Celebrities with coronavirus urge fans to stay safe
Stars with coronavirus share their statuses
As the global coronavirus pandemic and its effects continue to reverberate around the world, some of Hollywood's biggest stars have spoken about their own experience testing positive for the virus, which has been dubbed COVID-19 by the scientific community. Scroll through for the stars who have been diagnosed with the illness, and how they're urging fans to stay safe and take the virus seriously.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson became the first known celebrities to openly share their diagnosis when they released a statement on March 11. "Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia," Hanks wrote on his social media accounts. "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive."
Hanks went on to say that he and his wife would "be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires" and promised updates. After posting various updates on their well-being, it was revealed on March 16 that the couple had left the hospital and were remaining under quarantine at a rented house in Australia.
Olga Kurylenko
Olga Kurylenko, known for playing Camille in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, revealed on March 15 that she had the virus. "Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus," she wrote in a post on her Instagram. "I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" The following day, she posted again to thank her fans for reaching out and sending her well wishes, and she took the time to answer some of the most common questions she has received about the illness, including why she wasn't in the hospital and what it was like to get tested.
Kristofer Hivju
Kristofer Hivju, who played the lovable and fearsome Tormund Giantsbane on Game of Thrones, announced he had tested positive for the virus in a post on his Instagram on March 16.
"Greetings from Norway!" Hivju wrote. "Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus. My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health — I only have mild symptoms of a cold."
His post continued, "There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1,5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals. Please take care of each other, keep your distance, and stay healthy! Please visit your country's Center for Disease Control's website, and follow the regulations for staying safe and protecting not just yourselves, but our entire community, and especially those at risk like the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions."
Idris Elba
Luther star Idris Elba took to his social media accounts on March 16 to share the news that he was the latest celebrity to contract the illness.
"This morning I tested positive for Covid 19," he wrote on Twitter. "I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic."
Elba further elaborated in a video he posted with wife Sabrina Dhowre: "It came back positive, yeah, and it sucks. I’m doing okay. Sabrina hasn’t been tested and she’s doing okay. I didn’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who also tested positive. I found out last Friday that they tested positive, I quarantined myself immediately and got a test immediately and got the results back today. It’s serious."
He then encouraged people to practice social distancing and wash their hands. "Look, we live in a divided world right now, we can all feel it, it’s been bullshit," Elba concluded. "Now’s the time for solidarity. Now’s the time for thinking about each other. There are so many people whose lives have been affected, from people who’ve lost somebody they love to people who don’t even have it and have lost their livelihoods. This is real."
Andrew Watt
Music producer Andrew Watt, known creatively as Watt, revealed on March 17 that he tested positive with COVID-19, after initially being told he had the flu. "Yesterday I was given the results that I am positive for COVID-19. I wanted to tell you all about my journey getting here in an effort to bring awareness to the severity of what's happening in the world," he wrote in a series of posts on his Instagram.
Watt, who won a Grammy in 2019 for his work on Cardi B's album Invasion of Privacy, and who has also worked with Post Malone and Ozzy Osbourne, said on March 6 he started feeling like he was "hit by a bus. I couldn't move out of my bed for days and started to run a fever." He was told he had the flu, and ordered to take Tamiflu and Tylenol to ease his symptoms, which later progressed. "The chills, sweats, and fevers did not stop," he said. "I started to become delusional and then began the dry cough." He said he was taken to the hospital, where he "begged" to be tested, and he was denied. Finally a private doctor was able to give him the test, and it came back positive.
Watt said currently his fever is subsiding some and he's regaining his appetite, but he still has difficulty breathing. He concluded his post with a warning. "I am 29 years old. I am a healthy young man and I am going to get through this no matter what. I am going to make a full recovery," he wrote. "But... there are so many people in my life and in the world that could possibly not get through this due to their age and/or a compromised immune system... this is why I am writing this post. I can't stress this enough... This is not a joke. Stay inside, stay sanitized."
Kevin Durant
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant revealed March 17 that he, along with at least three of his teammates, had tested positive for the virus. "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine," said Durant, who told The Athletic that he was feeling fine. "We're going to get through this." The Nets released a statement confirming that four players had tested positive, but only one was showing symptoms. The organization did not name the players. "All players and members of the Nets travel party are being asked to remain isolated, closely monitor their health and maintain constant communication with team medical staff," the team said.
Charlotte Lawrence
Singer and model Charlotte Lawrence announced March 18 that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
In an Instagram post sharing the news, the 19-year-old daughter of actress Christa Miller and TV producer Bill Lawrence assured fans that she will be "completely fine," but urged her nearly 800,000 followers to do everything in their power to follow safety protocols and "protect those less able to survive this virus."
"Think about your parents. Think about your grandparents. I love so many people who might have a very tough time getting through this," the Birds of Prey soundtrack singer continued. "For the love of God, self f—ing quarantine or you'll be on my s— list."
Indira Varma
Game of Thrones and The Seagull star Indira Varma indicated March 18 on Instagram that she was sick from the illness.
"So sad our and so many other shows around the world have gone dark affected by the Covid-19 pandemic," she wrote. "We hope to be back soon and urge you all (and the govt) to support us when we do."
She concluded her note by urging her followers to be kind to others: "Phoenix/ Seagull rising from the ashes. I’m in bed with it and it’s not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to your fellow people."
Daniel Dae Kim
Daniel Dae Kim revealed March 19 that he had tested positive for COVID-19 the day prior. The Lost and Hawaii Five-O actor posted a video to his Instagram explaining his experience so far with the illness. "Hi everyone- yesterday I was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus," he wrote alongside the video. "Looks like I’ll be ok, but I wanted share my journey with you in the hopes that you find it informative or helpful. Hope you all stay safe, calm, and above all, healthy."
In the video, which he filmed while he self-quarantines at his home in Hawaii, he explained his symptoms and his experience taking the test. The actor also said that though he is feeling much better, everyone should be taking this pandemic seriously. He concluded his video by thanking his family, friends, and fans for their support and kept things light by making a joke. "I guess it's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, two of my favorite actors," he said. "I guess I'm in some pretty good company."
Colton Underwood
Bachelor star Colton Underwood, who appeared on the show's 23rd season, announced on March 20 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, after first feeling symptoms of the illness a few days prior.
“It’s been kicking my ass, just to put it pretty bluntly,” the 28-year-old said in a video posted to his Instagram. “The main thing is I can’t even walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath or go to the bathroom without having to sit down because I’m exhausted.”
Underwood said that he is currently self-isolating at his girlfriend Cassie Randolph's parents' home in California, but that everyone is "in good spirits" and he would keep fans posted.
“So, I guess the reason I’m sharing this is not to cause fear or panic, but to hopefully encourage you guys to stay home, do your part, take care of yourselves, take care of one another,” he said. “I just want to encourage everybody to stay at home. Stay in your house and do your part and take care of one another.”
Andy Cohen
Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen said on March 20 that he has coronavirus.
"After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus," he wrote in an Instagram post. "As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better. I want to thank all the medical professionals who are working tirelessly for all of us, and urge everybody to stay home and take care of themselves."
Debi Mazar
Younger star Debi Mazar announced March 21 on her Instagram that she had tested positive for the virus.
"I have just tested positive for Covid-19. I AM OK!" she wrote. "About a month ago my entire home (husband and two teen daughters) got an odd bug - Low grade fever, headaches, sore throat, body aches, ears ringing and a dry cough. It cleared up quickly. Seasonal I thought? but it felt unusual/different... Two weeks later, March 15th, I woke up with all those same symptoms but super intense body aches, and 102.4 fever. I figured maybe I got the flu or..Corona?"
Like many others, Mazar had issues getting access to a test because she didn't meet the stated "criteria" to get one, but when she finally took the test, it came back positive. "I'm hoping I’ve been through the worst of it already... One day I feel crappy and the next I’m normal. Today my lungs are heavy, but I’m tough. I can breath, and I’m going to heal here, in my own home!"
She ended her message by telling her fans to stay home. "Protect yourselves & your loved ones. Build up your immune systems. Good Luck & God Bless us all!"
Nyle DiMarco
Dancing With the Stars champion Nyle DiMarco said on March 21 via his Twitter account that he believes he has coronavirus but that he has opted to forego getting tested so that people with more serious symptoms can take the test instead.
DiMarco said he began experiencing symptoms of the virus, including a spiked fever, chills, sore throat, and a mild cough, as well as a lack of smell and taste, and that he spoke with his doctor and placed himself on self-quarantine.
"I'd really like to stress the importance of testing," he wrote on social media. "Of course testing is critical and it's been proven in some countries like South Korea to greatly help the efforts of combating Coronavirus. In a perfect world I would take that test. However, the U.S. lacks enough test kits for everyone. If you are healthy and if you have no respiratory issues I strongly encourage you to be mindful of sick patients and allow them to get tested if they need it more than you do. And please stay home." He ended his note by saying, "We're all in this together. Let's do it."
Gavin Creel
Like DiMarco, Broadway star Gavin Creel announced on March 22 that he believes he has COVID-19, but he has not been formally tested for the virus.
Creel revealed the news during Rosie O'Donnell's live-streamed show. "I'm pretty sure I have the virus," Creel said. "I haven't been officially tested, but I was doing Waitress in London and a bunch of our cast has fallen sick from it. One of my castmates did test the same day that I was starting to have symptoms, and she's positive and we were together the whole time."
He described his symptoms as having a "cruddy flu." He said he's "hanging tight" and shared that his doctor told him to stay away from other people for 14 days.
Plácido Domingo
Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo on March 22 announced he has tested positive for coronavirus.
"I feel it is my moral duty to announce to you that I have tested positive for COVID19, the Corona virus," he wrote in a post on his Facebook page. "My Family and I are all in self isolation for as long as it is deemed medically necessary. Currently we are all in good health but I experienced fever and cough symptoms therefore deciding to get tested and the result came back positive."
He urged followers "to be extremely careful, follow the basic guidelines by washing your hands frequently, keeping at least a 6 feet distance from others, doing everything you can to stop the virus from spreading and please above all stay home if you can!"
Domingo recently resigned from the opera singer union AGMA, after an internal investigation by the American Guild of Musical Artists and LA Opera found multiple accusations of sexual harassment against him.
Harvey Weinstein
On March 22, news broke that disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein had tested positive for the virus. Weinstein is one of two inmates at Wende Correctional Facility in western New York who tested positive, according to Reuters. Weinstein is currently serving out a 23-year sentence for committing a criminal sex act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. No official statement from Weinstein with regards to the diagnosis or pandemic has been made.
Aaron Tveit
Aaron Tviet, star of the Moulin Rouge! Broadway show, informed fans on Monday, March 23 that he’d tested positive for coronavirus, but is feeling “much better.” The actor has been in quarantine since Broadway closed down on March 12, though Moulin Rouge! actually halted production one day prior to the industry-wide shutdown, when one member of the company had a fever. “I consider myself extremely lucky that my symptoms have been very mild — cold like with no fever — as so many are experiencing much more serious symptoms, because this is a very dangerous virus,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was tested last Monday, and just found out the results, however, I have been taking this situation extremely seriously, even before I was tested. I want everyone to realize that this can affect anyone. And even if you aren’t feeling sick or showing drastic symptoms - please take heed, stay safe, stay healthy and I hope to see everyone at the theater again soon.”
Slim Thug
Rapper Slim Thug revealed to his fans on Instagram that he tested positive for COVID-19. "No games being played," he began the video, which he shared to his account March 24. "As careful as I've been self-quarantined and staying home, I might have gotten something to eat or something or did some stuff like that — simple stuff like that, nothing crazy — stayed in my truck, had masks, gloves, everything on. And my test came back positive."
Slim Thug said he feels much better after having a slight fever and cough initially, but he encouraged his followers to follow quarantine guidelines and to get their symptoms checked out if they're concerned. "Take it seriously. It's real out here," he concluded.
Jackson Browne
Rocker Jackson Browne told Rolling Stone on March 24 that he tested positive for COVID-19. Luckily, he said his symptoms were "pretty mild" and that he wouldn't be requiring medication or hospitalization.
The 71-year-old said he suspected he may have contracted the illness at the annual Love Rocks NYC benefit in New York City, which also featured artists like Cyndi Lauper and Dave Matthews. Browne also cautioned young people who feel they aren't impacted by the virus to take it seriously. "They need to take part in the global response to stop the spread," he said. "That means not going anywhere, not getting into contact with anybody, not seeing anybody.”
Laura Bell Bundy
On March 25, Hart of Dixie and Legally Blonde: The Musical actress Laura Bell Bundy announced on Instagram that she tested positive for coronavirus.
"Do not be alarmed, I am okay," she said in a video message. "I am taking everything in stride. I am taking all the nutritional supplements that have been recommended by my doctor." Bundy, who explained that she had been self-quarantined since March 12, said she wanted to share her symptoms, though they are "minor." She said initially she had a fever and a sore throat, and a few days later felt tightness in her chest and shortness of breath intermittently.
“It’s very, very, scary, of course I’m scared,” she said, adding that she believes she could have contracted the illness at an event she went to before she started self-quarantine. “I highly encourage everybody to stay inside. My belief is that more people have this than they realize and could be carriers. I was tested, but many people can’t get tested.”
She concluded, “Please take care of yourselves, do not expose yourself to relatives that are older, friends that are older, or anybody really.”
Scarface
Rapper and Geto Boys co-founder Scarface revealed in a March 26 interview with his bandmate Willie D that he had been hospitalized as a result of the virus.
The rapper said he first found out he tested positive for COVID-19 two days prior after weeks of battling the illness. Scarface said initially his symptoms started as "an itch in [his] throat," which then progressed to a fever, at which point he went to the emergency room and received antibiotics. He would later return to the hospital with even worse symptoms. "It started off with pneumonia in both of my lungs and three or four days later my kidneys failed," he said. “I’ve been to the point where I felt I was gonna die.”
"It's not fake," he warned listeners. "I'm not all the way out the woods yet... People out there thinking this s— is a game, it ain't no joke."
Chris Cuomo
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo announced March 31 that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
"In these difficult times that seem to get more difficult and complicated by the day, I just found out that I am positive for coronavirus," Cuomo wrote in a message on Twitter. "I have been exposed to people in recent days who have subsequently tested positive and I had fevers, chills, and shortness of breath. I just hope I didn't give it to the kids and Cristina. That would make me feel worse than this illness!"
Cuomo, whose brother is New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said he will continue to host his show Cuomo Prime Time from home while he recovers. He ended his message on a positive note: "We will all beat this by being smart and tough and united!"
Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Laura Bell Bundy, and more celebrities who have coronavirus (COVID-19).