Actors with Learning Disabilities

While fame isn't and shouldn't be the only marker forcritically-acclaimed biopic about the incredible life of
success, it is a definite indicator of it (especially inMexican painter and political activist Frida Kahlo. Hayek
America where celebrities are treated like royalty). Itco-produced the film and garnered a best actress
may also be helpful to your child's self-esteem toAcademy Award nomination for her portrayal of the
provide him or her with examples of successful peopleartist.
with learning disabilities that he or she can readily3. Keira Knightley
identify from the media. These notable figures illustrateThis lovely young actress has starred in many critically
that a person can achieve great things if they workand commercially successful films, including the Pirates
hard and believe in themselves:of the Caribbean series, Love Actually, and Pride &
1. Orlando BloomPrejudice, for which she scored a best actress
This handsome 29-year-old first came into the publicAcademy Award nomination. Knightley was diagnosed
eye with his portrayal of Legolas, the heroic elf in Thewith dyslexia at the age of 6, but still harbored
Lord of the Rings trilogy. Since then, he has continuedambitions of acting in movies, like her parents. After
to appear in one big budget film after another, includingmaking a deal with her mother to spend her summer
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Blackvacation brushing up on her reading and math skills,
Pearl, Troy, and Kingdom of Heaven. The meteoricKnightley was signed with an agent and promptly
success of Bloom's career is made all the morebegan landing roles on television and in films. The rest,
remarkable by the fact that in high school, he struggledas they say, is history.
with dyslexia. Encouraged by his mother to participate4. Vince Vaughan
in poetry and prose recitals, he found a way to turn hisThe charming actor has been Hollywood's go-to funny
learning disability into a skill. He is now one of the mostman since his film debut, Swingers. Growing up,
sought after actors of his generation.Vaughan was placed in special education classes due
2. Salma Hayekto his dyslexia. In order to combat the self-esteem
The gorgeous half-Mexican, half-Lebanese actressdamage inflicted by these poorly structured classes,
overcame dyslexia and learned English in order toVaughan developed a quick, cool sense of humor. This
become one of Hollywood's hottest stars. Afterbrand of humor came in handy in later years when he
launching a highly successful career as a telenovelabegan taking improv acting classes and has continued
actress in her native Mexico, Hayek made a riskyto serve him well in his movie career, which has
move to Los Angeles to pursue a movie career. Oneincluded such hit films as Dodgeball: A True Underdog
of her professional highlights is the movie Frida, aStory, Wedding Crashers, and The Break-Up.