In a world that often shies away from difference, there was a man who not only embraced his uniqueness but also used it to carve out a successful career. His name was Frank Lentini, an Italian-American sideshow performer, who was born with a parasitic twin, resulting in three legs, 16 fingers, and two penises. Despite his unusual appearance, he became a beloved figure in the world of sideshow entertainment, earning him the moniker “The Three-Legged Sicilian.”
Frank Lentini and his condition
Born on May 18, 1889, in Rosolini, Sicily, Lentini was the fifth of 12 children. His birth was nothing short of a medical marvel. He was born with a parasitic twin, a condition known as heterozygous twinning, which occurs in as little as one in 1 million births. This resulted in Lentini having three legs, four feet, 16 fingers, and two sets of genitals. His extra leg, which was 36″ long, also had a fourth foot attached to the knee.
Frank Lentini was born with a condition known as a parasitic twin, also referred to as heteropagus twinning. This condition occurs when one twin stops developing during gestation and becomes vestigial to the fully formed twin. The fully formed twin, in this case Lentini, can end up with extra limbs or organs. In Lentini’s case, he was born with three legs, four feet, 16 fingers, and two sets of genitals. His extra leg sprouted from the side of his right hip, with a fourth foot protruding from his knee. This condition is extremely rare, occurring in as few as one in a million births.
At four months old, Lentini was taken to a specialist about the possibility of amputating his additional leg, but the threat of paralysis or even death kept the doctor from carrying out the procedure. His parents, seeking the best care for him, entrusted him to his uncle Corrido Falco’s wife. As a young child, Lentini despised his third leg and was said to have been very embarrassed by it. He felt restricted by its presence because he believed he couldn’t play sports and do things that most boys his age could do. Given the danger of removing it, though, Lentini had to make peace with his condition.
The Circus and Stardom
Lentini’s career in show business began at the tender age of 17. He toured with numerous circuses, including the renowned Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros. His acts were diverse and captivating, ranging from walking on his hands to performing acrobatics. He even earned the nickname the “Three-Legged Football Player” because he was able to kick a ball across the stage with his third leg.
In addition to his performances, Lentini sold a “pitchbook” during his act. This book, entitled “The Life History of Francesco A. Lentini, Three Legged Wonder,” provided a detailed account of his life and experiences, further intriguing his audience.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1907, Lentini married Theresa Murray, and the couple had four children together. After Murray’s death in 1935, Lentini found love again with Helen Shupe, who remained his partner until his death in 1966. Despite his unconventional career path, Lentini was able to use his charisma to woo a young actress named Theresa Murray. The two were married in 1907 and went on to have four children; Josephine, Natale, Franceso Jr., and Giacomo.
Lentini’s extraordinary life has been featured in various media, including the album cover of a Seattle-based rock band, Alice in Chains. His “pitchbook” has become a collector’s item, highly sought after by sideshow enthusiasts. Despite his unusual appearance, Frank Lentini lived a successful and fulfilling life. He was a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of embracing one’s uniqueness.
Despite the decline of sideshows and the onset of the Great Depression, Lentini continued to perform and live his life to the fullest. He eventually moved to Gibsonton, Florida,
a town known for its retired circus performers. Even in his later years, Lentini never stopped touring. He was traveling with the Walter Wanous Sideshow when he fell ill and was hospitalized in Jackson, Tennessee. He passed away there on September 22, 1966, at the age of 77.
Lentini’s life prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes towards difference and diversity. How do we perceive those who are different from us? Do we see them as oddities to be gawked at, or do we recognize their humanity and the strength it takes to live in a world that often shies away from difference? Lentini’s story challenges us to embrace our own uniqueness and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so wonderfully varied and vibrant.
Frank Lentini’s legacy lives on, not just in the sideshow community, but in the hearts and minds of those who hear his story. He serves as a reminder that our differences are not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but rather, they are a part of who we are. They are what make us unique, what makes us human. And in embracing our uniqueness, we can find our own path to success, just like the Three-Legged Sicilian.
Quick Facts about Frank Lentini
- Birth: Frank Lentini was born on May 18, 1889, in Rosolini, Sicily.
- Family: He was the fifth of 12 children in his family.
- Condition: Lentini was born with a parasitic twin, resulting in three legs, 16 fingers, and two penises.
- Career: He began his career in show business at the age of 17 and toured with numerous circuses, including Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros.
- Nickname: Lentini earned the nickname the “Three-Legged Football Player” because he was able to kick a ball across the stage with his third leg.
- Marriage: Lentini married Theresa Murray in 1907, and the couple had four children together. After Murray’s death in 1935, Lentini found love again with Helen Shupe.
- Death: Lentini passed away on September 22, 1966, in Jackson, Tennessee.
In the end, Lentini’s story is not just about a man with three legs. It’s about a man who, despite the odds, lived a life full of love, laughter, and success. It’s about a man who turned what others might see as a disadvantage into his greatest strength. And most importantly, it’s a story that reminds us all that it’s our differences that make us unique, and that’s something to be celebrated.
Now that you’ve read about Frank Lentitni read about Grady Stiles Jr.
Freak Show Performer to Killer Lobster Boy: The Story of Grady Stiles Jr.
