Celebrities Living Gluten-Free
From Olympic gold medalists to TV hosts to Grammy winners — these public figures have raised awareness about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity through their stories.
Featured Stories
Novak Djokovic
Professional Tennis Player, 24-time Grand Slam ChampionDjokovic was diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2010 by nutritionist Dr. Igor Cetojevic using applied kinesiology. After eliminating gluten from his diet, he experienced a dramatic improvement in his performance, stamina, and mental clarity. He credits his gluten-free diet as a key factor in his rise to becoming the world's top tennis player.
"Within a few days I felt like a different person. I was lighter, more alert, more focused." — Serve to Win, 2013
Advocacy & Impact
- Authored 'Serve to Win' book about his GF journey
- Speaks openly about diet's impact on athletic performance
- Opened a gluten-free restaurant in Monaco (Eqvita)
Books
Serve to Win: The 14-Day Gluten-Free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence (2013)
Elisabeth Hasselbeck
TV Host (Survivor, The View, Fox & Friends)Hasselbeck discovered she had celiac disease during her time on Survivor in 2001-2002, where the rice-based diet actually improved her health compared to her previous diet. After returning home and resuming gluten consumption, her symptoms returned. She was formally diagnosed with celiac disease shortly after.
"Going gluten-free changed my life. It was like a fog had been lifted." — The G-Free Diet, 2008
Advocacy & Impact
- Published 'The G-Free Diet' in 2008
- Testified before Congress on food labeling
- Regular media spokesperson for celiac awareness
- Speaks at celiac disease awareness events
Books
The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide (2008)Deliciously G-Free: Food So Flavorful They'll Never Believe It's Gluten-Free (2012)
Drew Brees
NFL Quarterback, Super Bowl ChampionBrees was tested for food sensitivities in 2010 and discovered he was sensitive to gluten, dairy, and nuts. He eliminated these from his diet and reported improved energy levels and recovery times. He has been an advocate for understanding how food affects athletic performance.
"Changing my diet was one of the best decisions I ever made for my career. The energy I have now is incredible." — ESPN Interview, 2012
Advocacy & Impact
- Speaks about nutrition's role in athletic longevity
- Promotes awareness of food sensitivities in athletes
Dana Vollmer
Olympic Swimmer, 5-time Olympic Gold MedalistVollmer was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2004 at age 16 after years of unexplained fatigue and digestive issues. Despite initial struggles with the diagnosis and dietary changes, she went on to win Olympic gold medals and set world records, proving that celiac disease doesn't have to limit athletic achievement.
"Having celiac disease doesn't define me as an athlete. It's just something I manage." — Team USA Interview, 2012
Advocacy & Impact
- Celiac disease awareness ambassador
- Speaks about competing at elite level with celiac
- Advocates for better GF options for athletes
Jennifer Esposito
Actress (NCIS, Blue Bloods), Celiac AdvocateEsposito struggled for years with debilitating symptoms before being diagnosed with celiac disease. Her journey led her to become a passionate advocate for celiac awareness and she opened a gluten-free bakery in New York.
"It took me years to get a diagnosis. I don't want anyone else to suffer like that." — Jennifer's Way, 2014
Advocacy & Impact
- Founded Jennifer's Way Bakery (NYC)
- Published memoir about celiac diagnosis
- Active celiac disease advocate and speaker
Books
Jennifer's Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease (2014)More Gluten-Free Celebrities
Zooey Deschanel
Actress (New Girl, 500 Days of Summer)Deschanel has been open about following a gluten-free and vegan diet due to food sensitivities. She has discussed the challenges of maintaining her diet while working in Hollywood and traveling.
"I'm vegan and gluten-free, which pretty much means I can look at a menu and only eat, like, two things."
Miley Cyrus
Singer, Actress (Hannah Montana)Cyrus has stated she follows a gluten-free diet due to gluten and lactose intolerance. She has been open about the diet change and its effects on her health and energy.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress, Goop FounderPaltrow has promoted gluten-free eating through her lifestyle brand Goop. While she doesn't claim to have celiac disease, she has published gluten-free recipes and advocates for mindful eating.
Keith Olbermann
Sports and Political CommentatorOlbermann has been open about his celiac disease diagnosis and has discussed living with the condition publicly.
Susie Essman
Comedian, Actress (Curb Your Enthusiasm)Essman has been diagnosed with celiac disease and has discussed managing the condition in interviews.
Amy Yoder Begley
Olympic Distance RunnerYoder Begley was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008 and has spoken about managing her diet while competing at the elite level.
Sarah Vowell
Author, Historian, Voice Actress (The Incredibles)Vowell has discussed her celiac disease diagnosis in interviews and writing.
Chelsea Clinton
Author, Global Health Advocate, Vice Chair Clinton FoundationClinton has mentioned following a gluten-free diet for health reasons.
Ryan Phillippe
Actor (Cruel Intentions, Crash)Phillippe has discussed eliminating gluten from his diet and the positive effects on his health.
Emmy Rossum
Actress (Shameless, The Phantom of the Opera)Rossum has celiac disease and has discussed managing her diet and finding GF options.
Note: Celebrity dietary information is based on publicly available statements and interviews. Photos sourced from Wikimedia Commons under free licenses. We distinguish between diagnosed celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and personal dietary choices. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.