Kidney stones (also known as urolithiasis) are a common and extremely painful condition that affects people from all walks of life — including celebrities, world leaders, artists, and musicians.
Below is a curated list of famous people with kidney stones, showing that even the rich and powerful are not immune to this condition.
Peter Andre
The pop singer was forced to postpone two concerts at Plymouth Pavilions in 2010 after suffering from a kidney stone.
Bing Crosby
According to his biographer, Crosby struggled with recurring kidney stones from the early 1950s onwards.
Billy Joel
The musician spoke openly in a 1990 Rolling Stone interview about a kidney stone episode that was exaggerated by the media, clarifying that he had experienced stones before.
Arthur Sullivan
One half of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan partnership, Sullivan developed kidney stones in 1872 and continued composing despite chronic pain. He later underwent surgery in 1874.
Roger Moore
During early filming of Live and Let Die (1973), Moore was hospitalised due to a pre-existing kidney stone condition.
Kiefer Sutherland
After suffering a kidney stone in 2003, Sutherland described it as the most intense pain he had ever experienced — worse than broken bones.
William Shatner
In 2005, Shatner was rushed to hospital with severe back pain caused by kidney stones. He later auctioned one of his stones for charity.
Ava Gardner
The Hollywood actress was hospitalised in Madrid in 1954 with kidney stones, reportedly causing dramatic scenes during her treatment.
Alfred Hitchcock
The legendary filmmaker developed kidney stones in 1974, alongside other serious health issues.
Tim Burton
The director missed the 2011 British Independent Film Awards due to kidney stones, with his absence explained publicly by Helena Bonham Carter.
George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)
The celebrated novelist endured repeated kidney stone attacks from 1874 until her death.
Michelangelo
The Renaissance master suffered from recurrent uric acid kidney stones and was treated in 1549. Some historians believe kidney disease may have contributed to his death and influenced his anatomical art.
Isaac Newton
Newton experienced lifelong urinary problems, including kidney stones. Historical accounts suggest he passed stones without pain late in life.
Samuel Pepys
A post-mortem revealed seven kidney stones weighing over four ounces. Earlier in life, Pepys underwent painful stone surgery without anaesthesia.
Oliver Cromwell
The English leader reportedly suffered from kidney stones in the 1650s and followed unusual physical methods to relieve symptoms.
Indira Gandhi
The former Indian Prime Minister underwent successful kidney stone surgery in 1960 after months of severe pain.
Lyndon B. Johnson
In 1965, the U.S. President publicly displayed a surgical scar from a procedure that included kidney stone removal.
James K. Polk
The 11th U.S. President had a urinary stone removed at age 17 — without anaesthetic — and recovered fully.
Sir Robert Walpole
Often regarded as Britain’s first Prime Minister, Walpole suffered from kidney stones, as did close family members.
Burt Reynolds
In 1984, severe kidney stone pain reportedly caused Reynolds to collapse and miss a major public appearance.
Karl Rove
Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff, hospitalised in 2005 due to kidney stones.
John Prescott
The former UK Deputy Prime Minister was admitted to hospital on Christmas Day 2006 with a kidney stone.
John McCain
The U.S. Senator experienced multiple kidney stones and took medication to help prevent recurrence.
Ratko Mladić
Underwent kidney stone surgery in 1995 during the Bosnian conflict.
From Renaissance artists to modern celebrities, kidney stones have affected many famous people throughout history.
Their stories highlight just how painful and disruptive this condition can be — regardless of wealth, fame, or power.
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