Sunday, May 17, 2009

Celebrities down with HIV

Sunday May 17, 2009
Celebrities down with HIV
Star

THIS is a list of some celebrities, who are known to have or to have had HIV, compiled by http://ezinearticles.com

Rock Hudson

The first major American celebrity whose AIDS diagnosis was made public. “Unquestionably, he was one of the most popular and well-known movie stars of his time. The public got a double shock when it was revealed he had AIDS. Hudson died at the age of 59 in 1985,” the site says,

Freddie Mercury

Queen’s lead singer noted for his vocal abilities and his charisma.

“His death led to The Mercury Phoenix Trust anti-AIDS charity and the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness.

“He died in 1991 at the age of 45 and was inducted into Rock and Roll’s Hall of Fame in 2001,” the site says.

Liberace

Flamboyant Las Vegas singer and piano player known for candelabras and lavish costumes.

“In the ‘1970s and 1980s, Liberace was a major box office attraction in Las Vegas. In 1987, he died due to complications from AIDS,” the site says.

Arthur Ashe

One of the greatest tennis players of all time.

“Ashe, who transcended tennis to become a social activist who led public protests against apartheid in South Africa, became infected with HIV via transfusion during heart surgery. This Tennis Hall of Famer died in 1993 at the age of 49,” the site says.

Isaac Asimov

Famous science fiction writer and biochemist.

“Two of his works were turned into highly successful films - I, Robot and Bicentennial Man. Asimov, who was also popular for his science books, became infected by transfused blood during heart surgery,” the site says.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Johnson is widely considered as the best point guard ever to play the game.

“Since publicly announcing he had been infected with HIV, Johnson continues to be an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,” the site says.

Greg Louganis

Multiple Olympic gold medallist in diving.

“Was the most outstanding amateur athlete in 1984 and went on to win back-to-back Olympic golds in both the 3m and 10m diving events.

“Following the announcement of his HIV status in 1995, Louganis was dropped by a majority of his corporate sponsors,” the site says.

Ryan White

He was expelled from high school because of his infection, which he got from contaminated blood during treatment.

“White, who was a hemophiliac, became a poster child for HIV/AIDS at a time when the public knew very little about the disease.

“He made many celebrity friends including Michael Jackson whose song “Gone Too Soon” was a tribute to the teenage AIDS victim. White died in 1990 at a young age of 18,” it adds.

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