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Tom Hanks, Idris Elba and More Stars Spreading Hope After Coronavirus Diagnosis

Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to go public after testing positive for COVID-19. See how this couple and other stars and athletes are staying positive.

By McKenna Aiello Mar 20, 2020 11:34 PMTags
Watch: Idris Elba Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A growing number of celebrities and athletes are facing COVID-19 with hope and candor. 

On Friday, Andy Cohen and Colton Underwood shared news of their diagnoses. Days prior, Idris Elba and Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju both confirmed they tested positive for coronavirus on March 16, urging their millions of followers to keep calm and carry on while abiding by health officials' plan to prevent the spread of the pandemic. 

Last week, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to go public with their diagnosis. "Thanks to the Helpers," the Oscar winner shared on Twitter, referencing a classic Mister Rogers quote, who he brought to life in the 2019 film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. "Let's take care of ourselves and each other."

Meanwhile, Idris has advocated for more "solidarity" in an ever "divided" world. 

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Celebs Giving Back Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic

Find out every star currently recovering from coronavirus in our gallery below: 

Lauren Alaina

The American Idol alum and country star wrote on her Instagram Story that she tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19, 2021 and was forced to cancel an acoustic performance in Lexington, KY. "Thank you for all the well-wishes," she said in a video. "I am resting up and trying to feel a bit better. Some people have it way worse than me. It's just a little bit of shortness of breath, really bad headache, no taste or smell, pretty bad congestion and I feel pretty tired."

Michael Sheen & Anna Lundberg

(Note: The Roll Up Your Sleeves: Presented by Walgreens special will air on NBC on Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.)

On March 8, the actor shared that he, his girlfriend and their baby girl Lyla contracted COVID-19. 

"I've spent the last few weeks laid low by COVID," he tweeted. "It's been very difficult & quite scary. On #InternationalWomensDay I want to thank all the incredible women-Anna, Mum, Lily, Joanne, my friends & all the women I am lucky enough to have support me who've helped me through this."

 

Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann

"Hubby and I tested + for Covid A few days ago! Been a hell of a ride!" Kim wrote on her Instagram Story on March 2. "Very thankful for our Dr's and HUGE thank you to @tuff22 for keeping us healthy and Piedmont Infusion Center as well THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You guys rock! Thank you for all you do [red heart emoji] My nurses were absolutely phenomenal."

Trisha Yearwood

On Feb. 24, Garth Brooks revealed his wife, fellow country music star and Food Network personality Trisha Yearwood, tested positive for COVID-19. Read his message here

Gwyneth Paltrow

On Feb. 16, the star shared on her Goop website that she had been diagnosed months ago. "I had COVID-19 early on, and it left me with some long-tail fatigue and brain fog," she wrote.

Nick Cannon

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, news broke that The Masked Singer host tested positive for COVD-19. Niecy Nash signed on to guest host the FOX competition series for the duration of Nick's recovery. 

Shawn Johnson

"Not going to lie... I'm nervous knowing I'm positive," the pregnant Olympic gymnast shared to her Instagram Story on Jan. 31. "my body is just exhausted."

The 29-year-old athlete added, "So far, I have a cough, terrible sore throat and headache. Fatigue for sure but.... that's pregnancy haha."

Michael Strahan

On Jan. 28, 2021, the Good Morning America anchor's co-hosts confirmed live on TV that Strahan was quarantining after testing positive for coronavirus. 

Dave Chappelle

"Dave Chappelle is quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. His remaining shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX have been cancelled, and ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for refunds," his rep said in a statement on Jan. 21. "Chappelle has safely conducted socially distanced shows in Ohio since June 2020, and he moved those shows to Austin during the winter."

Liv Tyler

On Jan. 15, the actress announced she finally reunited with her children after spending 10 days in isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. "I am so grateful to be through it and spent my days alone praying and beaming love to all who are effected and suffering from this," she shared on Instagram. "Those who are working tirelessly to protect and care for others. Thank you. We are all connected through this experience."

Andy Murray

With just weeks to go until the Australian Open, tennis star Andy Murray tested positive for coronavirus.

Grimes

The singer revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, Jan. 8. 

Alex Morgan

On Jan. 5, the soccer star announced that she and husband Servando Carrasco contracted COVID-19 after traveling to California. 

"Unfortunately, my family and I closed out 2020 learning that we had contracted Covid while in California over the holidays," the athlete tweeted. "We are all in good spirits and recovering well. After our isolation is completed, I will follow US Soccer's return to play guidelines to ensure my body is fully recovered and I can join my teammates back on the field soon. Be safe and happy new year."

Larry King

The famed television and radio personality was hospitalized during his battle with coronavirus. He died on Jan. 23 at the age of 87. 

Chloe Bennet

"On Christmas morning I woke up with a high fever, and unable to breathe. I got tested, and I'm positive for COVID-19. It's been a rough week to say the least," the actress shared on Instagram on New Year's Eve. "I'm sharing this because I want to iterate to anyone who still may not be taking covid seriously, please please please f--king do. Covid sucks. It just really sucks."

Dr. Drew Pinsky

"Drew tested positve day 4 and @firstladyoflove is negative. #2020 #covid19 #youlive. Drew is home, under survelliance and fever is down," the doctor's wife shared to his Instagram on Tuesday, Dec. 29. "Drew is feeling better and will hopefully get well soon."

D'Andra Simmons

"D'Andra Simmons has tested positive for Covid and has been admitted to the Covid ward at UT Southwestern Hospital in Texas," the Real Housewives of Dallas star's publicist said in a statement released to E! News on Dec. 28. "Her oxygen levels were borderline, and she will start remdesivir. At this time, we ask you to respect her and [her] family's privacy and to send your prayers for a speedy recovery."

Kaitlyn Bristowe & Jason Tartick

On Christmas Eve, the Bachelor Nation couple announced they contracted COVID-19

Sam Asghari

Britney Spears' longtime boyfriend attributed his coronavirus recovery to his healthy lifestyle, writing on Instagram at the time, "I only had 1 day of common cold symptoms day 2 after testing positive but 24 hours later I was perfectly normal."

Charley Pride

After suffering complications from COVID-19, the legendary musician died at the age of 86 on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Carol Sutton

Steel Magnolias and Queen Sugar actress, Carol Sutton died on Thursday, Dec. 10 due to complications from COVID-19, per Variety. She was 76 years old.

Carrie Ann Inaba

The Dancing With the Stars judge and The Talk co-host announced she tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

She told fans in an Instagram video, "I just wanted to remind you all to stay vigilant. I'm following all the protocols and we have so many strict protocols in place. Even then I caught it. So friendly reminder to stay vigilant, take care of yourself, wear your mask, wash your hands a lot, and just be extra, extra careful, because you don't want this. I'm going to take good care of myself, so don't worry about me. Be safe."

Ellen Degeneres

On Dec. 10, the host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show revealed she had tested positive. "Fortunately, Im feeling fine right now," she wrote on Instagram. "Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines."

Kyle Richards

"Some of you may have heard I have COVID. I got it after these photos were taken," the Bravo star shared on Instagram, alongside a family photo. "Since I was diagnosed I have been separated from my family in order to keep them healthy."

The reality TV personality revealed her daughter Sophia also contracted the virus. "We will stay in isolation until it's safe to see the family and others again," Kyle wrote. "I can't wait to hug them."

Lewis Hamilton

"Unfortunately, even though I returned three negative results this past week, I woke up yesterday morning with mild symptoms and requested another test which came back positive," the Formula One driver told fans on Dec. 1. "I've immediately gone into self-isolation for ten days. I'm gutted not to be able to race the weekend but my priority is to follow the protocols and advice to protect others."

Arie Luyendyk Jr.

On Thanksgiving Day, the former Bachelor revealed he tested positive for COVID-19, saying it was "rough" to be kept from wife Lauren Burnham and daughter Alessi.

Bad Bunny

The 26-year-old singer was scheduled to perform at the 2020 American Music Awards but had to cancel his presentation after testing positive for coronavirus.

"Bad Bunny was originally set to perform his #1 global hit "Dákiti" with Jhay Cortez live for the first time at the AMAs," a press release stated, "but unfortunately, the artist tested positive for COVID-19, which forced him to cancel the presentation."

Meghan King Edmonds

"I have been safe while traveling but I had an exchange on Tuesday where I did not protect myself and this is when I had to have been infected," the Real Housewives of Orange County star shared on Instagram Stories on Sunday, Nov. 15. 

Jeremih

"First and foremost I would like to thank God and the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for saving my life," the star's family said in a statement issued on his behalf to E! News on Saturday, Dec. 5. "I will be forever grateful. I would also like to thank my family and friends for all their prayers and well wishes. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. A special thanks to Chance The Rapper, 50 Cent, and Diddy for their love and support."

Larsa Pippen

The former Real Housewives of Miami star revealed through Instagram on Nov. 13 that she has been battling COVID-19 for a week. "I've never felt pain like this," she told her followers. 

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View More Photos From Stars With Coronavirus

On March 16, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds pledged $1 million to food banks in the U.S. and Canada. See how more of your favorite stars are giving back in response to the global crisis here

(This story was originally published on Monday, March 16 at 6:40 p.m. PST)

For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic and for tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit The Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov. To plan your vaccine, head to NBC's Plan Your Vaccine site at PlanYourVaccine.com.