Francesco Lentini (1889-1966) was a Sicilian performing circus artist known as the 'King of Freaks', having been born with three legs, four feet, sixteen toes - and two sets of functioning male genitalia.
The theory was that the extra appendages belonged to what would have been a conjoined twin had it formed properly.
The theory was that the extra appendages belonged to what would have been a conjoined twin had it formed properly.
Lentini was born into a family of twelve children and grew up in Sicily, before moving to the United States at the age of eight. As a child, Lentini hated his body, but spending time with severely disabled children made him appreciate how lucky he actually was.
As an adult, he married Theresa Murray and had four children with her.
As an adult, he married Theresa Murray and had four children with her.
Francesco Lentini as an Entertainer
Although he was initially bitter about his condition, Lentini had embraced his difference by early adulthood, and became known for his positive attitude and sense of humor. As part of his stage performance, he would use his third leg as a sort of stool to prop himself up on, and spoke openly about his condition and experiences. He also spoke of his sex life and preached the importance of sexual health to those who came to see his performances.
Lentini continued to tour right up to his death in 1966, at the age of 78.
Lentini continued to tour right up to his death in 1966, at the age of 78.
