Famous Figures Who Suffered Facial Paralysis and Bell's Palsy

Israeli media personality Avri Gilad recently revealed he has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition causing sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, typically on one side. Gilad described waking up with half his face paralyzed and has begun treatment, humorously referring to his condition as the "Michal Ansky syndrome" after the culinary personality who previously experienced it. The article highlights that Gilad is not alone, detailing other well-known figures, both in Israel and internationally, who have battled the syndrome.

Diet guru Hali Maman shared her experience in April 2026, describing how she woke up with a constantly tearing eye and difficulty chewing, later noticing facial changes in the mirror. After being diagnosed and treated with steroids, she isolated herself for weeks, fearing how others would perceive her. Maman even contacted Michal Ansky, whom she didn't know, for advice.

Culinary personality and "Master Chef" judge Michal Ansky disclosed her struggle in April 2019 after experiencing ear pain on a flight, waking up with half her face paralyzed. She was diagnosed with Bell's palsy at Ichilov Hospital and wrote about her uncertainty regarding her identity without her smile, words, or taste. Unlike many cases that resolve quickly, Ansky faced prolonged facial muscle dysfunction for years.

Singer and internet star Anna Zak disappeared from the public eye for months in late 2020, revealing in March 2021 that she had Bell's palsy. She woke up with facial numbness, an involuntary eye twitch, and a crooked lip. Despite steroid treatment, the paralysis worsened, affecting her ability to eat and speak. At the height of her career, Zak feared she wouldn't be able to sing or model again and withdrew from public life for three months.

International stars have also been affected. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie revealed in 2017 that she had Bell's palsy the previous year, causing one side of her face to droop. She attributed her full recovery to acupuncture treatments and reflected on the stress she was under and the tendency for women to prioritize others' needs over their own health.

Actor George Clooney experienced the syndrome at age 14, during his early high school years. He described the difficulty of dealing with his altered appearance and others' reactions, noting that liquid would leak from the side of his mouth. He recovered from the condition, which he found particularly challenging during adolescence. Other notable figures mentioned include Pierce Brosnan, Joel Embiid, Joe Mantegna, and Tulisa Contostavlos.

Bell's palsy is a sudden inflammation of the facial nerve leading to temporary weakness or paralysis. It can affect smiling, speaking, eating, and closing the eye, sometimes impacting taste. While most recover within weeks to months, some experience long-term effects. Dr. Dekla Matzliach, an ENT specialist, emphasizes that early treatment, ideally within 72 hours of symptom onset, is crucial for effectiveness, though some residual weakness or involuntary movements may persist. She also warns that sudden facial paralysis can indicate other serious medical issues like a stroke, necessitating urgent medical evaluation.