Caitlyn Jenner is widely recognized as a member of one of the most famous families in the world, the Kardashians – Jenner clan: socialites, influencers, and high-profile stars who have dominated media attention and shared their life on television. Caitlyn’s origin story, however, goes back to Bruce Jenner, an Olympic decathlete, speaker, and successful businessman who embodied the American hero of the mid-70s.
After triumphing over a dominant Soviet sports program and building a strong personal brand, Jenner married and separated twice before marrying Kristen Houghton, and later divorcing attorney Robert Kardashian. With Kardashian she has three daughters and a son (Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob). The blended family expanded with two more daughters, Kendall and Kylie, and they rose to fame through their reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
From Obregón to Rocío Carrasco: the dangers of starting social discussions with celebrities
No longer the famed Olympian who thrilled a nation, Jenner became Kim’s stepfather and Kim’s husband Kanye West’s father-in-law. The third relationship with Houghton also ended in 2015. Jenner publicly described medical steps taken to refine appearance. In a live interview on television, Jenner stated a pivotal moment: I am a woman. These statements, along with a Vanity Fair cover and the viral headline Call me Caitlyn, helped bring conversations about gender identity into mainstream discourse. The public shift in image did not erase the family ties, and Jenner remained a central figure in the famous clan.
The actor known for Marty McFly in the Back to the Future series faced Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in 1991, years into a thriving career. Just after the premiere of the third film, a neurologist confirmed the diagnosis. He was 30 and at the height of his fame. He balanced illness with acting for nearly three decades, concluding his acting career with a retirement in 2020.
In 2000, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research into Parkinson’s and assist others facing the condition. Since then, substantial fundraising supported scientific work and biomarker discovery that promises earlier detection and better treatments.
Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s enduring stars, began his acting journey after enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1957. He married Lola van Wagenen and welcomed their son Scott in 1959. The family faced tragedy when the couple suffered the loss of a baby shortly after birth and later endured more heartbreaking moments as a son grew. The experience shaped Redford’s perspective on life and career, guiding him through the years and influencing his approach to acting and leadership in film.
The loss of his son revealed a stern life lesson about grief and responsibility, reminding him that the path of a public figure is never without weight. He pursued new chapters, expanding his family and continuing to contribute to cinema while facing personal challenges with resilience.
Juan Carlos Unzué is a former footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper for teams such as Osasuna, FC Barcelona, and Sevilla, where he played more than 200 matches. He later coached Numancia and Girona, and served as coach of Celta de Vigo and assistant coach at FC Barcelona. He ended his playing career after a diagnosis in 2020 of a degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. From that moment he redirected his efforts toward activism, becoming a prominent voice in improving life for patients and advocating for comprehensive support and access to care. He has spoken about the social disparities that accompany serious illness and the need for policies that ensure sustained assistance for those in need.
His advocacy grew under the banner of patient rights and social support, highlighting how health systems must address daily challenges faced by people living with a serious condition. He emphasized that while money cannot buy health, it should not determine the level of care available to anyone, and he urged stakeholders to push for timely and fair assistance.
Carmen Elijah was a renowned actress who delivered memorable performances in works such as Marta in Terra Baixa and in La flor de mi secreto or Camino. She earned the Goya Award for Best Actress, a testament to a long and celebrated career. Over time, she began to notice memory lapses that suggested the early signs of a neurodegenerative condition diagnosed in 2019. She chose to share her experiences openly, while resisting intense emotional displays, and asserted that discussing illness can be a source of strength rather than despair. She has spoken about the importance of dignity and the right to a compassionate end, expressing her preference for an honorable death when life quality deteriorates.
She has maintained that facing the end with honesty can be a form of advocacy, allowing others to understand the realities of aging and illness. Her perspective reflects a belief in living fully while acknowledging the fragility of memory and the value of memory’s preservation through storytelling.