The Inspiring Story of Adam Pearson
Adam Pearson was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at age five after a bump on his head never went away. The condition caused tumors to grow on his face, drastically changing his appearance and leading to severe bullying from classmates who called him names like “Elephant Man” and “Scarface.”
Despite the cruelty he faced, Adam refused to let others define him. He focused on living a full life, saying, “It’s about the life you have, not the one you don’t.” Over the years, he’s undergone more than 30 medical procedures, but his resilience never wavered.
Adam found purpose through the charity Changing Faces, which helps people with visible differences. After earning a business degree from Brighton University, he began working in television and film. His breakthrough came in Under the Skin (2013), where he starred alongside Scarlett Johansson. Since then, he’s acted in several films, spoken at global events, and become an outspoken advocate for disability representation.
Today, Adam Pearson is recognized as one of the UK’s most influential disabled people. He continues to challenge stigma, inspire others, and prove that true strength comes from within.
“My kids will be genetically awesome anyway,” he once said — a statement that perfectly sums up his unstoppable spirit.