Famous Dyslexic Thinkers
Dyslexia is typically considered a learning disability due to the difficulty dyslexic thinkers can have with traditional school work. However, more people are starting to realize the benefits of dyslexic thinking. Recently dyslexia has been added to the list of positive traits in linkedin. Studies have shown that 40% of self made millionaires are dyslexic with some articles stating up to 60% of self made millionaires have dyslexic traits. Dyslexic thinkers can see a problem in a different way and come up with creative solutions. They also may be more adept with handling failure and being more persistent in accepting challenges. Please enjoy our list of household and famous dyslexic thinkers and the success they have found.

Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders with Dyslexia
Richard Branson
Richard Branson is a British business magnate and founder of the Virgin Group. He was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age and struggled throughout his school years. Despite this, Branson was able to overcome his dyslexia and become a extremly successful entrepreneur. He is a strong advocate for dyslexic students and believes that dyslexia can be a great asset if used correctly. Richard Branson has help make a wonderful series on You Tube that is a great starting point to learn about dyslexia.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates is a world-renowned business magnate, investor, and philanthropist who is known for revolutionizing the computer software industry. He is also famous for being a dyslexic thinker. Despite struggling with dyslexia throughout his educational career, Gates still managed to excel in mathematics and computer programming and eventually went on to found Microsoft Corporation. Gates has attributed his success to hard work, determination and creative problem solving, which are qualities often found in dyslexic thinkers.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc. He struggled with dyslexia throughout his life and often felt discouraged by the education system. Jobs was able to overcome his dyslexia and become a successful tech mogul. He believed that his dyslexia helped him to think differently and out of the box, which allowed him to revolutionize the tech industry.
Scientists with Dyslexia
Steven Hawking
Steven Hawking is perhaps the most famous physicist and cosmologist of recent time. Hawking made numerous contributions to the fields of theoretical physics and cosmology. He is best known for his theories on black holes and the expanding universe. Hawking considered himself dyslexic which he stated caused problems with him at school. Despite this, he has gone on to become one of the world’s most renowned scientists and has written several books on his work. His life and work have been the subject of numerous documentaries and books, as well as the 2014 biopic The Theory of Everything. He is quoted in an interview as saying “The challenge of dyslexia is something that you can make your own and make it a reason to be a winner in life.”
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein is one of the most influential scientists of all time. He is best known for his contributions to the field of physics. Einstein was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age but was able to overcome it to become a successful scientist. He believed that his dyslexia allowed him to think outside of the box, which was essential to his success.
NASA
Obviously NASA is not just one specific person but it is an organization that employs some of the most highly regarded and advanced of the scientific community. NASA has reported that over 50% of its employees are dyslexic. They are sought after for their creative solutions to complex problems.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci is one of the most famous and influential artists in history. He is often credited with creating the first modern concept of a helicopter and the first machine gun. Da Vinci also had dyslexia and struggled with reading and writing during his schooling. Despite this, he was able to master mathematics and engineering, as well as painting and sculpting. His creative problem-solving and ability to think outside the box are often attributed to his dyslexia.
Famous Dyslexic Thinkers from Film and Creative Fields
Walt Disney
Walt Disney is one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history. He is responsible for creating some of the most beloved animated films and characters, including Mickey Mouse and Snow White. Disney was dyslexic, but this did not hinder his success in the entertainment industry. He was able to use his dyslexic thinking to come up with creative solutions to problems and come up with unique stories and characters.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential and successful filmmakers in history. He is well-known for his iconic films, such as Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park. Spielberg has dyslexia, but it has not prevented him from becoming one of the most successful filmmakers of all time. He has said that his dyslexia has allowed him to think outside the box, which has helped him create some of the most popular films in history.
Tim Burton
Tim Burton is a legendary filmmaker who is known for his unique visual style and imaginative storylines. He is also dyslexic, but his disability has not hindered his success in the film industry. Burton has said that his dyslexia has enabled him to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems. His films often feature unconventional characters, plots, and visuals, which are often credited to his dyslexic thinking.
Authors with Dyslexia
Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie was a famous British crime fiction writer who wrote more than 80 detective novels. She is one of the best-selling authors of all time and is considered to be the queen of crime fiction. Despite her great success, Christie was dyslexic and struggled in school. She used her vivid imagination to create intricate plots and mysterious characters, which have captivated readers around the world.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer. He is best known for his classic novel The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald was diagnosed with dyslexia and struggled to keep up with his studies in school. However, despite his learning disability, he was able to produce some of the most influential works of literature of the twentieth century. His works continue to be studied and celebrated today.
Dav Pilkey
Dav Pilkey is an American children’s author and illustrator of the popular Captain Underpants series. Pilkey struggled with dyslexia and ADHD as a child and was often in trouble for his behavior in school. However, he was able to channel his creative energy into writing and drawing, which eventually led to his success as an author. He has written numerous books and continues to be a popular author today.
Actors with Dyslexia
Jennifer Anniston
Actress Jennifer Anniston is best known for her role in the hit television sitcom Friends, along with her subsequent film roles. Anniston was diagnosed with dyslexia in her early twenties and struggled with it for many years. Despite this challenge, she went on to become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. She has also used her platform to raise awareness about dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is an American actor and filmmaker who has been acting since the early 1980s. He is best known for films such as Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, Mission: Impossible, and the Mission: Impossible series. Cruise has been open about his struggles with dyslexia, which he was diagnosed with at age 7. He believes that his dyslexia has allowed him to develop skills that help him in his acting career, such as his ability to memorize lines.
Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley is an award-winning actress who is also a famous dyslexic thinker. She was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of six and struggled with reading and writing. Despite this, she has gone on to become a successful actress, appearing in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and The Imitation Game. She is an advocate for dyslexia awareness, and has spoken publicly about the role it has played in her success.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an Emmy-winning actress, comedian and television host. She is also a famous dyslexic thinker. She was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age and struggled to read and write. Despite this, she went on to become a successful actor, comedian and television host. She has spoken publicly about her dyslexia and how it has helped her in her career. She is an advocate for dyslexia awareness and uses her platform to encourage others to embrace their unique gifts.
Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver is a well-known chef, restaurateur and television personality. He is also a famous dyslexic thinker. Growing up, he struggled with reading and writing due to his dyslexia. Despite this, he has achieved great success both in the culinary world and beyond. He is a passionate advocate for food education and nutrition, and his TV shows and cookbooks have inspired millions of people around the world. He has also used his platform to bring attention to dyslexia and the important role it plays in the success of many.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer is an Academy Award-winning American actress and author who has been diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite her learning disability, Spencer has achieved great success in the film and television industry. She has appeared in many major films, including The Help, Hidden Figures, and The Shape of Water. She also stars in the television show Mom and has earned numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. Spencer has been an advocate for fellow dyslexics, speaking out about her own struggles and encouraging others to never give up.
Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer best known for his role as Fonzie in the sitcom Happy Days. Winkler has also spoken openly about his struggles with dyslexia, which he wasn’t diagnosed with until he was 31. Winkler has since become an advocate for dyslexia awareness and his foundation, the Henry Winkler Foundation, provides assistance to dyslexic children and adults.
In conclusion, dyslexia is no longer viewed as a disability, but rather a trait that can be used to a person’s advantage. Dyslexic thinkers are often able to see the world in a different way, coming up with creative solutions that can lead to success. Despite the difficulties traditional school work may present, dyslexic thinkers can find success in many different ways.


