Paving the way for future generations
Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan had diabetes complications in 2010 and required a kidney transplant. Luckily, someone close to him stepped up.
It's well known that Steve Jobs died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, but he also underwent a liver transplant in 2009.
There was speculation that his position of power and vast wealth helped him to jump the organ donor waiting list, but it wasn't proven. Sadly, he died the following year.
It's speculated that he contracted the disease from one of the many blood transfusions he required after his crash landings! He had a liver transplant in 1999. He would ultimately pass away on November 30, 2007, at the age of 69.
He had a highly publicized liver transplant as a result of his condition, which was famously paid for by Phil Collins. Crosby passed away on January 18, 2023, at the age of 81.
Sources: (Self) (Insider) (CNN) (Her Moments) (CNN) (Live For Live Music)
See also: Stars who suffer from rare diseases
Dozens of people emailed her to say that they'd be willing to do it. In the end, a fan of hers passed away and their family members asked that a kidney be donated directly to her. Cole passed away on December 31, 2015, at the age of 65.
Actor Mandy Patinkin, known for his roles in 'The Princess Bride' and 'Criminal Minds,' was diagnosed with an eye disease called keratoconus in the '90s, which would seriously affect his sight.
Rock fans will know David Crosby as the legendary guitarist who played with The Byrds as well as Stills and Nash. He was another star who had a long history with hepatitis C, possibly stemming from his drug use.
He was lucky to receive a liver donation and he went on to become an outspoken advocate for organ donor programs. He would often speak to fans about becoming organ donors at concerts, and these sections of the recordings became known as the "donor rap." Lesh is in his eighties now.
Singer Natalie Cole is the daughter of famous crooner Nat King Cole. She also suffered from hepatitis and her search for a kidney donation was widely publicized.
She delayed her transplant for a few years but no suitable donor was found, so she eventually accepted her mother's offer to donate. The actress is now thriving.
The surgery was botched and he received a second transplant just in time to save his life. He made a documentary called 'The Kindness of Strangers' exploring the people who give and receive these organ donations. Sadly, James Redford passed away on October 16, 2020.
Phil Lesh is a founding member of The Grateful Dead. Having contracted hepatitis C, by the '90s his liver had been irreparably damaged.
His then-wife generously donated one of her kidneys to him and they started a foundation to raise awareness about kidney disease.
British actress Lucy Davis is well known for her roles in 'The Office' and the comedy horror 'Shawn of the Dead.' In 1993 she went for a routine check-up and was diagnosed with kidney failure.
James Redford, son of Robert Redford and a well respected filmmaker in his own right, required two transplants in his life. His liver was seriously damaged by the disease ulcerative colitis and he underwent a transplant.
He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in the mid-'90s and was told he had six months to live. He ended up getting a liver transplant that saved his life and he lived to the age of 81.
His then-girlfriend Tanisha Hall donated one of her kidneys to him. Unfortunately they later broke up, but he spoke out at public events to thank her for her sacrifice.
Larry Hagman played a devious oil tycoon on 'Dallas,' one of the longest-running TV shows in history.
Unfortunately, her body started to reject the new organ so she needed a second transplant in 2017. This time her brother donated one of his kidneys.
'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland was diagnosed with kidney dysplasia many years ago. In 2012 she needed a transplant and her dad donated one of his kidneys for the procedure.
Unfortunately she would have had to wait around 10 years to make it to the top of the list, during which time she'd have to undergo dialysis. It's a grueling treatment where the patient spends hours having their blood filtered by a machine several times a week.
The second transplant seems to have been successful and Hyland has recovered. She's continuing her acting career and speaking out to raise awareness and destigmatize health issues like hers.
Gomez shared that didn't want to ask anyone in her life for a donation, but her then best friend and roommate, actress Francia Raísa, volunteered.
Organ transplants are a miracle of modern medicine, saving lives every day. It's a serious procedure and it's shocking to discover that so many well-known celebrities have undergone it even while carrying on in the public eye. Many of them are seemingly young and healthy, and although they've spoken out about their experiences, from the outside you'd never guess what they've been through.
On the other end of the spectrum, some of the older rock n' roll generation developed diseases from their rough lifestyles that landed them on the organ donor waiting list, causing some controversy among the public. Click through the gallery to learn more about their stories.
Celebrities you didn't know received organ donations
A surprising number of famous figures underwent this life-saving procedure
CELEBRITY Health
Organ transplants are a miracle of modern medicine, saving lives every day. It's a serious procedure and it's shocking to discover that so many well-known celebrities have undergone it even while carrying on in the public eye. Many of them are seemingly young and healthy, and although they've spoken out about their experiences, from the outside you'd never guess what they've been through.
On the other end of the spectrum, some of the older rock n' roll generation developed diseases from their rough lifestyles that landed them on the organ donor waiting list, causing some controversy among the public. Click through the gallery to learn more about their stories.