Living with a stoma bag isn’t something most people expect from public figures. But the truth is, even celebrities go through serious health journeys that involve surgeries, setbacks, and everyday courage. This article explores some of the most inspiring celebrities with a stoma bag and how they’ve used their voices to break stigma and show that life doesn’t stop after surgery.
Let’s take a closer look at the condition, their stories, and why representation truly matters.
What is a Stoma Bag and Why Do People Need It?
A stoma bag is used after a surgical procedure where part of the bowel or urinary system is brought outside the body through the abdomen. This opening, called a stoma, allows waste to exit into a special bag. People may need this due to conditions like bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or traumatic injuries.
Although it’s life-saving, having a stoma can come with physical and emotional challenges. That’s why it’s so powerful when well-known people speak up about their experiences. It helps others feel less alone and more empowered.
10 Celebrities with a Stoma Bag Who’ve Spoken Up
Here are ten public figures who’ve shown incredible strength in sharing their stoma journey. Their honesty has helped normalize medical devices and inspired people worldwide.
1. Adele Roberts
A BBC radio host and Big Brother alum, Adele was diagnosed with stage II bowel cancer and fitted with an ileostomy bag, which she lovingly named “Audrey.” She didn’t just speak about it—she ran the 2023 London Marathon while wearing her stoma bag and set a Guinness World Record. Adele’s positivity and humor have helped shift public perception and encourage others facing similar challenges.
2. Louise Thompson
Known from Made in Chelsea, Louise developed ulcerative colitis after giving birth. She later had surgery that left her with a stoma bag. In an empowering moment, she wore a transparent dress to show it off publicly. Her message was clear: medical needs don’t take away beauty or confidence.
3. Mollie Pearce
A contestant on The Traitors, Mollie has ulcerative colitis and got her stoma bag at just 18 years old. She’s now a model and advocate, using her platform to raise awareness and share practical tips for living confidently with an ostomy.
4. Brittani Nicholl
Brittani is a professional surfer from Australia who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in her teens. After several surgeries, she now lives with a permanent stoma. That hasn’t stopped her from catching waves and supporting others who face similar health issues.
5. Blake Beckford
Blake is a fitness model and personal trainer from the UK. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, he underwent surgery for an ileostomy. Instead of hiding it, he embraced it—and even modeled with it proudly—to challenge body image stereotypes in the fitness world.
6. Fran Brown
Fran is a British Paralympic cyclist who underwent stoma surgery due to a rare condition. Since then, she’s earned medals in international competitions and become an ambassador for body positivity and inclusion in sport.
7. Mary Ann Mobley
Miss America 1959 and an actress, Mary Ann battled Crohn’s disease and had an ostomy later in life. She was open about her journey and became an advocate for greater awareness and empathy for people living with invisible illnesses.
8. Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Babe was a legendary athlete and Olympic gold medalist. After undergoing a colostomy for colon cancer, she didn’t step back—she went on to win the U.S. Women’s Open in golf. Her strength set a powerful example of resilience decades before body positivity became a movement.
9. Louie Green
Louie is a comedian and performer who took a bold step by showing his colostomy bag live on stage. His courage sparked conversations and helped many feel seen. By mixing humor and honesty, he continues to change how people view medical differences.
10. Sara Levitt
A Miss Universe Canada delegate, Sara was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and wears a stoma bag named “Liv.” Rather than hide it, she turned it into a fashion statement, even adding sequins and designs. Her creative and outspoken approach is redefining beauty standards in pageantry.
The Power of Visibility
When celebrities open up about their medical journeys, it does more than just raise awareness. It gives hope. It reminds people that needing a stoma bag doesn’t make you less attractive, successful, or strong. If anything, it shows you’ve already survived something incredibly difficult.
And just like many people with lesser-known conditions, such as celebrities with Lichen Sclerosus, these public figures help shine a light on realities most people never talk about.
Busting Myths About Stoma Bags
There are many misconceptions about living with a stoma. Some people assume it’s only for older adults or that it means giving up an active lifestyle. But the celebrities above have proven otherwise.
You can still travel, run marathons, wear stylish clothes, fall in love, and chase your dreams. A stoma might change your routine, but it doesn’t have to limit your life.
Similarly, many stars have quietly opened up about other overlooked health challenges, like celebrities with gum recession, showing that even the most glamorous faces deal with complex issues behind the scenes.
Why Representation Matters More Than Ever
When people in the public eye speak about things like ostomy bags, it reduces shame and creates space for empathy. Whether it’s through sports, media, fashion, or social media, these voices are helping shift the culture toward acceptance.
And just like actresses with brown hairs break the norms and bring different types of beauty into mainstream conversation, so do those with visible medical devices. Their courage helps others feel more confident, visible, and proud.
Final Thoughts
These 10 celebrities with a stoma bag are more than just survivors. They’re trailblazers, advocates, and inspirations. Whether they shared their story on a red carpet, in a gym, on stage, or in front of millions on TV, each one has helped normalize what was once hidden.
Their message is clear: a stoma doesn’t define you—it empowers you.
