7 famous celebrities diagnosed with HIV

joan

November 17, 2015 11:03 AM

Before Charlie Sheen reveals his HIV status to the world, there were others who had to deal with the deadly virus in the public eye. Here are 7 of them below:

Charlie Sheen

As fans continue to digest the shocking news about Charlie Sheen's latest HIV status, it's good to also know he's not the first megastar who has had to make such a dreadful announcement. Here are seven other Hollywood stars who have had to share their very private struggle with the deadly virus in the public eye.

1) Charlie Sheen

News that Charlie is HIV positive broke on November 16. The actor, who was once married to actress Denise Richards, has managed to stay out of the spotlight over the past year, but he plans to tell about his battle with HIV on 'The Today Show' on Tuesday, November 17.

2) Eric "Eazy-E" Wright

In 1995, the co-founder of the influential group N.W.A. announced he was diagnosed at the age of 31 and months later, he passed away. The rapper had seven children with six different women.

3) Magic Johnson

The NBA star announced he was diagnosed life-threatening disease in 1991 at the age of 32. He retired abruptly but it was in 1996 that he played his final game for the LA Lakers. In August 2015, Magic turned 56 years old.

4) Keith Haring

The famous artist was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. He was openly gay and contracted the disease through sex. He spent the rest of his life raising AIDS awareness and passed away at the age of 31

5) Freddie Mercury

The 'Queen' hit-maker publicly announced he was HIV+ at the age of 45 after living with the disease since he was 41. Sadly, he passed away 24 hours after he told the world.

6) Arthur Ashe

It was believed that the Tennis player contracted HIV during a blood transfusion in the early ’80s. He was 49 when he passed away.

7) Danny Pintauro

The former 'Who's the Boss' child star broke the news on Oprah Winfrey's interview in September 2015 saying he's been living with the disease for 12 years and contracted the virus while experimenting sexually and doing crystal meth.

joan