Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in distinct white patches that create a striking contrast on the skin. This occurs when melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin—are damaged or destroyed, leading to a disruption in melanin production. While vitiligo is incurable, it is a harmless condition that transforms the skin into a canvas of unique expression, challenging conventional beauty standards. For many, embracing vitiligo becomes an empowering journey of self-acceptance and individuality.
This pigmentation difference is more common than many realize, and numerous individuals, including celebrities, proudly embrace their vitiligo. Here are 12 well-known figures who have redefined beauty with their vitiligo. To read our article about the predispositions to developing vitiligo, click here.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was a well-known American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He was commonly referred to as the King Of Pop, and found his footing in music at a very young age. His albums such as “Off-The-Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”, really put him on the market as a solo-artist, taking his career to the next level. He is one of the few artists who were able to intertwine dance into music, making him a stand out artist for his time.
His battle with vitiligo was a very public controversy. His presence in the media forced the world to be aware of his changing appearance over the years. Many believed that he was attempting to lighten his skin, however, he was very open about his intentions of trying to even his skin tone and manage the condition to the best of his ability. Michael Jackson was one of the first big names who was able to raise awareness about vitiligo.
Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlow is a Canadian model that has embraced unique beauty due to her vitiligo for years. She was born as Chantelle Brown Young in the year of 1994, and after participating in “America’s Next Top Model”, her infamous beauty set her apart from the other contestants, making her one of the most well-known models to date.
Her entire platform is built on her stance of having vitiligo. She has been able to use her platform to teach young individuals that diversity, inclusivity, and self acceptance are all major parts that play into finding confidence. She is one of the first individuals to turn the narrative on vitiligo into something to be proud of rather than ashamed of.
Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm has made a name for himself as an American actor and producer. His role as Don Draper on Mad Men pushed his career to the next level as he was credited for numerous awards, including multiple primetime Emmy awards. He is quite a versatile actor, nailing his roles in Baby Driver, Good Omens and The Town.
Hamm is one of the many celebrities who has been open about his experiences with his skin condition. John Hamm is in the majority of individuals with vitiligo as he says that he had not always had it. He claims it developed when “he was filming Mad Men and understands that even though it is an autoimmune situation, stress is a trigger”.
Laila Ali
Laila Ali is the legendary daughter of Muhammad Ali. She followed in the footsteps of her father, in becoming a professional boxer. However, she is much more than that. She is also a television personality, author, and representative of individuals with vitiligo. In her career, she has won multiple world championship titles and has held a perfect record. She spends a lot of her time advocating for healthy living through good eating and fitness. As a well-known figure in women’s sports, she has had the platform to share her experiences with vitiligo and promote messages of confidence in self acceptance.
Lee Thomas
Lee Thomas made his debut on American television as a broadcaster, and has worked as an author for many years. Working for the news has been a highlight of his life.
Thomas wrote a memoir, titled Turning White: A Memoir Of A Man Who Happens To Have Vitiligo. In his book of self reflection, he was able to come to terms with his condition, and also depict the struggles and experiences he faced due to it. This book paved the way for a deeper understanding of vitiligo to the general public.
Big Krizz Kaliko
Big Krizz Kaliko is an American rapper, whose career skyrocketed in the 2010s. He is well known for his vitiligo. So much so that he produced an album called “Vitiligo” with 22 title tracks. The album tells stories of what it is like to experience living with skin discoloration. In making such a unique and personal album, his career was able to stand out, making him quite the notable figure.
Yvette Fielding
Yvette Fielding is a well-known television presenter and producer, and she is most known for hosting the show Most Haunted. The show follows finding paranormally renounced locations, and investigating them in the UK and abroad. She is a mental health advocate, and commonly showcases her engaging personality.
Fielding has recently embraced her natural hair. Which is a combination of her genetically dark color, and her beautifully unique vitiligo streaks that run white. Embracing her hair has shown that her advocations for self acceptance apply to her personal life as well.
Rasheed Abdul Wallace
Rashid Abdul Wallace is a former NBA player who is known for his versatility and skill at basketball. Before entering the NBA, he played at the University of North Carolina and was selected to the Washington Bullets in 1995. He received the most recognition in basketball when he played on the Portland Trail Blazers, and later the Detroit Pistons.
An influence to many, Wallace earned multiple All-Star selections, won an NBA championship in 2004, and was a spokesperson and inspiration for those living with vitiligo.
Karl Dunbar
Karl Dunbar has made his mark in the professional football world. He was once a professional football player and is now a current coach. He spends his time teaching young adults the ropes as a defensive line coach in the NFL. In his early career he played football at Louisiana State University and played in the NFL for several teams, such as the Jets, Vikings ,and Dolphins. Once he retired, he found a new passion in coaching.
Karl Dunbar has used his platform to raise awareness about living with the condition and emphasizing that vitiligo does not define a person.
Holly Marie Combs
Holly Marie Combs is an actor who is known for many films, including Aria Montgomery‘s mother on Pretty Little Liars and Piper Halliwell on the popular series Charmed. She is also well known for her advocacy on social issues and her love for taking culinary adventures.
Her vitiligo is not easy to spot. However, she has it on both of her hands. Vitiligo is not the only autoimmune condition she has, “she had also tweeted that she has two, possibly three auto immune issues.”
Jd Runnels
JD Runnels is a former American football player who has visible vitiligo on his full body. In his college years he played for the University of Oklahoma, where he got credited for having amazing blocking skills and a wide versatility on offense. He was drafted in 2006 to the NFL by the Chicago Bears. He is also notably known for playing on the Saints and the Chiefs during his professional career. Runnels has taken a very positive approach and willingness to discuss his journey with vitiligo and help bring attention to the autoimmune disorder. He has emphasized that the skin condition does not define who he is.
Scott Jorgensen
Scott Jorgensen made a name for himself in American mixed martial arts. He has fought for several organizations, including the UFC, WEC, and more. After retiring, he has made a name for himself coaching and mentoring young fighters.
He has full body vitiligo, and he is not ashamed to hide it. It plays a big part in distinguishing him as a fighter, and even makes him stand out from his opponents. He loves to rock a unique look. From his distinctive vitiligo markings to his bright red hair, he makes a point that standing out is never necessarily a bad thing.
