Famous People With HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. Tragically, many famous people have died from AIDS, but not everyone with HIV goes on to develop that disease. HIV, which is transferred through bodily fluids and infects vital T-cells, leads to the failure of the immune system, allowing for other conditions like cancer and pneumonia to thrive.

Which celebrities have HIV? You might not know about the many public figures, rappers, actors, athletes, and other stars with HIV. Queen frontman Freddy Mercury denied he had tested HIV positive for most of his life. He only confirmed he had HIV, and that it had developed into AIDS, two days before his death in 1991. Other musicians who have suffered from HIV include jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron, rapper Eazy-E, and Creedence Clearwater Revival guitarist Tom Fogerty.

Basketball legend Magic Johnson shocked the world when he announced he had tested positive for HIV. Johnson has been on multiple medications to treat the virus and so far the former Laker has been able to prevent AIDS from developing. Other athletes who have HIV include Olympian Greg Louganis, tennis star Arthur Ashe, and football player Jerry Smith.