Despite his weaknesses with written language, this dancer found strength in the communicative power of movement.
This Bollywood producer and actor has struggled with dyslexia since he was a child.
Dyslexic entrepreneur created his own company to help others with dyslexia find business success.
This story was submitted to us by a dyslexic teacher/tutor of dyslexic children.
Despite early challenges with dysgraphia, her renowned mystery novels have sold over four billion copies.
WNBA star overcame dyslexia through early intervention, support, and self-advocacy, becoming a champion for learning differences.
Meet Alex Green, a graduate from the University of Hawaii, the father of two children, and a draft pick for the Green Bay Packers.
Alex Malchow was only eight years old when he and his dad began writing a novel, and struggled with serious learning difficulties. He couldn’t read, and yet it was his own idea to write a book with his father.
Despite suffering from multiple learning disorders, including dyslexia, this child prodigy became the youngest undergraduate student to attend University of Cambridge.
The challenge of overcoming dyslexia helped this basketball player develop the skills she needed to dominate on the court.
Actress Alyssa Milano overcame dyslexia by adopting Sir John Gielgud's method of writing down scripts to aid memorization, transforming her challenge into a strength and advocating for dyslexia awareness.
Author of children's books incorporates her own childhood struggles with dyslexia into her popular stories.
Anderson Cooper is a well-known journalist and TV personality on CNN, but he struggled with dyslexia at a young age.
Seven time Grammy-winning gospel artist began his songwriting process by drawing a picture of what he wanted his song to become.
Although she still struggles with this learning disability on a daily basis, Angie Le Mar has achieved great success as a comedian, actor, writer, director, presenter, and producer.
The first woman to complete expeditions to both global poles now advocates for people with dyslexia like herself.
This story of success was submitted to us by Joshua Brown and was written by Anna's mother, Sarah J. Brown.
Former Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court is a champion for rights of all people, especially those with disabilities.
After leaving school at twelve after falling behind due to dyslexia, this photographer channeled his love for nature through iconic imagery of U.S. National Parks.
Even though Anthony Andrews’ dyslexia made reading scripts a challenge for him throughout his professional career, he never let it get in the way of his passion for acting.
Sir Anthony Hopkins is considered to be one of the greatest living actors. But how was he able to win an Oscar, two Emmys, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement? Hopkins credits his dyslexia for his interest in acting.
Ari Emanuel is co-CEO of one of America’s top talent agencies, William Morris Endeavor. He has worked with top Hollywood writers, actors, and filmmakers and continues to be an active talent agent.
Edward Irving Wortis, or known to most by his pen name Avi, is an award-winning children’s book author.
Shark Tank celebrity investor and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran didn’t do well in school when she was younger. Her grades suffered because of dyslexia, which she wasn’t fully aware she had until her son began to have trouble in school in a similar nature.
This is a brief story of how a guy with dyslexia turns so called deficits into veritable strengths, from Captain Chaos to Mr. List, who eventually becomes the proud owner of a fine website selling online courses for IELTS.
Benjamin Zephaniah holds the title of poet, writer, musician, professor, and holder of 16 honorary doctorates—he also never received formal education past the age of 13.
British playwright and novelist Bernard Taylor surrounded himself with the literary arts. He studied at an art college in London and moved to New York City as a young man, where he made a living as an actor, writer, and illustrator.
The famed Taebo expert discovered his dyslexia late in life, but is still a successful body-shaping sensation.
Despite being dyslexic, this actor uses audio and repetition to memorize his lines.
Blake Charlton learned to cope with his dyslexia by developing humor and making fun of himself.
Co-creator, executive producer, and writer of hit TV shows Glee and American Horror Story, Brad Falchuk has made a career out of his talents despite living with dyslexia.
Through his hard work exploring assistive technology and helping others, seventeen-year-old Brian Meersma embodies the term self-advocacy.
Despite not learning to read until he was 12, this Emmy-winning journalist and author never let go of his dream of working on CBS's 60 Minutes.
Dyslexia struggles don't discriminate, even if you belong to a royal family.
For a woman who has made a breakthrough in DNA and cancer research and won a Nobel Prize, it's hard to imagine that she was barely accepted to graduate school.
Carrie Lofgren was a member of the national champion U-M varsity women’s rowing team throughout her career at the University of Michigan. At a meeting of the university Regents while a freshman (2011), Lofgren presented her views on the importance of university support services for students with disabilities. She said that next to rowing, support services set U-M apart from other schools on her list.
Upon publishing his first novel, Learning Without Reading: Extreme Dyslexia, dyslexic Casey M Tate realized his dream of becoming an author had become true.
Though dyslexia put many obstacles in her path, she has conquered each one while discovering that being different is a good thing.
Commander of the Apollo 12 mission to the moon had to repeat the 11th grade, but later thrived with proper accommodations for his dyslexia.
Charles Schwab is the founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation, which serves 7.9 million client brokerage accounts by aiding them with their investments. According to Forbes magazine, he is the 67th richest man in the United States. He is an avid golfer, a strong political voice, and the father of five children. He also has dyslexia.
It may be hard to believe that one of the most famous entertainers ever was a high school dropout.
Chris Heald, a fifth-year senior with the U-M men’s varsity wrestling team in 2015, was one of four wrestlers at U-M to be named as Big Ten Conference Distinguished Scholar Award recipients. 57 University of Michigan student-athletes received the prestigious honor in 2015.
With so many successful dyslexics already on the site, it only seems fair to mention Chris Koehl. A 21-year old hip hop dancer and finalist on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, Koehl believes his dyslexia gave him the determination and drive necessary to successfully compete on the popular television show.
Christine Finn, a high‑school dropout with dyslexia, went on to earn a place at Oxford and built a diverse career as a freelance journalist, visual artist, and archaeologist.
The famous photorealist painter had to overcome many hardships in his life, but not without learning the value of perseverance.
As a child, this award-winning Irish architect discovered art as an outlet for the frustrations of dyslexia, eventually becoming an artist full-time.
Claudenia Williams dove into her first year as a teacher with a goal of breaking the traditional teaching styles from the start. Herself a dyslexic, she knew that in order for some students to learn, the classroom had to be filled with hands on and visual teaching.
Despite enormous success in the cellular industry, this entrepreneur still finds himself having to face obstacles that his dyslexia presents to him, including feeling shy and uncomfortable when speaking to a large crowd.
Both a previous strategic consultant and disability policy expert in Washington DC as well as a senior manager of LDOnline, Dale Susan Brown is nationally recognized as a tireless advocate and spokesperson for individuals with learning disabilities. As a consultant in DC, she worked to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act and make the Job Corps available to young individuals with disabilities.
Rather than viewing his dyslexia as an obstacle, Daniel Powter calls it a “gift,” that allows him to focus on his own compositions and experience music from a purely auditory outlet without the barrier of sheet music.
Dannel Malloy overcame childhood dyslexia—struggling with reading, writing, and motor skills—to not only graduate from law school but also build a distinguished political career as Stamford’s mayor and Connecticut’s governor, championing education and disability awareness along the way.
Chef and television presenter thinks of "dyslexia as a creative gene," not a disadvantage.
Author of the beloved "Captain Underpants" book was diagnosed with dyslexia and hyperactivity as a child.
This Dancing with the Stars performer and acclaimed actor used to fear public speaking due to dyslexia—but not anymore!
David Boies has been involved in many high-profile lawsuits in the United States, but he struggles with reading and has a very limited vocabulary. How is he a successful lawyer with those struggles?
David Flink has helped connect thousands of elementary students with learning disabilities with college-aged mentors who share similar difficulties through his non-profit Eye To Eye National
Founder of three airlines asserts “I knew I had strengths that other people didn’t have, and my parents reminded me of them when my teachers didn’t see them”.
During the Covid lockdown, Dawn Crowle, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager, started to notice just how much her daughter, Sophie, who was nine at the time was struggling with school work.
Daymond John, despite struggling with reading and spelling due to dyslexia, harnessed his strengths in creative and analytical thinking—excelling in math and science, thriving through a high school co‑op program, and ultimately founding FUBU and becoming a “Shark Tank” investor and motivational leader.
Not many people know who invented the Segway, the futuristic-looking individual transportation vehicle, but now you do. His name is Dean Kamen, and he is dyslexic.
Bueno Key, a short film written and directed by dyslexics, premiered in July of 2015. The film’s screenwriter Dean Stalham is an award-winning writer whose dyslexia wasn’t diagnosed until he was 40 years old.
After struggling with dyslexia all throughout her life, this romance novelist found success.
Renowned heart surgeon and former CEO and President of the Cleveland Clinic also struggled with dyslexia.
Deon Butler was a football player for both Central Michigan University and the Detroit Lions.
Founder of education startup Parallel Learning seeks to help students with learning disabilities.
Economist and financial commentator was hesitant to discuss her dyslexia until she read about other successful dyslexics in a Forbes article.
The following was written by Dillon Brennan, a bright young dyslexic who wrote in and offered to share his story.
Dominic O'Brien has matched his memory against the greatest memory experts in the world and has come out victorious many times. He has won the World Memory Championship eight different times, come in second twice, and was sixth in another.
Booth fell in love with acting at age 12 when he starred in a school play and decided he liked the onstage spotlight. But there was one problem—Booth was dyslexic and wasn’t looking for a future with so many words.
Science educator does not let dyslexia stand in the way of her dream to reach the stars.
For 59-year-old Duncan Goodhew, his career in the swimming pool was more to him than just a competitive sport.
One of the most influential and successful Hispanic Americans, Edward James Olmos grew up in a poor neighborhood in East Los Angeles and struggled with dyslexia all through his schooling and career.
From a student struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to the mayor of New York City, this politician works to make resources accessible to all youth with learning disorders.
Eric McGehearty allowed his dyslexia to hold him back when he was younger. He couldn't read in school and the challenges he faced made him feel dumb. Luckily, as a 10-year-old, McGehearty became inspired by a summer art class and learned that he shouldn't let his dyslexia stand in the way of becoming a success.
Erin Brockovich overcame dyslexia to become the lawyer who won a $333 million class-action lawsuit—the largest of its kind in U.S. history.
Norway’s 21st Prime Minister is only the second woman to ever hold this position and also happens to be dyslexic.
Ethan Korock is an ambitious student with a passion for golf; he also has dyslexia. DyslexiaHelp has both helped him, and inspired him to give back to support others who also struggle with the disability.
This entrepreneur, who focuses on Corporate and K12 educational technologies, prevailed against dyslexia with hard work and a strong support system.
Ever since she was six years old, Fannie Flagg had wanted to be a writer, but her dyslexia delayed that career.
This singer went from feeling alienated because of her dyslexia to rocking the crowd fronting her Brit Award winning band Florence and the Machine.
Despite dyslexia, Frank Gore defied academic and athletic odds to become one of the NFL’s most respected and durable running backs.
One of the most prominent and innovative neurosurgeons in the pediatric field, the late Fred J. Epstein was told in school that he would never go to medical school or become a doctor.
Dyslexic founder of Shipyard Brewing Company found success as an entrepreneur by putting energy into his strengths.
After being diagnosed with dyslexia as a small child, Dutch multimedia artist GabyGaby learned five important life lessons that helped him become a wildly successful artist.
Determined to graduate high school despite severe dyslexia, Gary Cohn persevered—eventually becoming President of Goldman Sachs, proving resilience is stronger than labels.
Struggles with self-confidence due to dyslexia haven’t crippled this NBA star's promising career.
Determined dyslexic Gaston Caperton championed educational equity—investing $800M in schools, then led the College Board to support disabled test‑takers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom shares how his early dyslexia diagnosis fostered resilience, self-confidence and success, highlighting strengths in his leadership.
Legendary comedian George Burns overcame the challenges of dyslexia, using humor, wit, and determination to build a remarkable career in entertainment spanning decades.
General George Patton, a bold and strategic military leader, overcame dyslexia through perseverance, discipline, and determination, ultimately becoming one of America’s most respected generals.
Glenn Harrington achieved something he never imagined he would in high school—he is a published author.
Gris Suarez, a dyslexic artist from Cozumel, overcame childhood labels and thrived creatively—finding freedom and strength through her artwork.
Guy Ritchie overcame dyslexia, chaotic schooling, and early expulsion. He left school with one GCSE and became a celebrated filmmaker.
Throughout his life of achievement, Belafonte has struggled with dyslexia but never let it stop him from using language both in song and protest to express himself and what he stood for.
Pioneering physician - now known as the founder of pediatric cardiology - persisted through years of higher education and medical school despite difficulties with dyslexia.
Award-winning designer has found great success by incorporating his dyslexia into his work.
Prolific actor best known as "The Fonz" from the TV series Happy Days has co-authored 17 children’s books featuring a school-age, dyslexic protagonist.
Founder of Swedish furniture giant IKEA came up with the now iconic furniture names as a workaround for his yet-to-be-diagnosed dyslexia.
Starting small with songs and poems, this Scottish author has since published fifteen novels.
Internationally renowned paleontologist believes dyslexia is “an extraordinary characteristic and not something that should be fixed, or cured, or suppressed.”
Teenage advocate for assistive technology teaches others to use the tools that unlocked his learning.
Dyslexic and undiagnosed until he was 41 years old, this legendary Scottish Formula 1 driver has 27 Grand Prix victories and 3 world championships under his belt.
Despite being rejected from art schools because of his grades, this multidisciplinary artist nurtured his childhood love for art into a career and a professorship.
Dyslexic middle-school student combines his positive attitude and hard work with personalized strategies to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Scientist and environmentalist struggled with math due to dyslexia but relied on his strengths in chemistry to advance foundational theories of climate change.
This longtime educator battled dyslexia for a decade to earn his PhD from Michigan State University before embarking on a 30 year career with the Michigan Department of Education.
Prolific actor advises others who suffer with dyslexia “You know you aren’t stupid, so don’t ever believe for a second that you are”.
Once uncertain writing one book was possible, this playwright and children's author has since published five books and counting.
Comedian and former host of The Tonight Show believes that hard work, perseverance, humor, and a positive attitude have been driving factors for his success in show business and overcoming dyslexia.
Chief Learning Officer at SAP used audiobooks to train her brain to recognize patterns in letters and words and help herself read better.
This illustrator of countless classic children's books found success in art that eluded him in academics.
The WNBA’s #1 Draft pick of 2015 went through a lot of hoops to secure her spot on the Seattle Storm basketball team.
Hard work brought this producer/director/screenwriter from school struggle to Hollywood success.
Jim Carrey has an extremely successful stand-up comedy and film career, but he didn't have an easy time making his way to the top.
Forced to drop out of school at 15, this English cosmetics entrepreneur views her dyslexia as a gift that allowed her to think creatively and face failure with an open mind.
From being called stupid in school to making movies based on some of the most complex literature in the world, this director pursued his love of theater against overwhelming odds.
It took a couple of large setbacks for John Chambers to realize that he could overcome anything.
"We’re a product of the challenges we faced in life," Chambers, the CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. said. "And how we handled those challenges probably had more to do with what we accomplish in life."
Chambers has dyslexia, and he struggled in school—at the time, dyslexia was not a known disability.
One of his teachers in grade school helped him face his dyslexia and persevere through his disability.
Chief executive of Boston’s Suffolk Construction Co refused to see his diagnosis as yet another struggle, choosing instead to see it as both a liberation and incentive.
This singer's beautiful music with the Beatles would not have existed without his perseverance through dyslexia.
Mooney has established himself as one of the foremost leaders in LD/ADHD, disabilities, and alternative education through his activism and published works.
27-year-old Jordan Toma has a strong message for those, like himself, with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. He has struggled with the label of learning disabled all his life, inhibiting him to live up to his full potential. He felt as though he was not as smart as everyone else, and didn’t understand why he couldn’t pick up on material as easily as his classmates. He not only was hard on himself, but others called him “dumb” and looked down on him because of his learning disability.
Jovan Haye was born into poverty in Jamaica, suffered abuse at home, and dealt with significant challenges at school because of severe, undiagnosed dyslexia. Though he was bullied in school, Haye was able to discover a talent on the football field during his junior year of high school. He went on to face his obstacles head-on and eventually graduated with a BA from Vanderbilt University. He was then drafted by the Carolina Panthers of the NFL as a defensive tackle.
Despite being expelled and struggling with dyslexia, this beloved actor achieved tremendous success in Hollywood.
Did you know actress Keira Knightley originally got into acting because of her learning disability?
Entrepreneur and investor who stars on ABC's Shark Tank describes his dyslexia as a gift.
Despite a late diagnosis at age 39, dyslexia hasn't stopped this graduate student from learning eight languages.
Leana Greene grew up thinking being different meant being less but she didn't let her dyslexia stop her. She is now the CEO of her own company Kids in the House.
This award-winning photographer examines the relationship between a mother and son who share a dyslexia diagnosis in her multimedia work DNA Dyslexia.
Star of the hit 1970s TV show The Bionic Woman took acting lessons to help express emotions caused by undiagnosed dyslexia.
Despite dyslexia making it difficult to read sheet music, this Violin performer has several Platinum and Gold records to her name.
Spanish researcher who has dedicated her PhD research and fellowship to studying and understanding dyslexia.
NCAA, NBA, and Olympic champion basketball player battled dyslexia before his success on the court.
Sculptor Malcolm Alexander overcame dyslexia by channeling his struggles into art, creating powerful sculptures and inspiring others to find strength through creativity and perseverance.
Social justice advocate works to increase minority representation in the Dyslexic community.
Once called the Godfather of modern cooking, this chef was, at the time, the world's youngest chef to have ever been awarded 3 Michelin stars.
After getting denied extra time on the bar exam Dr. Marilyn Bartlett had to fight a legal battle to be given her accommodation.
Not being able to read until he was in middle school didn’t stop Mark Schlereth from becoming a successful NFL player.
In 2016, dyslexic teenager won the Product Developer of the Year award at the American Business Awards.
With most discounting his early struggles as "laziness", this author found literary success with the support of his mother.
Actress and musician who was kicked out of school due to her dyslexia did not let it hinder her success.
Ice skating has always been an escape for this Olympic figure skater, a place where she isn’t defined by her dyslexia.
Despite all his success as a senator from Colorado, Michael Bennet failed the second grade.
Muhammad Ali was best known for his exceptional boxing career. He was an Olympic Gold Medalist, participant of the "Fight of the Century" in the 1970’s, and inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He was an incredible athlete, once heard to say, "I never said I was the smartest, I said I was the greatest."
Philanthropist, author, and diplomat overcame dyslexia to found Susan G. Komen, earn Presidential Medal of Freedom, and champion cancer research.
As early as the third grade, Rockefeller was struggling with reading and writing and regularly scored in the bottom third of his class but he didn't let that stop him from becoming the Vice President of the United States under the administration of Gerald Ford.
Emmy Award-winning producer and director thinks "being dyslexic also can be an asset in many ways"
Usually, it's not polite to laugh at someone with a learning disability. But in the case of Nina G., she wants you to laugh.
Nolan Ryan did not let his dyslexia from achieving his goals. Nolan Ryan completed 27 seasons as a Major League Baseball pitcher before retiring.
Overcoming dyslexia with the help of an encouraging teacher, this award-winning author nurtured a talent that created 13 books.
His fear of public speaking due to dyslexia did not prevent him from achieving success as an actor.
This legendary Surrealist painter began honing his skills when he was removed from his classes for poor performance.
Pat Lund, a successful TV sports anchor, shares how perseverance and support helped him thrive despite the challenges of dyslexia.
In an interview posted by Reading Rockets, author/illustrator and Michigan native Patricia Polacco recalls the challenges she faced as an undiagnosed dyslexic.
Though Dr. McDreamy has had a successful on-screen career in the TV series Grey's Anatomy, this actor's childhood wasn't nearly as easy.
With dyslexia and ADHD making reading near-impossible, this CEO built Kinko's into a powerhouse using skills he developed to survive school.
Since experimenting with making a paperweight, this glassblower-turned-artist's work appears in over 60 museums around the world.
Academy Award-winning producer/director says her dyslexia led her to filmmaking and animation.
From only seeing the negatives to achieving his dream of writing a book, this author chronicles his journey in "The World Through My Dyslexic Eyes".
ESPN analyst and former NFL coach was diagnosed with dyslexia after getting his son tested for ADHD.
Distinguished war correspondent believes the key to helping children with learning disabilities is helping them find their confidence.
Undiagnosed until his 70s, deep-sea explorer who located the Titanic shipwreck credited his alternative thinking as the difference maker in the successful expedition.
Who among us hasn’t rooted for Indiana Jones as he ran to avoid being crushed by a giant boulder, gasped at the thought of great white sharks or dinosaurs plaguing society, or teared up as we watched E.T. fly home?
Three time Emmy-winning actress didn't learn she had dyslexia until she was 30, but has since written two books on the subject.
An independent school provided the support that public school could not for this biotech business leader.
Entrepreneur and star of BBC's Dragons' Den didn't realize he had dyslexia until he noticed certain settings on his work computer made it easier for him to read.
The following was written by Tiffany Sunday, a published author and dyslexic individual who reached out to us in June of 2014, eager to share her story.
The former Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, became an NFL sensation in 2012 by leading his team through fourth quarter comeback after fourth quarter comeback. What's less known about Tebow is that he was diagnosed with dyslexia.
An insightful student with dyslexia shares techniques he used to learn to love writing.
Tom Cruise was diagnosed with dyslexia around age seven and struggled with reading—feeling anxious, frustrated, and "functionally illiterate" throughout school—but with strong support from his family, intense focus, visualization techniques, and sheer hard work, he overcame those challenges and built a hugely successful acting career.
Tom Dickson, founder of Blendtec and creator of “Will It Blend?”, overcame dyslexia with creativity and innovation, turning challenges into entrepreneurial and marketing success.
The successful actor, who is best known for playing Spiderman, talks about how ADHD and dyslexia affect his acting
Tom Smothers, best known as half of the iconic Smothers Brothers comedy duo, faced significant challenges growing up with dyslexia. Despite struggles in school and difficulties with reading, he found his voice through music and comedy. Smothers turned his unique perspective and creativity into strengths, building a groundbreaking career in television and entertainment.
Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger overcame dyslexia by embracing creativity and persistence, turning his struggles into strengths while building one of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Imagine dropping out of school in 11th grade unable to read, but with the dream of becoming a writer. That’s only a small portion of Victor Villasenor’s story.
Dyslexic himself, Vince Low decided to pay homage to famous dyslexics with his own unique art form.
For Vince Vaughn, making people laugh has never been hard. But not all things in life have come easy for the famous funnyman.
Four time winning artist of the Archibald Prize People's Choice, Vincent Fantauzzo looks back at his dyslexia as a blessing more than a disability.
From high school dropout to winning awards, this beloved actress and comedian has done it all despite her dyslexia.
Will Marsh discovered that he was dyslexic in the third grade and decided shortly after that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others living with dyslexia.
William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), was expected to attend the prestigious Stanford College from an early age. His early academic performance did not project a Stanford acceptance, though.
Imagine that you didn't learn to read until you were twelve—and yet you went on to become the President of the United States.
This actress struggled through various careers in the arts and otherwise until getting diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult.
Success & Inspirational Storiesmike2025-08-08T20:23:32+00:00
