Today, December 1, is world AIDS day. Millions of people in this world are living with HIV or AIDS and within that number comes many world famous celebrities. In honour of world AIDS day we have put together a list of celebrities who are currently living with HIV and some celebrities who have unfortunately lost their lives.
Charlie Sheen
Last year, Hollywood star, Charlie Sheen announced that he was HIV positive. In making the announcement he said how he had been diagnosed with the virus over four years ago. Sheen admitted last year that he didn’t know how he contracted the virus but he did stress how he does not feel any stigma attached to the illness.
Javier Muñoz
Best known for his amazing acting in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musicals ‘In The Heights’ and ‘Hamilton’, Javier Muñoz is very open about being HIV positive. The actor has been living with HIV since 2002 and has taken it as an opportunity to try and get rid of the stigma around the virus. In an interview with The New York Times, Muñoz said “I’m healthy, I’m strong and I’m very out about that because of the stigma still attached to it.” Muñoz continues to be a huge advocate for many HIV charities.
Freddie Mercury
Well known, front man of the band Queen, Freddie Mercury suffered from AIDS and sadly passed away from the virus on the 21st of November, 1991. His death moved and shocked millions of fans, especially as he passed away so soon after publicly announcing his condition.
Magic Johnson
Mostly famous for playing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson released his diagnosis of HIV back in 1991. As a hugely beloved sports figure, the news came to a shock to many. He stopped playing with the LA Lakers soon after the announcement and became an AIDS activist.
Arthur Ashe
Winner of three Grand Slam titles, Arthur Ashe died due to AIDS. The world famous tennis star contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery in the early 1980’s. Later on, Ashe publicly announced his illness in 1992 and started working to educate others about HIV and AIDS. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health before he died. He passed away due to AIDS on February 6th, 1993.
Above are just five people who have suffered from HIV/AIDS. Many others are currently living with HIV and unfortunately many have died from the virus. Today, we remember those suffering and those who have lost their battles.