Seven Famous African Americans with Bipolar Disorder

There are many famous Americans who achieve tremendous levels of success despite suffering from bipolar disorder. In honor of Black History Month, the following is a list of famous African Americans with the disorder. This post will not be honoring Kanye West.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey was diagnosed back in 2001 and has been open about her struggles with the disorder. Carey has said that she has experienced manic highs and deep depression. She says she is managing her condition through therapy and medication. Known for her five octive vocal range, Rolling Stone has named her the fifth best singer of all time. Carey has won six Grammy Awards.

Chris Brown

Pop and R&B singer Chris Brown's diagnosis was made during his involuntary stay in a rehab facility in 2014. The hospital report said that he "became aggressive and acted out physically due to his untreated mental health disorder … severe sleep deprivation, inappropriate self-medicating, and untreated PTSD.” At age six, Brown witnessed as his mother's abusive partner shot himself and survived, becoming blind. Most famously, he committed felony assault against his famous girlfriend Rhianna in 2009. Brown is known by some of his contemporaries as the "King of R&B" and has been compared to Michael Jackson as a performer.  

Macy Gray

Singer Macy Gray told the U.K.’s Daily Mail: “I used to be on medication, but I am not anymore. So, if I was bipolar, I guess I am cured.” As a talented and accomplished singer, Gray was visibly disappointed about being eliminated in January from The Masked Singer UK. There is no cure for bipolar disorder. Gray has been nominated for five Grammy Award, winning Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001 for "I Try."

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis played Ruby Johnson on Black-ish  and has bipolar disorder.  She received two Critics' Choice Television Award nominations for the comedy series. Lewis has been open about her diagnosis, advocates for mental health, and is a positive role model for those who struggle with mental health. She originally hid her diagnosis but came to embrace it publicly after years of therapy and medication.

Metta Sandiford-Artest

There's some question as to whether Metta Sandiford-Artest has bipolar disorder. Formerly known as Ron Artest and for a while having the legal name of Metta World Peace, he played 19 seasons in the NBA and was known for his temper and for brawling. He has been an NBA champion and an NBA All Star. Although an advocate for mental health, Sandiford-Artest hasn't been specific, other than to acknowledge his anger issues.

Darryl Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry is, after Mike Tyson, the most talented African American athlete with bipolar disorder. He was an MLB All Star eight times, a three-time World Series chmpion, Rookie of the Year, and a NL home run champion. But he was also suspended from baseball three times for substance abuse. He is a born-again evangelical Christian. In March of 2024, Strawberry suffered from a heart attack. He recovered in order to attend his number retirement ceremony by the New York Mets.

Mike Tyson

A recent post here was not flattering to Mike Tyson. But this is Black History Month, so let's focus on his many accomplishments. Nicknamed "Iron Mike," Tyson is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. Tyson still has the distinction of being the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight championship when he was 20 years old. He won his first 19 pro bouts by knockout. Tyson uses cannabis and psychedelics to treat his bipolar, particularly for depression symptoms. Tyson is an advocate for destigmatizing the use of cannabis.