Shy celebrities run the gamut from actors to scientists; what they all have in common is that they have persevered despite the natural obstacles they face as a result of their retiring personalities.
Shy Actors
Many actors are naturally shy; some grew up shy during childhood and were put into acting classes in an effort to help them “come out of their shells.” Many actors who are shy also comment that they use acting as a means of expression; a way to reach beyond the confines of their usual shy way of interacting with the world.
Shy actors include the likes of Courteney Cox Arquette, Robert DeNiro, Kim Basinger, and Alexis Bledel.
Shy Athletes
Athletes face a difficult challenge when they are shy. Their job consists not only of performing well at a sport, but having the ability to do so in front of an audience. In every sport from golf to baseball, there is an element of celebrity and being the center of attention. For athletes who are shy, this aspect of a sports career can be daunting.
Some athletes who have dealt with shyness or social anxiety include baseball player Zack Greinke, swimmer Susie O’Neill, and gymnast Cathy Rigby.
Shy Authors
The author’s career naturally lends itself to shyness; authors are able to spend most of their time alone at their craft without the worries of public scrutiny or performances. At the same time, when authors become successful, they must cope with book signing appearances and the potential to be recognized in public.
Shy authors include J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and George Bernard Shaw among others.
Shy Business Figures
Becoming a business mogul requires talent, perseverance and patience; qualities that are possessed by many who are shy. At the same time, in North America, success in business is usually equated with personality traits such as boldness and extroversion. Shy business figures usually blend the best of all worlds: They are intelligent, determined, and extroverted when the situation calls for it.
Some shy business figures include Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates, Sara Lee CEO Brenda Barnes, and former owner of the Washington Post, Katharine Graham.
Shy Comedians
Comedians usually appear outgoing and confident on stage, however many comedians are naturally shy by nature. Shy comics usually report having used humor throughout life as a means of coping with shyness and forming relationships with others.
Some comedians who have been shy in their personal lives include Jim Carrey, David Letterman and Eddie Murphy.
Shy Models and Fashionistas
Although the lifestyle of a model or fashion mogul might seem glamorous, it is also hard work and requires the ability to maintain composure under the spotlight; a task which can be emotionally draining for those who are shy.
Shy models and fashionistas include Kate Moss, Heather Graham, and Anna Wintour.
Shy Musicians
Musicians who are shy sometimes appear extravagant onstage; examples include David Bowie and Lady Gaga. Often shy musicians take on a persona when performing that allows them to break away from their natural shyness.
Shy musicians use music as a means of expression much the same way that shy actors use the craft to become someone else.
Shy Politicians
Politicians are not typically thought of as shy; being in public office requires the ability to lead, give speeches, and deal with the public on a regular basis. However, there are several politicians who have been shy but overcome their insecurities in the pursuit of serving the nation.
Examples of shy political figures include Al Gore and Theodore Roosevelt.
Shy Reality TV Stars
Reality television is usually the playground of outgoing and social characters. When reality television stars do appear who are shy, it is usually of the musical genre; examples include Carrie Underwood and Paul Potts.
Reality stars who are shy don’t always become superstars, but these two have made definite names for themselves.
Shy Royals
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; nowhere is this more true than in the case of the royal family. Shy royals include the late Princess Diana, her former husband Prince Charles, and his grandfather Prince Albert (King George VI). Hollywood was so entranced by royal shyness that they made a movie about King George VI and how he overcame his problems with stuttering.
Shy Historical Figures
Shy historical figures were people who made a huge impact on the world despite their retiring personalities. Some examples include Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross), Thomas Edison (inventor of the light bulb), and Orville Wright (inventor of the airplane, along with brother Wilbur).
Shy Talk Show Hosts
The words “shy” and “talk” don’t naturally fall together, but in the case of talk show hosts, being shy can sometimes be a help rather than a hindrance. Not only do shy talk show hosts prepare and plan their shows obsessively, but they are also good at allowing the spotlight to shine on the guest instead of themselves.
Notable shy talk show hosts include Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Barbara Walters.