Despite facing the challenges of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), many individuals have risen to prominence, making significant contributions to their fields and society at large. This list highlights the diversity and achievements of those who have not only excelled in their respective domains but also courageously shared their experiences with OCD, offering inspiration to others. From science and technology to arts and sports, these figures demonstrate that OCD does not define one’s potential or limit one’s ability to impact the world positively.

Famous People with OCD

Leonardo DiCaprio (1974 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Acting Leonardo DiCaprio, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in “Titanic” and “The Revenant,” has openly discussed his OCD, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.	Howard Hughes (1905 – 1976) Nationality: American Known For: Aviation, Filmmaking Howard Hughes, a pioneering aviator and film director, battled with OCD throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy in both the aviation and entertainment industries.	Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882) Nationality: British Known For: Natural Selection Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology, is believed to have had OCD, which did not hinder his groundbreaking work on natural selection.
David Beckham (1975 – present) Nationality: English Known For: Football (Soccer) David Beckham, an iconic footballer, has spoken about his OCD in terms of perfectionism and organization, highlighting how it influenced his career on and off the pitch.	Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) Nationality: American Known For: Music, Dance Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, faced OCD among other challenges, yet his revolutionary impact on music and dance remains unparalleled.	John Steinbeck (1902 – 1968) Nationality: American Known For: Writing John Steinbeck, a Nobel laureate in Literature, is rumored to have had OCD, which did not prevent him from creating enduring works like “The Grapes of Wrath.”
Howie Mandel (1955 – present) Nationality: Canadian Known For: Comedy, Television Hosting Howie Mandel, a comedian and television host known for his work on “Deal or No Deal” and “America’s Got Talent,” has been very open about his OCD and ADHD, using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.	Temple Grandin (1947 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Animal Science, Autism Advocacy Temple Grandin, an animal scientist and autism spokesperson, has achieved groundbreaking work in both her field and advocacy, demonstrating how living with OCD and autism spectrum disorder can coexist with tremendous professional achievement and impact.	Serena Williams (1981 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Tennis Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has spoken about her experiences with OCD, particularly in relation to her on-court rituals. Her openness about these challenges alongside her unparalleled achievements in tennis brings awareness to OCD in the context of high-performance sports.
Steve Jobs (1955 – 2011) Nationality: American Known For: Co-founding Apple Inc. Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., is rumored to have had OCD. His meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection were key in revolutionizing the technology industry.	Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784) Nationality: British Known For: Literature, “A Dictionary of the English Language” Samuel Johnson, a towering figure in English literature and the creator of one of the first comprehensive English dictionaries, is believed to have had OCD, which influenced his vast body of work and dedication to detail.	Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941) Nationality: British Known For: Modernist Literature Virginia Woolf, a central figure in modernist literature with works such as “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse,” is known to have struggled with mental health issues throughout her life. While the specifics of OCD are less documented, her writings reflect a deep introspection that resonates with the challenges of mental health.
Nikola Tesla (1856 – 1943) Nationality: Serbian-American Known For: Inventions, Electrical Engineering Nikola Tesla, the inventor and electrical engineer who made groundbreaking contributions to the development of alternating current electrical systems, is believed to have displayed signs of OCD. His meticulous nature and obsession with the number three marked his personal and professional life.	Marie Curie (1867 – 1934) Nationality: Polish-French Known For: Physics, Chemistry, Nobel Prizes Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two different scientific fields, was known for her dedication and meticulous approach to her research on radioactivity. While not documented as having OCD, her relentless pursuit of scientific discovery and precision in her work exemplify qualities that resonate with the focus and determination seen in individuals navigating OCD.	Sylvia Plath (1932 – 1963) Nationality: American Known For: Writing, Poetry Sylvia Plath, an iconic poet and author, known for her powerful and introspective work, including “The Bell Jar,” has been posthumously recognized as having traits consistent with OCD. Her writings offer a profound insight into her struggles with mental health.