8 Stars Who Conquered Their Biggest Fears – And How They Did It!

  • By Rico
  • Dec. 31, 2025, 10:20 a.m.

Facing Fears, Celebrity Style

Everyone's got something that makes their heart race – but for these famous faces, their fears were more than just jitters. From flying to stage fright, these stars took bold steps to reclaim their lives, leaving their phobias in the past.

Jennifer Aniston's High-Flying Journey

Jennifer Aniston, beloved for her role on "Friends," battled a crippling fear of flying. After a harrowing emergency landing, she turned to hypnotherapy. "I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions," she shared. Now, with meditation and a new mindset, she's soaring above her fears.

DJ Khaled – From Grounded to Fearless

DJ Khaled's fear of flying kept him grounded for a decade. But the birth of his son, Asahd, changed everything. "I kept saying, ‘My son goes on a plane. Why am I not on a plane?’" he told Forbes. Inspired by his family, Khaled conquered his fear and took to the skies.

From Stage Frights to Spotlight

Performing in front of thousands can be terrifying – just ask The Weeknd and Andrea Bocelli. Yet, both found their way to the spotlight by overcoming intense stage fright.

The Weeknd's Transformation

The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, used to be paralyzed by stage fright. But as his fame grew, so did his confidence. "Now, when I step out... I have fans," he told Billboard. Support from fans became his secret weapon.

Andrea Bocelli's Operatic Triumph

Andrea Bocelli once faced "unmanageable anxiety" on stage. It was a meeting with Maestro Pavarotti that changed everything. "Today, thanks to the technical awareness... I don’t have that kind of anxiety anymore," Bocelli explained, crediting his improved technique.

Overcoming Personal Terrors

For others like Donny Osmond and Nate Berkus, everyday fears were the enemy. Through therapy and determination, they found peace.

Donny Osmond's Social Victory

Donny Osmond faced social anxiety, particularly in malls. Therapy helped him slowly face his fears, and now he embraces public spaces without dread.

Nate Berkus' Oceanic Redemption

After surviving a tsunami, Nate Berkus feared the ocean. But in 2021, Nate conquered his fear, taking his children into the water. His husband, Jeremiah Brent, praised Nate's resilience, sharing, "He has broken the chain of fear."

Travis Barker's Skyward Leap

Travis Barker's fear of flying was rooted in a traumatic plane crash. With time and support from Kourtney Kardashian, he finally flew again in 2021, marking a new chapter in his life. "She just knew, and she stuck by me," Barker told GQ, grateful for her support.

These stars show us that facing fears head-on can lead to incredible personal victories. Whether it's flying high or diving deep, their stories inspire us all to tackle the obstacles that hold us back.

Rico
Author: Rico
Rico

Rico

Rico covers how celebs craft image—on carpets, in airports, and on Stories. He pairs look IDs and styling credits with the mini-narratives driving buzz: relationships, rebrands, and comeback arcs.