We really are in "Good Company"
Some inspirational famous faces that have spoken openly about their stammers.
Along with inspirational "Changes" members .
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt is a passionate advocate for stammering and serves as a board member for the American Institute for Stuttering (AIS). She speaks eloquently about her own experiences with stammering and raises awareness through various interviews and talks. There are many inspiring videos of her discussing the subject online—she truly is a fantastic role model. We do love Emily!
King George VI
So much has been documented about King George VI, his stammer, and the struggles he faced.
His story is truly inspiring—the strength and determination he showed were remarkable. A truly incredible man.
Colin Firth
I couldn’t write this page without mentioning Colin Firth’s, not a stammerer himself but wow just wow what an incredible portrayal of King George VI.
There has never been a film or TV programme that I’ve been able to watch where someone has played a stammerer so accurately. I know there are some out there—I haven’t actively sought them out—but the ones I have seen, like Open All Hours and A Fish Called Wanda, have personally made me feel uncomfortable. (However, I do know fellow stammerers who have enjoyed both.)
But for me, Colin Firth’s performance in The King’s Speech was different. He played King George VI with such respect, not only showing the physical aspects of stammering but also capturing the emotional struggle that goes with it. You could feel the frustration, the determination, and the weight of expectation. It was incredible to see someone portray what it really feels like inside—without even having to say anything. A truly moving film about courage and resilience.
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis, the well-known actor, struggled with a stammer as a child. He has openly shared how challenging it was, making him feel self-conscious and even subject to teasing. Speaking at the American Institute for Stuttering Annual Gala in 2016, he said, “It’s easy to get frustrated with a child who stutters, but believe me, the one who stutters is much more frustrated. Be patient, always listen. Offer encouragement, give positive reinforcement always.”
Ed Balls
Ed Balls, former UK Cabinet minister and prominent Labour politician, has openly discussed his lifelong battle with stammering. Despite this challenge, he pursued a successful political career, serving as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, and later as Shadow Chancellor.
In 2010, Ed Balls became a patron of the British Stammering Association, now known as STAMMA, demonstrating his commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges.
Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates rose to fame on the TV show Pop Idol at the age 17. The interview of him struggling at the audition has been shown so many times over the years and shows his courage and determination to follow his dream and not be held back by his speech.
I knew Gareth in his pop idol days, I remember going to New York with him as his coach* to support him during interviews he was doing for GMTV. His courage at such a young age was impressive. He is such a role model for a lot of stammerers and a real advocate.
*(Gareth has never been on Changes, the coaching and support I gave him over 20 years ago was while I was on another speech programme)
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time, has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up with a stutter. As a child, he often struggled to communicate, searching for ways to express himself fluently. Golf became his escape—a place where he could focus, excel, and build confidence.
In an interview with CNN, he reflected on his experience, saying, “I know what it’s like to be different and sometimes not fit in… I stuttered as a child and I would talk to my dog and he would sit there and listen until he fell asleep…”
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter, has spoken candidly about his childhood struggles with a stutter. As a young boy, he faced challenges expressing himself. Despite these obstacles, music became his refuge—helping him find confidence and a voice that would later captivate audiences worldwide.
Reflecting on his experience at the 2015 American Institute for Stuttering Annual Gala, he shared: “...I had a stutter. I also had very big, blue NHS glasses ... The thing I found most difficult was knowing what to say but not really being able to express it the right way...” He encouraged others facing similar challenges, saying, “From a stuttering point of view, don’t treat it as an issue. Work through it and get the treatment you want to get, but don’t ever see it as a plight on your life. Carry on pushing forward.”
Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, the beloved actor and comedian best known for his roles as Mr. Bean and Johnny English, has long faced challenges with speech.
Acting provided him with an unexpected sense of relief. In a previous interview with Time magazine, he reflected on his experience, saying, “It comes and goes. It depends on my nerves, but it can be a problem.”
Through his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to bring characters to life without relying heavily on dialogue, Atkinson has shown that speech challenges do not limit creative expression. His success stands as proof that talent and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
Inspirational People
We have some amazing people at "Changes"
who truly are inspirational.
Here are just a few.
Come back to be inspired once we have finished updating
Katie
I’m Katie. I’m 43 years old and am the proud mum of two girls aged 8 and 5 with my husband Paul. I’ve worked in the NHS for 15 years in operational management and delivering large strategic programmes of work. I am currently a Director of Operations and love working as part of a senior leadership team supporting clinical colleagues to deliver great patient care.
Paul
Jim
I am a self-employed computer support expert, running the business by myself, which means that as well as speaking to clients and end-users, I also have to be my own advertising manager, sales manager, billing manager, and customer service manager.
“Changes"
Courses and support for
Adult Stammerers.
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.