Frank Lentini facts for kids

Francesco "Frank" Lentini (born May 18, 1889 – died September 21, 1966) was an Italian-American performer. He became famous for touring with many circuses and shows. Frank was born with a very rare condition: he had three legs.

Frank Lentini: The Three-Legged Wonder

His Early Life

Frank Lentini was born in Rosolini, Sicily, Italy, on May 18, 1889. He was one of 12 children in his family. Frank was born with a parasitic twin, which meant he had an extra leg and some other body parts that were not fully formed.

When he was a baby, his parents sent him to a specialist doctor in Naples to be examined. By the time he was five years old, Frank could play with other children. He could even straighten his third leg, though he couldn't walk on it.

A Unique Performer

Frank Lentini began his performing career at a young age. When he was eight, a man named Magnano, who ran a traveling puppet show, brought him to the United States. Frank's family moved to America, and he soon joined the world of sideshows. He became known as The Great Lentini and worked with famous groups like the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Frank became a US citizen when he was 30 years old. His career lasted for over 40 years! He performed with almost every major circus and sideshow, including Barnum and Bailey and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Because he was so respected by other performers, they often called him "The King."

In his shows, Frank would often use his third leg to kick a football across the stage. This act earned him another show name: the Three-Legged Football Player.

Family and Later Life

Frank Lentini's two main legs were slightly different in length. One was 39 inches long, and the other was 38 inches. His third leg was 36 inches long and ended in a clubfoot. Even with three legs, he would joke that he still didn't have a matching pair!

In 1907, Frank married Theresa Murray, who was three years younger than him. They had four children together: Josephine, Ned, Frank Junior, and James. Around 1935, Frank and Theresa separated. Frank then started a new life with Helen Shupe, and they stayed together until he passed away.

Frank Lentini died in Jackson, Tennessee, on September 21, 1966. He was 77 years old and passed away due to lung failure.

His Lasting Impact

Frank Lentini's unique story has been remembered in different ways. He is connected to strongman and film-maker Christopher Annino. An actor named Jonathan Redavid played Frank Lentini in the 2017 movie The Greatest Showman.

Frank Lentini is also featured on the back cover of the 1995 album by the rock band Alice in Chains.

See also

In Spanish: Frank Lentini para niños