Famous people with agoraphobia?  Sure you've heard of agoraphobia –  but did you know that several celebs have been afflicted with this isolating condition?

Agoraphobia is commonly know as "fear of the marketplace" but in real life it often plays out as fear of leaving the house.  People who become agoraphobic often do so after having a series of panic attacks. Wary of experiencing extreme panic again – and  also dreading a panic attack in public, they tend to avoid more and more places and situations.

The sad end result is becoming virtually housebound.  For some few unlucky sufferers, they become limited to only one room in their house where they feel safe!

There are about 4 million people with agoraphobia.  If you happen to suffer from this illness, you are in the company of several celebs.  There are several famous people with agoraphobia.

The most well known agoraphobic celeb is probablyKim Basinger, the gorgeous and talented actress.  As a child her parents thought she was so withdrawn that they wondered if she had autism.  Doctors checked her out and thought not – but she has seemed to find social interaction stressful most of her life.  She was agoraphobic for several years and believes it was related to all the public attention she was receiving.  Kudos to her for fighting that and becoming a successful actor anyway!

Another of the famous people with agoraphobia isBrian Wilsonof the Beach Boys. His agoraphobia and bouts of schizophrenia are said to be a direct result of using LSD and other street drugs.

The rich and famousHoward Hugheshad a troubled childhood, mostly lived alone and filled with many phobias of catching germs (polio was rampant and no vaccine had yet been invented).  He went on to become a very successful businessman but was troubled throughout his life with multiple fears and years of agoraphobia.

The lovely and gregariousPaula Deanis another on our list of famous people with agoraphobia! Paula became a single parent at age 19 and lost both her parents at age 23.  She became severely depressed. After having several panic attacks she became housebound – only venturing out for groceries.  All that time at home did have a benefit for Paula however.  While at home she cooked and cooked, perfecting her skills for 20 years inside her home.  When her life took another turn, she forced herself to go out into the world.  She opened a restaurant and was discovered by Oprah Winfrey! She is now  TV star in her own right.

Other famous people with agoraphobiainclude Olivia Hussey, Woody Allen, Sigmund Freud, Darryl Hannah, Nicholas Cage, Donny Osmond, and Billy Bob Thornton. Find out more about celebs with agoraphobia at

If you are like these celebs with agoraphobia, please know that this condition can be cured.  There are several effective methods which work, often a combination of methods works best.

Whatever you do don't give up – and remember – you are in good company!