20 Famous People Who Have Suffered Hip Injuries

Hip problems can affect people across many professions, from elite athletes who rely on explosive movement to performers who spend long hours standing, dancing or travelling. Some injuries occur suddenly during sport, while other hip conditions develop gradually and may eventually require surgery.

The experiences of famous people offer examples of how hip problems can affect mobility, training and everyday life. However, a muscle strain, a labral tear, osteoarthritis and a hip replacement are different medical issues. This article distinguishes between reported conditions and does not assume that every person with hip pain has the same diagnosis or needs the same treatment.

1. Tennis

1. Andy Murray — Chronic Hip Pain and Hip Resurfacing

Andy Murray struggled with chronic hip pain for several years, and the problem increasingly affected his ability to compete at the highest level. In January 2019, he underwent hip resurfacing surgery after explaining that the pain had made professional tennis difficult and that he was unsure how much longer he could continue playing.

Murray later returned to competitive tennis, making his story a notable example of an athlete rebuilding performance after major hip surgery. His recovery also illustrates that the timeline for returning to elite sport can be long and uncertain, even when surgery reduces pain.

2. Rafael Nadal — Hip Flexor Injury

Rafael Nadal withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open after sustaining a hip-area injury during his second-round match. His team later announced that he had an injury to the iliopsoas muscle in his left hip, with an expected recovery period of several weeks. The injury disrupted his season and required rehabilitation before he could consider returning to competition.

Nadal’s case is an example of a sports-related hip muscle injury rather than a hip-joint replacement or a confirmed labral tear. For athletes, recovery decisions generally depend on pain, movement, strength and the ability to tolerate sport-specific demands.

2. Basketball

3. Shaquille O’Neal — Hip Replacement

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal underwent hip replacement surgery in 2023. His procedure drew attention because hip replacement is often associated with older adults, although younger and middle-aged people may also need the operation when joint disease causes severe pain and limits mobility.

Hip replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. It is different from treating a muscle strain or minor sports injury, and the decision to undergo it depends on the extent of joint damage, symptoms and the patient’s overall health.

3. Gymnastics

4. Mary Lou Retton — Hip Replacement

Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton underwent hip replacement surgery at a relatively young age. Her experience was highlighted in reporting on the growing number of younger patients receiving hip replacements when pain and joint damage begin to interfere with everyday activities.

Gymnastics places high demands on hip mobility, strength and control. However, an athlete’s history alone does not establish the exact cause of a later joint problem. Retton’s case is best understood as an example of hip replacement in a former elite athlete, rather than proof that gymnastics inevitably causes hip disease.

4. Surfing and Water Sports

5. Laird Hamilton — Hip Replacement

Big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton underwent hip replacement surgery in 2016. His procedure was notable because he remained closely associated with demanding physical activities and was interested in maintaining an active lifestyle.

Hip replacement may reduce pain and improve mobility when severe joint damage has made everyday movement difficult. Nevertheless, returning to high-impact activities after surgery requires individual guidance from the treating team, since not every sport places the same demands on an artificial joint.

5. Bodybuilding and Action Films

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6. Arnold Schwarzenegger — Hip Replacement

Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent hip replacement surgery at age 55, according to reporting on celebrities who have had joint replacement procedures. His career has included bodybuilding, action films and other physically demanding pursuits.

His case highlights that hip joint problems can affect people with very different activity histories. Hip replacement is generally considered when joint disease causes substantial pain and disability and other suitable treatments have not provided enough relief.

6. Film and Television

7. Steve Carell — Hip Replacement

Actor Steve Carell underwent hip replacement surgery in 2013 after experiencing chronic pain associated with a hockey injury, according to published coverage of celebrity joint replacements.

His reported experience illustrates how an earlier injury and persistent joint symptoms may affect a person’s quality of life long after the original event. The precise treatment plan for any individual depends on the nature of the injury and whether the joint has developed lasting damage.

8. Alec Baldwin — Hip Replacement

Alec Baldwin underwent total hip replacement surgery in 2018, according to reports on celebrity joint procedures. A total hip replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket surfaces of the joint to help reduce pain and improve function.

A hip replacement is not the standard response to every hip injury. It is usually considered when a joint problem is severe enough to significantly affect daily life and a specialist determines that surgery is appropriate.

9. Jane Fonda — Bilateral Hip Replacement

Jane Fonda has spoken publicly about joint replacement procedures, and published coverage reports that she has had both hips replaced. Her experience has been discussed in the context of joint degeneration and the effect of chronic joint problems on mobility.

Recovery following hip replacement commonly includes gradual walking, exercises to rebuild strength and follow-up with the surgical team. The appropriate rehabilitation plan depends on the operation, the person’s health and the goals they want to return to.

7. Music

10. Billy Joel — Double Hip Replacement

Singer and pianist Billy Joel underwent double hip replacement surgery in 2010, at age 60, according to published coverage of celebrity joint replacements. Hip symptoms can be especially disruptive for performers who spend long periods standing, walking between stages and travelling during tours.

Following joint replacement, returning to performance depends on healing, pain levels, balance and strength. A person’s return to work should be guided by their treating clinicians rather than by another celebrity’s recovery schedule.

11. Lionel Richie — Hip Replacement

Lionel Richie underwent hip replacement surgery in 2011 after experiencing chronic hip and knee pain, according to published reports about celebrity joint procedures.

Persistent joint pain may affect walking, standing and other everyday activities. When symptoms become severe, clinicians can assess whether the cause is arthritis, an injury or another condition and discuss appropriate treatment options.

12. Liza Minnelli — Hip Replacement

Performer Liza Minnelli has been reported to have undergone hip replacement surgery, alongside other joint procedures. Public coverage does not establish a complete clinical history, so it would be inappropriate to infer a specific original injury or exact cause from the surgery alone.

8. Professional Wrestling

13. Mick Foley — Hip Replacement

Professional wrestler Mick Foley underwent hip replacement surgery in 2017, according to published coverage of joint replacement among athletes and entertainers. Professional wrestling places substantial physical demands on the body, although a person’s specific hip diagnosis cannot be determined from their career alone.

The case illustrates how joint problems may become significant enough to require surgery after years of physical activity. Any return to high-impact movement after a hip replacement needs individual medical guidance.

9. Figure Skating

14. Mauro Bruni — Torn Hip Labrum and Arthritis

Figure skater Mauro Bruni developed a torn labrum and severe arthritis in his right hip after years of competitive and professional skating. His skating career involved repeated jumps and landings, and the injury eventually reduced his ability to perform. He underwent hip replacement surgery after his symptoms progressed.

Bruni described returning to the ice gradually after surgery, beginning with simple movements before resuming more demanding activity. His story is a useful example of rehabilitation being adjusted to the demands of a sport, rather than treating the return to activity as a single event.

10. Other Hip Injury Stories

The people below are included to broaden the discussion beyond replacement surgery. Their reported experiences involve different types of hip problems, and should not be treated as interchangeable diagnoses.

15. A Professional Footballer With a Hip Flexor Strain

Hip flexor strains are reported in football because sprinting, acceleration and kicking place substantial demands on the muscles at the front of the hip. A strain can cause pain when lifting the knee, running or changing direction.

Treatment commonly involves modifying aggravating activity and following a structured rehabilitation plan. However, this is a general description of the injury type, not a verified case history for a named celebrity; it should not be published as an individual profile without a reliable source identifying the player and injury.

16. A Tennis Player With a Hip Labral Tear

The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket that helps provide stability. Labral tears may occur alongside other hip conditions and can cause pain, stiffness or discomfort with certain movements.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Some people begin with activity modification and physiotherapy, while others may be assessed for surgery. A named tennis player should only be included in this section when a reliable source confirms the diagnosis.

17. A Sprinter With a Hip Muscle Injury

Sprinters place high loads on the muscles around the hip when accelerating, maintaining speed and driving the knee forward. A muscle injury can interfere with training and require a staged return to running.

The type and severity of injury determine the rehabilitation process. Because no named athlete or independently verified case is established here, this is background information rather than a documented celebrity profile.

18. A Rugby Player With Hip Joint Pain

Rugby involves tackling, rapid changes of direction and repeated acceleration. These demands can aggravate several structures around the hip, but symptoms alone cannot establish whether the problem is muscular, joint-related or referred from another area.

A clinical assessment helps identify the likely source and determine whether further investigation is needed. This section requires a named, sourced athlete before it can be presented as an individual injury story.

19. A Performer With Persistent Hip Pain

Dancers and stage performers repeatedly load the hip through turning, lifting, balancing and wide ranges of movement. Persistent pain can affect rehearsals and performances, particularly when a movement repeatedly aggravates symptoms.

The appropriate response depends on the diagnosis and may involve a tailored rehabilitation programme or specialist assessment. This is a general example, not a verified report about a specific celebrity.

20. An Endurance Athlete With Hip Osteoarthritis

Long-term hip osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness and may limit walking, running or other everyday activities. In severe cases, hip replacement can be considered when symptoms substantially affect quality of life. The need for surgery depends on the person’s symptoms, clinical findings and response to other treatments.

Research involving former world-class athletes has found an increased rate of total hip replacement compared with the general population, although risk varies by sport and other factors. This is population-level evidence and does not establish an individual athlete’s diagnosis.

What Famous People Who Have Suffered Hip Injuries Can Teach Us

These examples highlight that hip problems do not all have the same cause. A muscle strain, a labral tear, arthritis and advanced joint damage can produce overlapping symptoms, but they may require very different treatment approaches.

• Muscle injuries may need temporary activity modification and progressive rehabilitation.

• Labral injuries may require clinical assessment and, in selected cases, specialist treatment.

• Hip osteoarthritis can cause persistent pain and reduced mobility as the joint changes over time.

• Hip replacement may be considered when severe joint disease substantially affects everyday function.

For general information about symptoms and care options, read more about hip pain. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause, and persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

How Wave Chiropractic & Wellness Can Help

At Wave Chiropractic & Wellness in Toowoomba, an assessment can help explore possible contributors to movement-related discomfort and determine whether conservative care may be appropriate. Treatment should be tailored to the individual’s symptoms and clinical findings.

Not all hip conditions are suitable for chiropractic treatment. Significant injuries, suspected fractures, severe joint disease or symptoms that require specialist investigation may need medical or orthopaedic care. The goal is to identify the appropriate next step rather than assume that every hip problem has the same solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can athletes return to sport after hip replacement?

Some athletes return to selected sports after hip replacement, but the activities they can safely perform depend on their recovery, the type of sport and their surgeon’s recommendations. High-impact activities may need to be limited.

What is the difference between a hip flexor injury and a hip joint problem?

A hip flexor injury affects muscles or tendons that help lift the thigh. A joint problem may involve cartilage, the labrum, arthritis or other structures within and around the hip. An assessment helps distinguish between possible causes.

When should hip pain be assessed?

Seek medical advice if pain persists, affects walking or daily activities, or follows a significant injury. Inability to bear weight after trauma, severe sudden pain, or a hot and swollen joint accompanied by fever warrants urgent medical assessment.

References

These sources support the named cases and background information. External references are collected here rather than added as ordinary links throughout the article.

1. BBC Sport — Andy Murray: What did his surgery entail, and what is his long-term outlook?

2. UCLA Health — Hip replacements in younger patients on the rise

3. Becker’s Spine Review — 12 celebrities who have undergone joint replacements

4. Becker’s Spine Review — 15 athletes who have undergone joint replacements

5. Mount Sinai — Having hip problems?

6. Hospital for Special Surgery — Mauro Bruni’s hip replacement and return to skating

7. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Hip replacement surgery

8. Research — Total hip replacement risk after elite sport