Many differently-abled celebrities did not let their disability get in the way of achieving their dreams. Despite the struggles they faced growing up, there is one thing in common in all of them: perseverance. They used their setbacks and hardships as a source of motivation and worked relentlessly on achieving their dreams.

Keira Knightley

At the age of 6, she was diagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia. Throughout her childhood, she struggled academically. However, she soon found her passion in acting and followed her dreams after graduation. Since then, she has had huge success as an actress. She was nominated for two British Academy Film Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. She starred in some of the most popular films in the industry, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, Begin Again, The Imitation Game, etc.

Zooey Deschanel

A famous American actress, famous for her role in the sitcom New Girl and many films including 500 days of summer and Yes Man, Zooey has a condition called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves trouble focusing, controlling impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity. She discussed ways in which she has channeled her energy, through crafting, performing with her band, She & Him and writing. Despite her struggles, she has managed to stay motivated and pursue her interests in music and acting.

Tom Cruise

A famous American actor and producer, Tom Cruise has struggled with dyslexia, a learning disability, since his childhood. He struggled with reading which caused problems at school. He realized he was not able to read as effortlessly as his peers even though he liked learning. With the help of his teachers and a lot of his own hard work, he was able to graduate school and pursue his career in acting. Despite the learning difficulties, he enjoyed a successful career in acting. He has won three Golden Globe Awards and been nominated in three Academy Awards. Some of his famous films include Magnolia, Jerry Maguire, Born on the Fourth of July, Mission Impossible.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, famous for his role as Harry Potter, suffers from a motor disability, dyspraxia. It is a neurological condition that causes motor difficulties. As Daniel Radcliffe has explained, he finds simple tasks such as writing or tying shoelaces difficult due to his condition. However, he did not let it hold him from pursuing his career in acting. He landed a role in the famous Harry Potter film at the age of 11. This kick-started his acting career and now he is loved by millions of Harry Potter fans across the world.

Stevie Wonder

One of the greatest musicians this world has seen, Stevie Wonder was born with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity which made him blind. Growing up, he found his passion in piano, which he could play effortlessly. At the age of 11, he was able to sign with a record label that kicked started his music career. At the age of 12, he released his first album called The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie. He has recorded up to thirty top hits in the US, won 25 Grammys and an Academy Award. His perseverance is a source of inspiration for many.