Frank Lentini: The Three-legged Superstar

A man with three legs, sixteen fingers, and two reproductive organs isn't something you hear about every day. Francesco Lentini (also known as Frank Lentini) used his unique features to become a sideshow superstar.

Although he had a hard time growing up, Frank learned to embrace his differences and found much success. Today, his legacy is one of inspiration.

Let’s dive into the story of Frank Lentini, the three-legged wonder. We’re going to talk about the mystery behind him, as well as his life history.

3 legged man

Photo credit: Wikimedia

The Mysterious Third Limb of Frank Lentini

Frank Lentini was born in May 1989 in Sicily. He was born with an additional, full-sized leg extending from his back. Frank had four feet, sixteen toes and fingers, and two penises.

The three-legged Sicilian was one of twelve children in his family. Interestingly, none of his siblings shared his unique features.

The third leg and second set of male genitalia came from the parasitic twin attached to Frank. This leg was 36 inches long, while his two other legs were around 39 inches in length. His third leg also had a second small foot extended from its knee. The extra limb was fully functional, and Frank could use it when running and jumping.

Since he had three legs - Frank would buy two pairs of shoes and give the extra left shoe to his one-legged friend.

The Conjoined Parasitic Twin

Frank’s parasitic twin didn’t fully develop in the womb during pregnancy, leaving its upper body in a somewhat mutilated state. The twin stayed attached to Frank’s body at the base of his spine, giving him an extra leg, pelvis, and penis.

This condition is known as heterologous twinning and occurs in one out of one million childbirths. Heterologous twinning results from one twin ceasing development and the other developing fully through gestation.

Conjoined parasitic twin

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Life of Frank Lentini

Early Days

When Frank was born, his parents were shocked. They assumed a bad omen had been brought to the family. Sadly, Frank endured bullying as a young child, and his parents sent him to live with his aunt.

Although Frank wanted surgery to remove his extra appendages, the surgery would be risky due to the third leg growing so close to his spine. The possibility of something going wrong with surgery was high and could have left Frank paralyzed and bedridden for life.

The doctors determined that Frank would be risking his life if he went through with the surgery. Frank decided to accept his condition.

While living with his aunt, Frank met Vincenzo Magnano - a puppeteer. Vincenzo taught the young Lentini about performance arts and eventually asked Frank’s parents for permission to bring him to the United States.

Transition

Frank’s parents accepted Vincenzo’s request. In June 1889, the Lentini family migrated from Italy to the United States. The young Frank was taken to an institution designed for disabled children. Here, he met children with conditions far more challenging than his own.

He developed a newfound appreciation for life and decided to make the most of everything he had been given. He saw this as a gift instead of a curse. He developed newfound confidence and became popular within the institution.

Frank began to grow comfortable in the United States. Soon, he learned the English language to communicate with those who had questions for him.

Francisco and family

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Circus Superstardom

In 1899, Frank decided to join the Ringling Brothers major circus. He became known as the Great Lentini.

The Great Lentini was listed as one of the top acts at the Ringling Brothers circus - everyone was queuing up to see the amazing three-legged man.

Frank’s act consisted of him kicking a soccer ball, jumping over a rope, using a roller skate, or bicycling with his extra leg. He would even go so far as to ice skate! Frank could also use his fourth foot, making him a charismatic sideshow performer.

Along with Frank’s impressive athleticism, he was quick-witted and had a good sense of humor.

He would often do interviews while using his extra limbs as a stool to lean on - making the interviewers laugh and smile. He was the only man who didn’t require a chair when he sat down. He answered questions that were simply curious, as well as more explicit questions (such as those about his sex life). Frank always met these questions with razer-sharp wit.

Frank found much success with the Ringling Brothers Circus. He performed in various shows and circuses until he retired - from 1899 until around 1935. During this time, the three-legged man traveled around the States, showing his gift to many people.

When Frank retired, he decided to head back home to Rossellini. Upon his return, he was seen as a man with a gift - no longer a bad omen.

In 1907, Frank married Theresa Murray. Theresa gave birth to four children, none of whom were born with Frank’s condition.

Theresa separated from Frank in 1935. After that, Frank settled down with another woman by the name of Helen Shupe. They remained married until Frank passed away in 1966, at age 77, due to lung failure. Compared to those with the same condition, Frank’s life was long and full.

Conclusion

Frank Lentini, the three-legged man, was a man like no other!

He learned to accept and embrace his condition and third leg - and reached huge fame and success as a result. Frank was a medical wonder and will forever be remembered as an excellent circus performer.

From a young child who was bullied for his condition to a major star in the circus industry - Frank’s story is inspirational. Frank’s legacy is that of a charismatic, witty man with unique features.

For more inspirational stories of amazing humans, keep your eye on Phreeque.com.

Previous
Previous

Ella Harper: The Camel Girl

Next
Next

Myrtle Corbin - Extraordinary Story of a Four-Legged Woman