10 Unbelievable Details Surrounding Frank Lentini, Who Had Two Legs And 16 Fingers

6 /10 Unusual Condition

Frank was then taken to a specialist in Naples, where he was examined at four months old. Frank was born with a third leg.

At five years old, he was able to play with other children and straighten his third leg, but unable to walk. While he also had a third leg, Frank also had four feet and two sets of genitals.

5 /10 Ringling Brothers Circus

The Ringling Brothers first created their circus in 1882 when the five brothers joined to perform skits and juggling routines in town halls around Wisconsin.

In 1884, they expanded the show into a one-ring show. They added a trick horse and bear and started traveling by train in 1888.

In 1884, they also purchased the Yankee Robinson Circus. Their competitor, James Anthony Bailey of Barnum and Bailey’s Circus, thus viewed them as a competitor.

They soon bought Barnum and Bailey’s Circus in 1907 when Bailey died in 1906. The two were run separately for several years.

However, as audience numbers declined and employees were drafted for World War I, Ringling Circus and Barnum and Bailey’s Circus were merged in 1919 as the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus.

4 /10 Rise Of Sideshows

Entertainment acts first became popular in the 16th century when abnormalities and disfigurements became objects of public interest and amusement at English summer fairs.

This continued into the mid-19th century when Bridgeport, Connecticut’s P.T. Barnum started touring across the US and Europe with several “freaks of nature.”

This included a dwarf, General Tom Thumb, the Feejee Mermaid, and the man-monkey.

Others such as Tom Norman showcased oddities like the Balloon Headed Baby and the most famous, the Elephant Man Joesph Merrick.

While some were real, others were fake. But whether they were real or not, they ultimately became a success.

3 /10 Frank's Sideshow Career

Frank became a US citizen at 30 years old. He worked every major sideshow and circus ranging from Barnum and Bailey and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for over 40 years.

He became known as “The King” from others that worked alongside him.

2 /10 Married Life

In 1907, Frank married Theresa Murray, who was three years younger than him. Together they had four children, Giuseppina (Josephine), Natale (Ned), Francesco (Frank), Junior, and Giacomo (James).

The two separated in 1935. Frank soon began a relationship with Helen Shupe, with who he lived until his death. On September 21st, 1966, Frank died of lung failure in Jackson, Tennessee, at 77 years old.

1 /10 Pop Culture

Frank was related to strongman/filmmaker Christopher Annino. Additionally, Jonathan Redavid portrayed him in the film The Greatest Showman in 2017.

He is also featured on the back of Alice in Chains’ self-titled rock album from 1995. His hometown of Rosolini still celebrates Frank and remembers him to this day.

Fifty years after his death, they glorified him to honor his memory. His family even attended that was still in the United States.

In addition, a painting exhibition was held in his honor, with visitors coming to the town and everyone visiting the cemetery for a final farewell on the exact day of his death. Though he left, he is still remembered fondly as a proud Sicilian.