At the National Stuttering Association (NSA), we love celebrating individuals who have faced the challenges of stuttering and still achieved their goals. Many people who stutter are exceptional communicators, excelling in public speaking, leading in their fields, and inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones. Whether they’re familiar faces at NSA Conferences or world-renowned superstars, these individuals prove that stuttering doesn’t have to hold anyone back!
Inspiring People Who Stutter
Here are a few notable figures who have not only embraced their stutter but also turned it into a source of strength and success:
Taro Alexander – Actor; teacher; founder of Our Time and Our Time Theatre Company
Dennis Barsema – Silicon Valley executive
P.F. Bentley – Award-winning photographer known for his photos of presidents
Joseph Biden – Former U.S. Senator and Vice President of the United States
Arthur M. Blank – Co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the NFL Atlanta Falcons
Jeffrey Blitz – Award-winning film director, producer, and screenwriter
Emily Blunt – Award-winning English-born actress
Annie Bradberry – NSA member since 1979; Chapter Leader of one of the first chapters
Ernie Canadeo – Founder and CEO of a successful advertising agency; past chairman of the National Stuttering Association
Alex Carter – NFL cornerback
Johnny Damon – All-star and two-time World Series champion outfielder for the New York Yankees
Sander Flaum – CEO of Flaum Partners, a consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical and biotech industries
Annie Glenn – Wife of astronaut and Senator John Glenn
Sophie Gustafson – Winner of the 2009 LPGA tour title
Ron Harper – Retired NBA basketball player
Russ Hicks – Award-winning public speaker in Toastmasters
Bo Jackson – Former NFL player
Neal Jeffrey – Associate pastor of a mega-church in Dallas; former professional football player
Marty Jezer – Writer and political activist
James Earl Jones – Award-winning actor
Scatman John Larkin – Jazz musician and poet
Nobby Lewandowski – Successful businessman and motivational speaker, and former professional baseball player
Bob Love – Legendary basketball star
Gerald A. Maguire, MD – Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at UC Riverside School of Medicine, Distinguished Fellow of the APA
Walt Manning – Speech-language pathologist, professor at the University of Memphis, and author of textbooks on stuttering
Kenyon Martin – First overall draft pick in the 2000 NBA draft; NBA all star in 2003-2004; member of Team USA
John Melendez – Television personality and writer
Larry Molt – Speech-language pathologist and director of the neuroprocesses laboratory at Auburn University
Marilyn Monroe – Hollywood personality
Jack Paar – Radio and television comedian
Adrian Peterson – NFL running back
Byron Pitts – Reporter for CBS News
Bob Quesal – Speech-language pathologist, professor at Western Illinois University and prominent researcher on stuttering
Alan Rabinowitz – Zoologist and conservationist known for his work in protecting endangered species
Lee Reeves – Founded one of the first local stuttering support groups
Peter Reitzes – Speech-language pathologist; co-founder of the StutterTalk podcast
Matt Slauson – NFL guard and center
Darren Sproles – NFL running back
John Stossel – Emmy-award winner and former co-anchor for the ABC news show 20/20
Mel Tillis – Legendary country singer and songwriter
Herschel Walker – Former NFL player
Jack Welch – Retired CEO of General Electric and authority on business leadership
These individuals, along with many others, show that stuttering is not a barrier to success but a challenge that can be overcome. Their stories inspire us all to pursue our dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Whether you’re a person who stutters or simply seeking inspiration, remember: stuttering doesn’t define you—your determination and achievements do. The NSA is here to support you every step of the way.
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