted with him earlier. He played down the ‘cold’ he thought he had,” she wrote. “I’ve made a million jokes about the ‘Rona’ and how it’ll ‘getcha’…boy do I feel stupid. If anything can come of this I beg of you to take this seriously. Money doesn’t matter.”
Alan Merrill wrote “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” for his band The Arrows and recorded it in 1975.
— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (@joanjett) March 29, 2020
Prince Charles
On March 25, an official statement via Clarence House announced that Prince Charles had tested positive for coronavirus.
“He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual,” it read.
“The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.
“The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.
“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”
🚨 BREAKING: Prince Charles has tested positive for Coronavirus
He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual
All the latest #coronavirus 👇https://t.co/MLHZ5lR4nv
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 25, 2020
Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein, has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus after being sentenced in New York to 23 years in prison for sex crimes.
According to Deadline, the 68-year-old was diagnosed just days after being transferred to Wende Correctional Facility and is now in medical isolation.
An Empire State law enforcement official confirmed the news to the outlet, however, the New York State’s Department of Corrections did not respond to their request for direct confirmation.
PR chief for Weinstein, Juda Engelmayer, told media that: “Our team …has not heard anything like that yet,” while her personal rep added, “I can’t tell you what I don’t know.”
Not sure if it’s a hoax or not at this stage, but given how fast this virus is spreading, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear it had reached correctional centres.
Placido Domingo
On March 23 it was announced that Spanish Opera singer, Placido Domingo, 79, had contracted coronavirus.
“I feel it is my moral duty to announce to you that I have tested positive for Covid-19, the Coronavirus [sic],” he wrote on his Facebook page, before adding that he and his family were in isolation “for as long as “it is deemed medically necessary.”
“I beg everyone to be extremely careful, follow the basic guidelines by washing your hands frequently, keeping at least a 6 feet distance from others, doing everything you can to stop the virus from spreading and please above all stay home if you can!” he said.
Debi Mazar
On March 22, Younger actress Debi Mazar, 55, announced via Instagram that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
“I have just tested positive for Covid-19. I AM OK!,” she told her 406k followers before adding that a month ago her husband and two teen daughters all “got an odd bug”.
“Low-grade fever, headaches, sore throat, body aches, ears ringing and a dry cough. It cleared up quickly. Seasonal I thought? But it felt unusual/different…[sic].
“Two weeks later, March 15th, I woke up with all those same symptoms but super intense body aches, and 102.4 fever.”
Blaming her illness on cocktails and cigarettes from the previous night, the former Entourage star just figured she had “jacked my immune system”.
After going to a doctor, she asked if she could be tested for the virus, however, the doctor told her she “didn’t meet the criteria”.
Two days later, Mazar finally had tests to see what was wrong, and after testing negative for the normal flu, she was then tested for the coronavirus.
See her full post below.
Andy Cohen
On March 21, Watch What Happens Live host and television producer of the Real Housewives franchise in the US, Andy Cohen, revealed he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a post on his Instagram account, he said:
“After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus. As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better. I want to thank all the medical professionals who are working tirelessly for all of us, and urge everybody to stay home and take care of themselves.”
Colton Underwood, US Bachelor
On March 21, Colton Underwood, who starred in Season 23 of the US version of The Bachelor in 2019, announced in an Instagram post that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
“I tested positive and I have been following all of the social distancing rules since last week,” he wrote in a post accompanied by an IGTV video.
My symptoms started a few days ago, I was tested and just received my results today. For anyone out there that is hesitant to self-quarantine… please do yourself and your loved ones a favour and stay home. We will all beat this and come out stronger on the other side. I’ll keep you posted, Love y’all.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco
On March 20, Monaco’s royal palace announced that Prince Albert II of Monaco had tested positive.
According to the palace, he remains in a good state of health and will be monitored closely over the coming days.
The Prince is currently under the supervision of his attending physician, and specialists at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre in Monaco, however, is not in hospital himself.
Influencer Arielle Charnas
On 19 March, American influencer Arielle Charnas took to Instagram to reveal that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
The 33-year-old, who runs a popular blog called Something Navy, told her 1.3 million followers in a lengthy statement on her Instagram.
“I realise that there are many individuals, both in New York City, and nationwide, who do not have the ability to receive immediate medical care at the first sign of sickness, and access to care is #1 priority in a time like this,” Charnas wrote on her Instagram.
“It is the responsibility of our government offices to ensure all Americans can access necessary tests and I acknowledge how lucky I am to have had that access.”
Before saying: “This morning, I learned that I tested positive for COVID-19.”
For the full statement, see her post below:
Kevin Durant, NBA
On March 18, Brooklyn Nets NBA player, Kevin Durant, announced that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
In an interview with The Athletic, he said: “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine, before adding that he is feeling fine and not showing any symptoms. “We’re going to get through this.”
Durant is one of four Brooklyn Nets players who has tested positive, however, only one is showing symptoms.
Kristofer Hivju
On March 16, Kristofer Hivju who played popular character Tormund Giantsbane on Game of Thrones took to Instagram to reveal that he had tested positive for coronavirus.
“Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus,” he wrote alongside a selfie of him and his wife, Gry Molvær Hivju.
“My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health – I only have mild symptoms of a cold,” he continued. “There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1.5 meters [1.6 yards] distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading.”
Olga Kurylenko
On March 14, Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko (James Bond: Quantum of Solace) revealed she had tested positive for COVID-19.
“Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus,” she wrote. “I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms.
“Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!”
Idris Elba
On March 15, actor Idris Elba (Cats) confirmed on social media that he had been diagnosed via video.
“This morning I tested positive for Covid 19,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing No panic.”
“There are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms, and that can easily spread it,” he said.
“So now’s a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.”
“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you’re feeling ill and you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, then do something about it, alright?
“We live in a divided world, we can all feel it, it’s been bulls**t. But now’s the time for solidarity; it’s the time for thinking about each other.”
“There’s so many people whose lives have been affected, from those who’ve lost people that they love, to people that don’t even have [the virus] and have lost their livelihoods. This is real.”
“Stay positive and don’t freak out.”
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
Thelma Plum
On March 16, Australian musician Thelma Plum revealed she had tested positive for coronavirus.
The 25-year-old ARIA award winner told her fans on Instagram.
Richard Wilkins
On March 15, a Channel Nine spokesperson said that Today Extra host Richard Wilkins had “tested positive for COVID-19.”
“Richard is not showing any symptoms of the virus and has been self-isolating, on his own at home, since Thursday last week, Richard is not showing any symptoms of the virus and has been self-isolating, on his own at home, since Thursday last week,” the spokesperson said.
Rudy Gobert, NBA
On March 9, NBA star Rudy Gobert joked with members of the media by touching all of the microphones and recording devices that were placed on the table in front of him.
On March 11, the joke turned serious when Gobert announced he had tested positive.
Taking to his Instagram, the player apologised for his “careless” behaviour.
“I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously,” the basketballer said.
“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis … mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment.”
“The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologise to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.”
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
On March 12, beloved actor Tom Hanks took to his socials to confirm that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for coronavirus while he was filming the Elvis biopic on the Gold Coast.
“Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive.”
Hanks and Wilson were then “tested, observed and isolated”.
Then, on March 13, the couple shared another update via Instagram.
“Hello folks. @ritawilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us,” Hanks said.
“We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball. Hanx”
On March 16, Wilson and Hanks were released from the hospital and are now self-quarantining in their Gold Coast home.
On March 18, Hanks shared an update with his 8.1 million fans on Instagram.
“Hey folks. Good News: One week after testing Positive, in self-isolation, the symptoms are much the same. No fever but the blahs. Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch. Bad news: My wife @ritawilson has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and leads by 201 points. But I have learned not to spread my Vegemite so thick. I travelled here with a typewriter, one I used to love. We are all in this together. Flatten the curve. Hanx.”
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.
Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
