Jack Osbourne Reflects On Losing Work After MS Diagnosis
Jack Osbourne is opening up about how his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis affected his life and career—and how he fought back against the odds.
Speaking at Steel City Con in Monroesville, Pennsylvania, on December 6, the 39-year-old producer and TV personality reflected on the challenges he faced after being diagnosed with MS in 2012.
“Professionally, it was a problem early on where I couldn’t get hired on productions because they deemed me an insurance risk because I had a neurological disorder,” he stated, adding, “They were like, ‘Oh, yeah, it’s too dangerous. So I did lose work, and I found that really insulting.”
Jack didn’t hold back on his frustration with the industry’s judgment. “I know what it means to be a producer. We’re not that smart,” he joked. “And you’re going to sit there and, like, a producer is going to tell me what I can or cannot do on a neurological [issue]? I’m like, ‘No, f— off, dude, stay in your lane.’”
Jack’s diagnosis came at a pivotal moment in his life — just two weeks after he and then-wife Lisa Stelly welcomed their first daughter, Pearl Clementine, now 12. The couple also shares daughters Andy Rose, 9, and Minnie Theodora, 6, while Jack and his current wife, Aree Gearhart, are parents to 2-year-old Maple.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system by breaking down the protective covering of nerves, which can cause symptoms like numbness, weakness, vision changes, and trouble walking. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of mobility. Thankfully, Jack’s journey with MS has been relatively manageable.
“Touch wood, I’ve been very fortunate. I have MS, and I haven’t had any huge problems with it over the years,” he shared. “Some things here and there but nothing life-changing to this point, which I count my blessings towards that.”
Jack credits his active lifestyle for helping him stay healthy. “My whole thing is a ‘body in motion stays in motion.’ Just keep going. I try and eat right … I like to do things. I like rock climbing. I do a lot of jiu jitsu and hiking. I like to be active,” he said.
A surprising moment in his journey was how his appearance on Dancing with the Stars changed perceptions of his condition. Jack competed in the show in 2013 and made it to the finals, finishing third. “What really was the changing factor for me, as weird as it sounds, I did Dancing with the Stars and did really well on it. After that, everyone was like, ‘Oh, he’s fine.’”
Though the road hasn’t been without challenges, Jack’s resilience and determination have allowed him to thrive. Now, as a producer of horror and paranormal-themed shows, he continues to prove that MS doesn’t define him — or his capabilities.
