Being a caregiver is one of the most selfless roles a person can take on, especially when the person requiring care is a loved one. As altruistic as the grooming is, it’s also incredibly draining emotionally. Aside from the need for 24/7 care, a person suffering from a terminal illness becomes less and less who they were before the diagnosis because of the illness that grips them — and these celebrities know how difficult that is Watch the decline of their aging parents.
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Many celebrities, including Maria Shriver and Bryan Cranston, have cared for parents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. During a conversation with The Hill in 2017, Shriver offered advice for those caring for loved ones who have the terminal illness. “You can love the person you’re caring for but hate how challenging caring for them can be,” she said. “Accept that you will have these feelings, but then do what you can to surround yourself with love and support so you don’t become isolated or overwhelmed.”
Other famous figures such as Queen Latifah and Henry Winkler have witnessed their parents slowly dying from other terminal illnesses. Regardless of the illness that forced them into the role of caregiver to their aging parents, every celebrity has openly described the mental and emotional toll the harrowing responsibility causes.
Keep scrolling to read the experiences and advice of celebrities who have taken on the role of caregiver to their aging, ailing parents.
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Queen Latifah
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Queen Latifah’s mother passed away in 2018 from interstitial lung disease (ILD). The media pundit cared for her until her death, and in 2022 Latifah told SELF, “It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie.”
The Girls’ Trip actress shared: “I’ve been working hard, as always. I think it was important to take a break sometimes. Go hiking. Go for a stroll. And try to get some sleep. You know, just escape a little.”
Based on her experience, she recommended to other caregivers, “Do something that energizes you and makes you happy — something that gives your mind and spirit a break and allows you to refresh yourself so you can get back to that real situation.” with a fresh mind and positive attitude.”
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Mary Shriver
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After her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003, Maria Shriver was his caregiver until his death in 2011. During a 2017 question-and-answer session with The Hill, Shriver addressed the caregivers’ guilt, claiming, “You may love the person you care for, but I hate how challenging caregiving can be.”
To others who take on this demanding role, she advises: “Do your best and remember that you have limited control over the situation you are in. Accept that you will have those feelings, but then do what you want. You can surround yourself with love and support so you don’t become isolated or overwhelmed.”
Shriver also urged other caregivers to share their stories. “Storytelling is a powerful tool, and your voice counts,” she said. “So many people are experiencing what they have experienced and are still experiencing today. Your challenges, your achievements, what has helped you is likely to help someone else as well.”
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Seth Rogan
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Seth Rogan has been caring for her with his wife Lauren Miller since his mother-in-law was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s when she was just 55 years old.
In 2017, the actor told InStyle magazine, according to Yahoo! News how much he admires Miller’s emotional openness to her mother’s condition, stating, “It was nice to see my wife taking emotional control of a situation that wasn’t very controllable. I think the most impressive thing she does is just talk about it.”
Rogan added: “It’s very embarrassing to have Alzheimer’s. Some people don’t want anyone to know. But it is good to acknowledge it.”
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Peter Gallagher
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Peter Gallagher took care of his mother for over two decades after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The actor said at an Alzheimer’s Association event in 2012, “A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be as devastating for the caregiver as it is for the person diagnosed.”
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Amy Grant
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Along with her three sisters, Amy Grant took care of her two parents who suffered from dementia. Explaining the importance of having people to lean on for care, the country musician told Aging Care, “You can’t fix it, but you don’t have to go through it alone.”
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Heinrich Winkler
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For ten years, Henry Winkler and his sister took care of their mother after she suffered a stroke. In 2013, the actor told Spry Living, “My hats off to the caregivers.” My greatest respect goes to the caregivers. … The dedication, the patience, just the effort to constantly take care of someone else — that’s a hero.”
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Bryan Cranston
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Bryan Cranston was also a caregiver for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. His mother was diagnosed with the disease that eventually took her life after living with the condition for 14 years. In a 2019 video for Alzheimer’s Research UK, the actor spoke to fellow carers and suggested, “Try your best to embrace the ‘other’ relationship with your loved one — whatever that might be.”
Cranston said: “To help myself with that, I tried to look for the lighter side of life. A laugh can be very therapeutic—for both the patient and the caregiver.” Aware of the emotional toll this role entails, he added, “The caregiver is humanity’s unheralded hero.” I adore caregivers as much as I adore first responders .”
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