When I first found out that my Frankie would be born with a severe cleft lip and palate, my thoughts immediately turned to his future and I thought there was a very strong possibility that he would grow up not being able to do what he wanted with his life because of it. But did you know that there are quite a few famous actors, sportspeople, politicians, comedians and musicians who have a cleft lip and palate? It didn’t affect their careers and doing what they wanted to do, so when I found out about these people having a cleft lip and palate, I was filled with so much more hope for my Frankie’s future. Sadly he didn’t make it into this world.
But if he had lived, these are the people I would have told him about and I would have told him that a cleft lip and palate is no barrier at all to him living his life and his dreams:
1. Tim Duggan – Retired Olympic Cyclist
Born with a cleft lip and palate.
2. Joaquin Phoenix – Actor
Born with a micro cleft lip and palate, one of the less severe forms.
3. Jesse Jackson – American Politician
Born with a cleft lip.
4. Peyton Manning – American Football NFL Quarterback
Born with a cleft lip.
5. Cheech Martin of “Cheech & Chong” – Actor
Born with a cleft lip.
6. Jose Ferrer – Actor
7. Tutankhamun – King
Scientists believe that King Tut had a cleft lip and palate.
8. Stacy Keatch – Actor
Born with a cleft lip and palate. Keach is now an advocate for the cause and it is rumoured that his trademark mustache is because of his cleft lip and palate.
9. Carmen Bachar- Singer with the Pussycat Dolls
Born with a cleft lip and palate.
10. Wendy Harmer – Comedian
Born with a cleft palate and as a result she speaks with a lisp.
11. Richard Hawley – Guitarist
Born with a cleft lip and palate.
12. Ljubo Milicevic- Professional Football Player
Born with a cleft lip and palate.
* – Pictures are from Ranker.com and information gathered from online sources.
