4 Comedians Who Flourished With Diabetes

It can be difficult enough to get on stage and make a roomful of strangers laugh, but for comedians suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, finding the strength and energy to perform at a high level can be even more challenging.

Despite dealing with the complication of diabetes, these five comedians managed to entertain millions of people from around the world on television, radio, the big screen and live on stage.

1. Minnie Pearl

Born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, the professional comedian known as Minnie Pearl performed at the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years and was a star on the television show Hee Haw. Pearl entertained audiences until she was 81 and never let her diabetes diagnosis slow her down.

2. Kevin Nealon

A staple on Saturday Night Live during the show’s heyday between 1986 and 1995, Nealon also appeared in Adam Sandler’s classic movies Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer. Known for SNL characters like Mr. Subliminal and Franz (of Hans and Franz), Nealon also hosted the Weekend Update.


3. Jack Benny

Born with type 1 diabetes, Jack Benny’s show business career began at the age of 17 and continued until his passing in 1974 at the age of 80. Starring on the live stage, TV and film, his radio show The Jack Benny Program rocketed him to popularity and eventually it continued its success on television.

4. Chelcie Rice

The Atlanta-based comedian living with type 1 diabetes is the mastermind and host behind Sugar-Free Comedy - a series dedicated to bringing awareness to the world of diabetes. Despite suffering partial vision loss in his right eye, Rice has used comedy to stay motivated and mentally healthy.

Source: Gluxos, The DX
Photo:Pixabay


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