Throughout her iconic career spanning decades, Cher has captivated audiences with her powerful voice, mesmerizing performances, and unmistakable style.
But behind the glamour and success lies a lesser-known story of perseverance and resilience in the face of an invisible foe: disease. Cher's battle with an invisible illness sheds light on the challenges countless individuals who struggle with hidden health conditions face.
By sharing her journey, Cher has raised awareness and inspired others to face their invisible battles with strength and determination.
Chers Battle with Epstein-Barr Virus
In a Vanity Fair interview of Cher's seemingly worn-out countenance, an unexpected culprit lurked behind her fatigue—Epstein-Barr virus. Unbeknownst to her, the energy-draining virus had taken residence within her during the filming of The Witches of Eastwick in 1986.
However, it was only in her cinematic endeavor Mermaids, that she truly comprehended the incapacitating power of this disease. So much so the severity of her condition temporarily halted production to allow her to recover.
Recounting those trying times, Cher candidly admitted, "I was so sick I thought I was going to die. I went to doctor after doctor," underscoring the gravity of her situation.
Often perceived as disillusioned apathy, Cher's public persona finds its roots intertwined with the insidious Epstein-Barr virus.
In her own words, while speaking to The New York Times, she mused, "Listen, people have all kinds of ideas about me. There's the sparkly me and the quiet me. But the quiet me comes more naturally.”
However, the road to self-discovery was fraught with obstacles for Cher, particularly during the two years she battled the relentless Epstein-Barr virus. She shared the harrowing experience, revealing:
"No, I got really sick [with the Epstein-Barr virus]. For two years, I couldn't work. It was terrible. I ended the second year with pneumonia. All these movie offers were coming in, but I had to turn them all down. I was really, really upset about it. And when I came back, I had to work my way back up from the beginning—doing concerts and stuff like that."
Cher's battle with the Epstein-Barr virus stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering passion for her craft. It highlights the resilience that enabled her to triumph over adversity and rediscover her artistic voice.
But what is the Epsetein-Barr virus?
What is Epstein-Barr Virus
The Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus that can infect people. It's part of a group of viruses called herpesviruses. When someone gets infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, they might not even realize it because it often doesn't cause any symptoms.
But in some cases, it can make people feel sick.
When the Epstein-Barr virus does cause symptoms, it usually starts with feeling tired and run down. You might have a fever, a sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck. These symptoms can last a couple of weeks but usually go away independently.
Sometimes, the virus can stick around in the body and cause problems later on. This is called a latent infection. It means the virus is in your body, but it's not actively causing symptoms; as Cher mentioned, it was with her for two years.
Epstein-Barr virus is mainly spread through saliva, sometimes called the "kissing disease." It can also spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen, and breast milk.
Although Cher suffered from this, she isn’t the only celebrity to suffer from an invisible illness.
Other Celebrities with Invisible Illnesses
Chronic illnesses affect a significant portion of the population. The Centers for Disease Control reported in 2017 that half of all adults in America live with at least one chronic condition, and 1 in 4 adults has two or more.
These illnesses encompass a range of health issues, such as heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Contrary to popular belief, fame, wealth, or success does not shield individuals from the impact of chronic or rare conditions.
Many celebrities have these health issues and invisible illnesses.
Jada Pinkett Smith, for instance, shared her emotional journey when she discovered her hair falling out in clumps. Reflecting on that distressing time, she revealed:
"It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking with fear... 'Oh, my God. Am I going bald?'" However, Pinkett Smith found solace and resilience through her faith and spirituality.
She realized that even a higher power takes things from people, and if that meant losing her hair, she accepted it with a newfound perspective: "God, you want my hair?' When I looked at it from that perspective, it really did settle me."
Similarly, Lady Gaga has been candid about her experiences with chronic pain and illness, using social media as a platform to discuss these challenges. However, her documentary, Five Foot Two, provided an intimate glimpse into the extent of her pain and its profound impact on her life.
In her '30s, Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, a rare condition that affects the inner ear and can lead to vertigo and hearing problems.
Celebrities like Pinkett Smith, Lady Gaga, and Kristin Chenoweth offer a glimpse into their struggles and bring these conditions to the forefront of public consciousness by sharing their battles with chronic and rare illnesses.
