Famous Individuals Who Had Polio: A Historical and Modern List

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/11/10 - Updated: 2025/05/22
Publication Type: Awareness, Appreciation
Category Topic: Famous Disabled People - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information provides an extensive and well-researched list of notable individuals, both historical and contemporary, who have lived with polio, highlighting the broad impact of the disease across various fields and societies. The article is authoritative and useful because it not only details the origins and nature of poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease, but also contextualizes its historical significance by mentioning the development of effective vaccines by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, which dramatically reduced global cases. The list includes figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Frida Kahlo, Wilma Rudolph, and Itzhak Perlman, demonstrating that polio has affected people from diverse backgrounds - politicians, artists, athletes, and musicians alike.

This resource is particularly helpful for people with disabilities, seniors, and advocates, as it underscores the achievements of those who lived with polio, offering both historical perspective and a sense of shared experience. The article's credibility is reinforced by its editorial oversight and commitment to accuracy, inviting readers to contribute corrections or additions, which ensures the information remains current and reliable - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Poliomyelitis (Polio or Infantile Paralysisis) is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, a member of the genus Enterovirus, belonging to the Picornaviridae family. The word poliomyelitis originates from the Greek word "polio" meaning "grey" and "myelon" meaning "marrow." The spread of the disease is through the fecal-oral route.

Main Content

There is currently no cure for polio. The focus of modern treatment has been on providing relief of symptoms, speeding recovery and preventing complications. The polio vaccines developed by Jonas Salk in 1952 and Albert Sabin in 1962 are credited with reducing the annual number of polio cases from many hundreds of thousands to around a thousand. Today, only 3 countries in the world have never stopped transmission of polio; Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria - (WHO).

Famous People Who Had and Have Polio

NOTE: If you notice any inaccuracies in this list, please reach out to us so we can correct it. Additionally, if you believe someone should be added to this list, please provide us with their name and any information to verify their disability. We value your help, and you can contact us here.

You can also view our other lists of famous and well-known people with various disabilities and conditions, including actors, politicians, and writers who contributed to society.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.