Famous Celebrities You Had No Idea Were Adopted

Nelson Mandela

When he was only 12 years old, Nelson Madela's biological father passed away due to lung disease. Mandela was later adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the leader of the Thembu people as a way to honor his father. He relocated from the remote village he was born into the Chief's capital city residence. With this new livelihood, he was able to receive an education and become the activist we know today. 

Lee Majors

Lee Majors was the son of Carl and Alice Yeary. Tragically, both of his parents passed away in separate incidents. Nevertheless, he was left without any caretakers by the age of two. His paternal aunt and uncle adopted the toddler and raised him with their family out in Kentucky. He didn't know about his status until he was a teenager. "I made up my mind right then that my stepparents would never regret having adopted me," he said.

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The More You Know

  • Actor Joaquin Phoenix was born in a cult, which might help explain why his siblings were named River, Rain, Liberty, and Summer. Their parents were members of Children of God group, which was founded in the 1960s.
  • Jaleel White was the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog in multiple old animated series.
  • Lady Gaga wrote “Just Dance” and “Born This Way” in just 10 minutes.
  • Jack Black is the son of rocket scientists.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.