10 Celebrities With Cold Sores

Jules Burke
Updated April 28, 2025 14 items

Even celebrities can get cold sores. Also known as fever blisters, they are identified as an infection with the herpes simplex virus around or on the lips. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by sun exposure, cold wind, the common cold, high stress levels, or a low immune system. 

They can be difficult to cover up with makeup, so the celebrities below, like Kim Kardashian and Katie Holmes, have been photographed in public with an outbreak. 

Scroll on to learn about more famous people who have dealt with cold sores.

  • Leah McSweeney (born 1982) is the founder and CEO of Married to the Mob, a female fashion line. McSweeney has been featured in many publications (including Complex, Elle, Essence, Inked, Nylon, Paper, and Vogue) and makes regular contributions on other media platforms.
  • Gregg Wallace is an English actor who appeared in "Celebrity MasterChef," "Masterchef: The Professionals," and "MasterChef."
  • Spencer Matthews appeared in tv series Made in Chelsea.
  • Katie Holmes
    Katie Holmes, a distinguished American actress, first gained recognition for her role as Joey Potter on the television series Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Holmes' passion for acting was ignited at a young age. After participating in a talent competition in New York City at the age of 17, she found herself on the path to stardom, ultimately leading her to land her breakthrough role in Dawson's Creek. Beyond her memorable performance in Dawson's Creek, Holmes has showcased her versatility across multiple genres in both film and television. Some of her notable performances include roles in acclaimed films such as Pieces of April, Batman Begins, and Thank You for Smoking. Holmes' commitment to her craft earned her critical acclaim, including nominations at the MTV Movie Awards and Saturn Awards. Moreover, her directorial debut came in 2016 with the film All We Had, demonstrating her multifaceted skills in the entertainment industry. Despite her thriving professional life, Holmes has also been a figure of interest due to her personal life. Her high-profile marriage to actor Tom Cruise in 2006, followed by their subsequent divorce in 2012, made headlines worldwide. They have one daughter together, Suri Cruise. Holmes' ability to balance her private life with a successful career in a demanding industry is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
  • Lindsay Lohan
    Lindsay Lohan, an American actress, singer, and entrepreneur, first captured the public's attention as a child model. Born in New York City on July 2nd, 1986 to Dina and Michael Lohan, she began her career at age three by modeling. She appeared in over sixty television commercials before making her acting debut in the soap opera Another World when she was ten years old. In 1998 Lindsay earned widespread recognition with Disney's remake of The Parent Trap, which showcased her talent for comedy and drama. This success paved way for other notable roles including those in Freaky Friday, another Disney production; Mean Girls, a critical and commercial success that became a pop culture phenomenon; and independent movie A Prairie Home Companion. Despite her promising start however, Lohan faced challenges with several legal issues and stints in rehabilitation facilities that affected her career progression. Aside from acting, Lindsay also ventured into music releasing two studio albums - Speak (2004) and A Little More Personal (Raw) (2005), both of which were certified platinum. In addition to this musical endeavor, Lindsay has also tried her hand at business, launching a fashion line called 6126 named after Marilyn Monroe's birth date. Her entrepreneurial spirit extended further when she opened up nightclub ventures overseas under the brand name Lohan. Throughout all these personal or professional highs or lows – one thing remains constant: Lindsay Lohan is undeniably an enduring figure within popular culture.
    • The Parent Trap
      1The Parent Trap
       
       
      628 Votes
    • Freaky Friday
      2Freaky Friday
       
       
      575 Votes
    • Mean Girls
      3Mean Girls
       
       
      746 Votes
    • Life-Size
      4Life-Size
       
       
      285 Votes
  • Paris Hilton
    Paris Hilton, born in New York City in 1981, is a multifaceted personality renowned for her contributions to multiple fields such as business, entertainment, and philanthropy. Born into the affluent Hilton family, known for their eponymous hotel chain, she leveraged her privilege not just to bask in fame but to carve out her own distinct identity. She attended the Dwight School in New York City, but it was her ventures beyond academia that truly defined her. In the realm of entertainment, Hilton became an iconic figure in reality television with her stint on The Simple Life, a show that ingeniously juxtaposed her high-society upbringing against a backdrop of everyday, middle-class scenarios. Beyond television, her pursuits in music yielded a self-titled album, Paris‚ which received a mixed critical response but resonated with listeners, particularly the hit single Stars Are Blind. Her endeavors in modeling saw her grace numerous campaigns, runway shows, and magazine covers, further solidifying her status as an international fashion figure. Hilton's business acumen is evident in her successful line of perfumes, among other ventures. As a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, she has launched 25 fragrances over the years, generating over $3 billion in revenue globally. Not one to rest on her laurels, she also delved into the tech space, becoming a DJ and launching a virtual reality world called Paris World. Despite her glamorous lifestyle, Hilton is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charitable causes, particularly those related to animal rights and children's hospitals.
  • Kim Kardashian, birth name Kimberly Noel Kardashian, is a multifaceted personality who has left an indelible impact in various domains such as reality television, fashion, and business. Born on October 21st, 1980 in Los Angeles, California to Robert and Kris Kardashian, Kim was thrust into the limelight at an early age due to her father's high-profile career as an attorney. Her rise to fame began with the reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, which featured Kim alongside her family members. The success of this show not only established Kim as a household name but also paved the way for several spin-offs further solidifying her status in popular culture. In addition to her television endeavors, she made headlines with ventures in the world of fashion and beauty. She launched KKW Beauty and Skims - both brands resonating with consumers worldwide due their emphasis on inclusivity. Despite being primarily known for her appearances on screen and entrepreneurial pursuits within the beauty industry, Kim's influence extends beyond these realms. Always one to use her platform for greater causes, she took up law studies inspired by issues close to heart such as prison reform – following footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian who was a well-known lawyer himself. Her passion towards social justice combined with relentless determination showcases another side of this iconic personality that continues inspiring millions across globe.
  • Victoria Beckham
    Victoria Beckham, born on April 17, 1974, in Harlow, Essex, England, has established herself as a multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry. Known for her work as a singer, fashion designer, and businesswoman, she first shot to fame as 'Posh Spice' in the globally renowned pop group Spice Girls. The group, which was formed in 1994, redefined the music scene in the late 90s, selling over 85 million records worldwide and etching their name into pop culture history. After the Spice Girls disbanded, Beckham embarked on a solo music career, releasing her self-titled album in 2001. However, it was in the world of fashion where she found her true calling. In 2008, she launched her eponymous label, Victoria Beckham, which quickly gained recognition for its sleek, minimalist designs that embody her personal style. Her ventures into the fashion industry were highly successful, leading her to win several prestigious awards, including Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Beckham is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved with numerous charities and causes, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Save the Children. Furthermore, her marriage to football superstar David Beckham in 1999 has kept her in the public eye, and together they have four children. Despite her high-profile lifestyle, Beckham remains committed to her family, often sharing insights into her life as a working mother. Balancing her roles as a global icon, businesswoman, and mother, Victoria Beckham continues to inspire many with her determination, style, and poise.
  • Mischa Barton, a British-American actress and model, was born in London, England on January 24, 1986. Her journey in the world of performance began at an early age; she attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan and later graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. A child prodigy, Barton made her acting debut on the New York stage at the tender age of nine. Barton's breakthrough role came in 2003 when she was cast as Marissa Cooper in the American teen drama television series, The O.C. This role propelled her into the international limelight, earning her critical acclaim and several awards. Not one to be typecast, Barton has demonstrated her versatility with a wide array of roles across film, television, and theater. Some of her notable performances include roles in movies like Notting Hill and The Sixth Sense, and stage productions like Slavs! and Twelve Dreams. In addition to her acting career, Barton has also made her mark in the fashion industry. She became a fashion icon during her stint on The O.C., influencing trends with her character's distinct style. Barton capitalized on this influence by launching her own fashion line, thereby solidifying her status as a trendsetter.
  • Justin Timberlake
    Justin Timberlake, a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, has made a substantial impact across music, film, and television. Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1981, Timberlake's journey to stardom began at an early age with appearances on Star Search and The Mickey Mouse Club. However, it was his role as lead vocalist for the boy band 'N Sync that catapulted him into the limelight. Known for their harmonious vocals and dynamic performances, 'N Sync became a global phenomenon in the late 1990s, laying the foundation for Timberlake's future solo career. In 2002, Justin Timberlake embarked on his solo venture releasing his debut album, Justified, which earned him two Grammy Awards. His transition from a boy band member to a solo artist was seamless, demonstrating his versatility and artistic growth. Over the years, Timberlake's music has evolved, spanning genres from pop and R&B to electronic, always pushing boundaries and reinventing his sound. This evolution is reflected in his subsequent albums like FutureSex/LoveSounds and The 20/20 Experience, each of which have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. In addition to his musical prowess, Timberlake has also successfully ventured into acting. His film career includes roles in movies like The Social Network, Bad Teacher, and Trolls. He has demonstrated his range as an actor, effortlessly moving between drama, comedy, and animation. His contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. With numerous awards under his belt, including several Grammy and Emmy Awards, Justin Timberlake's multifaceted career and enduring influence are testaments to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.
    • Dead and Gone
      1Dead and Gone
       
       
      148 Votes
    • Give It to Me
      2Give It to Me
       
       
      107 Votes
    • 4 Minutes
      34 Minutes
       
       
      84 Votes
    • Holy Grail
      4Holy Grail
       
       
      109 Votes
  • Alexa Chung
    Alexa Chung was a British fashion model, journalist and TV host who rose to become one of the most well-known celebrities in Britain in the 2000s and 2010s. Born and raised in the Southern English country of Hampshire, Chung's striking beauty was first discovered by a modeling scout when she was 16. She quickly signed on as a contract model for one of England's most elite agencies, and before long was appearing in dozens of teen magazines, as well as in print ads for various high-profile companies. After four long and tiring years of working as a jet-setting professional model, Chung realized that the physical demands of the job were leaving her with self-esteem issues, so she promptly decided to take a break. Still wanting to be a part of the entertainment business, however, Chung started landing work as a TV host on numerous British television shows. She first worked as the co-host of a British music show called "Popworld" (Channel 4, 2006), and over the next 10 years appeared as either a guest or host of over two-dozen British TV shows. Given Chung's history as a model, most of the TV shows were fashion-oriented, thus making her one of the fashion world's most recognizable faces. In 2009 Chung made somewhat of a return to modeling, although she made sure to limit her load each year so as to keep the work fun and enjoyable. In the fall of 2015 Chung began hosting an Internet program for Vogue Magazine's U.K. website, thus adding further prestige to her already growing status as one of the most important fashion personalities in Britain.
  • Rihanna
    Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna is a global icon known for her significant contributions to the music industry. Her full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty conveys her Caribbean heritage and she has often incorporated elements of this into her work. She was discovered by Evan Rogers, an American record producer who happened to be vacationing on the island and quickly recognized her talent. Rihanna's debut album Music of the Sun was released under Def Jam Recordings after she moved to New York City. The album showcased a blend of reggae, R&B and pop influences that were indicative of Rihanna's diverse musical taste. It peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200 chart, paving the way for further success with albums like A Girl Like Me and Good Girl Gone Bad, which included Grammy-winning single "Umbrella". Over time, she became renowned for continually reinventing her style and sound. In addition to music, Rihanna has been involved in various business ventures including fashion and cosmetics industries. She launched Fenty Beauty line which received widespread acclaim for its inclusivity promoting a broad array of shades suitable for different skin tones. Furthermore, she debuted her Savage X Fenty lingerie line, aimed at promoting body positivity among consumers. Her entrepreneurial efforts have been lauded as much as her artistic prowess, making Rihanna not just a successful singer but also an accomplished businesswoman.
  • Jessica Biel
    One of the few "WB" teen alums to successfully make the leap to a long-lasting film career, Jessica Biel aimed big and achieved it with a down-to-earth, hardworking approach. Rising to fame as the rebellious Mary Camden, eldest daughter on the long-running "7th Heaven" (The WB, 1996-2006; The CW, 2006-07), Biel's efforts to leave the saccharine show for more adult film roles - including a sexy magazine photo shoot - earned her notoriety, but also her escape. Although romantic baseball comedy "Summer Catch" (2001) bunted at the box office, Biel shook it off to quietly notch strong performances in dark fare like the "The Rules of Attraction" (2002), "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remake (2003) and "Blade: Trinity" (2004), surprising critics with a career-best performance as an Eastern European countess in love with "The Illusionist" (2006). Positive attention from men's magazines and her well-publicized marriage to likable megastar Justin Timberlake helped position Biel as the strong, smart girl next door. Balancing her beauty with physical strength as well as a willingness to work hard and earn her acting stripes, Biel continued to outlast many of her flashier contemporaries, balancing between popcorn films such as "Total Recall" (2012) and "The A-Team" (2010) with more substantial fare as "Hitchcock" (2012) and indie thriller "Bleeding Heart" (2014).
    • Total Recall
      1Total Recall
       
       
      231 Votes
    • Blade: Trinity
      2Blade: Trinity
       
       
      243 Votes
    • Powder Blue
      3Powder Blue
       
       
      223 Votes
    • Stealth
      4Stealth
       
       
      207 Votes
  • Charlie Sheen, born Carlos Irwin Estevez in September 1965, hails from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. He is the youngest son of Martin Sheen, an actor known for his performances in films like Apocalypse Now and The West Wing. Charlie's early exposure to the world of acting sparked his interest, leading him to pursue a career in the same field. His professional acting debut came in 1974 with a small part in one of his father's films, but it was his role in Oliver Stone's Platoon (1986) that catapulted him into the public eye. Sheen's career has been characterized by high-profile roles in both television and film. He starred in two major sitcoms, Spin City and Two and a Half Men, which earned him several award nominations and wins, including a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy. In addition to his television work, Sheen's filmography includes critically acclaimed films such as Wall Street and Major League. Despite his successful career, Sheen's personal life often overshadowed his professional achievements. His struggles with substance abuse and legal issues have made frequent headlines, contributing to his reputation as one of Hollywood's most controversial figures. Despite the ups and downs, Sheen's unique blend of comedic timing and dramatic intensity can't be denied. He's displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back from personal and professional setbacks time and again. Charlie Sheen's tumultuous journey, filled with both triumphs and trials, embodies the unpredictability of life in the limelight.
    • Platoon
      1Platoon
       
       
      390 Votes
    • Young Guns
      2Young Guns
       
       
      316 Votes
    • Major League
      3Major League
       
       
      376 Votes
    • Wall Street
      4Wall Street
       
       
      255 Votes