Stuttering Biopics: 10 Films to Watch

Description: This film, while focusing on Władysław Szpilman's survival during the Holocaust, also shows his struggle with speech, which was affected by the trauma he endured.

Fact: Adrien Brody won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. The film was based on Szpilman's memoir.

Description: Although primarily about John Nash's battle with schizophrenia, the film also touches on his childhood stuttering, which he overcame through determination and support.

Fact: Russell Crowe, who portrayed Nash, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Description: This film is about Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, after suffering a massive stroke, could only communicate by blinking his left eye. His childhood stutter is mentioned as part of his life story.

Fact: The film was shot from the perspective of Bauby, giving viewers an intimate look into his condition. It won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.

Description: This film, while focusing on the debate team, includes a character, Samantha Booke, who overcomes her stutter to become a powerful debater.

Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of the Wiley College debate team. Denzel Washington, who directed and starred in the film, was praised for his portrayal of Melvin B. Tolson.

Description: This film chronicles King George VI's struggle with a stammer and his relationship with an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who helps him overcome his speech impediment to deliver a crucial wartime speech.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Colin Firth. The real Lionel Logue's grandson was an advisor on the film.

Description: While not exclusively about stuttering, the film portrays Elton John's early life, including his struggle with speech impediments, which he overcame to become one of the most iconic musicians of all time.

Fact: Taron Egerton, who played Elton John, performed all the singing in the film. The movie was praised for its creative storytelling and musical numbers.

Description: While focusing on Stephen Hawking's life with motor neuron disease, the film also briefly touches on his childhood stuttering, which he managed to overcome.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was adapted from Jane Hawking's memoir.

Description: Although primarily a comedy-drama, the film touches on the protagonist Scott Carlin's childhood stuttering, which he has mostly overcome by adulthood.

Fact: Pete Davidson, who plays Scott, drew from his own experiences with stuttering for the role. The film was directed by Judd Apatow.

Description: While not about stuttering, the film explores the life of Joseph Merrick, who had severe physical deformities, and his struggle to communicate, which included speech difficulties.

Fact: John Hurt's performance as Merrick was critically acclaimed, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: This biopic of Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy, includes his struggle with speech, which was a significant part of his life.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. The film was based on Brown's autobiography.