A cleft lip and palate is a congenital deformity that occurs when the facial structures that form the lips and palate fail to fuse properly during embryonic development. While it is a common birth defect, it can have emotional and psychological impacts on individuals, especially when they are in the limelight.
However, several celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with cleft lip and/or palate, shedding light on the condition and inspiring others who may be going through similar situations. In this regard, these individuals have become role models for those who have a cleft lip and/or palate, proving that there is no limit to success or achievement for anyone with this condition.
This list of 50 celebrities with cleft lip and palate.
1. Joaquin Phoenix
| Joaquin Phoenix | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joaquin Rafael Phoenix |
| Birth Name | Joaquin Rafael Bottom |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Río Piedras, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Activist |
| Years Active | 1982–present |
| Partner | Rooney Mara (2016–present; engaged) |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent | Arlyn Phoenix (mother) |
| Siblings | River Phoenix (brother), Rain Phoenix (sister), Liberty Phoenix (sister), Summer Phoenix (sister) |
| Notable Accolades | Academy Award, British Academy Film Award, Grammy Award, two Golden Globe Awards |
| Recognition | Named one of the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times |
| Animal Rights Activism | Vegan since childhood, supports charitable causes, produces documentaries on global meat consumption and its environmental impact |
Joaquin Rafael Phoenix is an American actor. He is known for playing dark and unconventional characters in independent films. He was born with a microform cleft lip. In a 2020 interview with Anderson Cooper on the CBS show “60 Minutes,” Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his experience that he had to undergo several surgeries as a child and that it was a difficult experience. However, Joaquin Phoenix also mentioned that he was fortunate to have access to good medical care and a supportive family, which helped him overcome the challenges.
Speaking of famous celebrities, Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood. His talent and unique acting style have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. To learn more about other famous celebrities, check out this article on Famous Puerto Rican Celebrities. It explores the achievements and contributions of notable individuals from Puerto Rico, showcasing their impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
2. Tom Selleck
| Tom Selleck | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas William Selleck |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1945 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Breakout Role | Thomas Magnum in “Magnum, P.I.” |
| Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor (1985) |
| Current Series | “Blue Bloods” |
| Military Background | California Army National Guard (1967–1973) |
| Spokesperson | National Rifle Association (NRA) |
| Philanthropy | Co-founder of Character Counts! organization |
| Ancestry | Mostly English with some German descent |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) |
| Education | Los Angeles Valley College, Beverly Hills Playhouse (Acting) |
| Notable Films | “Three Men and a Baby,” “Quigley Down Under” |
| TV Appearances | “Friends,” “The Rockford Files,” “Las Vegas” |
| Outdoor Interests | Avid outdoorsman, marksman, and firearms collector |
| Magnum, P.I. Prop | Colt MKIV/Series 70 Government Model handgun |
| Magnum’s Car | Ferrari 308 GTS |
Thomas William Selleck is an American actor. His breakout role was playing private investigator Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I., for which he received five Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, winning in 1985. Tom Selleck spoke candidly about his experience growing up with a cleft mouth in an interview with People magazine in 2016. He stated how, as a young child, he experienced bullying and taunting because of his appearance, but that he overcame the difficulties and went on to have a prosperous acting career.
3. Gene Simmons
| Gene Simmons | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz) |
| Stage Persona | The Demon |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor, Entrepreneur, Television Personality |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Haifa, Israel |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Known For | Co-founding the band Kiss |
| Instruments | Bass Guitar, Vocals |
| Years Active | 1970–present |
| Genre | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction | 2014 |
| Spouse | Shannon Tweed (m. 2011) |
| Children | Nick Simmons, Sophie Simmons |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Notable Songs | “God of Thunder,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Deuce,” “Calling Dr. Love,” etc. |
| Notable Traits | Long tongue, stage theatrics (spitting fire, vomiting stage blood) |
| Other Ventures | Film production (Erebus Pictures), restaurant franchise (Rock & Brews), magazine (Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine) |
| TV Appearances | Miami Vice, I Get That a Lot, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Yoshiki Superstar Project X |
Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American musician. Also known by his stage persona the Demon, he is the bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss, the hard rock band he co-founded with Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in the early 1970s. He has been a surgical cleft lip since childhood making his upper lip have a slight indent in the middle.
4. Leonardo DiCaprio
| Leonardo DiCaprio | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio |
| Born | November 11, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Organizations | Appian Way Productions, Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation |
| Notable Achievements | Academy Award, British Academy Film Award, Three-time Golden Globe Award winner |
| Box Office Success | Films grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide |
| Philanthropy Efforts | Founder of Appian Way Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation |
| Environmental Activism | Devoted to promoting environmental awareness |
| UN Recognition | United Nations Messenger of Peace |
| Influence and Honors | Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world Voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers’ poll by Empire |
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is an American actor and film producer. Known for his work in biographical and period films, he is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Leonardo DiCaprio was born with a cleft lip and palate, which are developmental abnormalities that occur while the baby is still in the womb. Despite this, he has become a highly successful and influential celebrity in the entertainment industry and has used his platform to bring attention to various social and environmental issues.
5. David Ortiz
| David Ortiz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Américo Ortiz Arias |
| Nickname | Big Papi |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1975 |
| Age | 47 |
| Place of Birth | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Designated Hitter / First Baseman |
| Teams Played For | Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox |
| MLB Debut | September 2, 1997, for the Minnesota Twins |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 2, 2016, for the Boston Red Sox |
| Career Span | 1997-2016 |
| World Series Titles | 3 (2004, 2007, 2013) |
| World Series MVP | 2013 |
| All-Star Selections | 10 times |
| Silver Slugger Awards | 7 times |
| AL Hank Aaron Awards | 2 times |
| Roberto Clemente Award | 2011 |
| AL Home Run Leader | 2006 |
| AL RBI Leader | 3 times |
| Baseball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2022, first ballot |
| Career Home Runs | 541 |
| Career RBIs | 1,768 |
| Career Batting Average | .286 |
| Clutch Performances | 11 career walk-off home runs during regular season |
| Defensive Ability | Best defensive first baseman in Midwest League (1996) |
| Edgar Martínez Award | 8-time winner as the league’s top DH |
| Major League Records | Career home runs, RBIs, and hits as a DH |
| Notable Achievements | Helped end the Boston Red Sox’s 86-year World Series drought in 2004 |
David Américo Ortiz Arias, nicknamed “Big Papi”, is a Dominican-American former baseball designated hitter and first baseman who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2016, primarily for the Boston Red Sox. In addition to his success on the field, Ortiz has been an advocate for children with cleft lip and palate like him and has worked to raise awareness and funds for organizations that provide reconstructive surgeries for those in need.
6. Victor Garber
| Victor Garber | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victor Jay Garber |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1949 |
| Age | 74 |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer |
| Awards and Nominations | – Nominated for three Gemini Awards, four Tony Awards, and six Primetime Emmy Awards. – Received the 2018 Theatre World John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement. – Made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022. |
| Notable Broadway Productions | – Originated roles in Broadway productions, including Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Noises Off, Lend Me a Tenor, Arcadia, and Art. – Received four Tony Award nominations. |
| Notable Films | – Titanic, Milk, Argo, Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club, Legally Blonde, Sicario, Dark Waters, Happiest Season, and more. |
| Notable Television Career | – Best known for his role as Jack Bristow in the ABC series Alias, earning three Primetime Emmy nominations. – Appeared in shows like The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Frasier, and Will & Grace. |
| Personal Life | – Garber is gay and has been in a relationship with Canadian artist and model Rainer Andreesen since 2000. They got married in Canada in 2015. – Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. |
| Additional Information | – Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022. – Maintains a private personal life and prefers to stay out of the tabloids. – Good friends with Jennifer Garner and officiated her wedding to Ben Affleck. |
Victor Jay Garber, OC is a Canadian-American actor and singer. Known for his work on stage and screen, he has been nominated for three Gemini Awards, four Tony Awards, and six Primetime Emmy Awards. Garber has mentioned in various interviews that his experience growing up with a cleft palate has not had a significant impact on his life and that he is grateful for the supportive medical care he received as a child. However, he has also spoken about the importance of early intervention and supportive medical care for children with cleft palates.
7. Andy Garcia
| Andy Garcia | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Andy García |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1956 |
| Age | 67 |
| Place of Birth | Havana, Cuba |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Education | Miami Beach Senior High School |
| Alma Mater | Florida International University |
| Occupations | Actor, Director, Musician |
| Rise to Prominence | Acting in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables |
| Notable Films | The Godfather Part III, Ocean’s Eleven, The Lost City, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again |
| Awards | Academy Award nomination, Primetime Emmy Award nomination, Golden Globe Award nomination |
| Music Accomplishment | Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album |
| Spouse | Marivi Lorido García |
| Children | 4 (including Dominik García-Lorido) |
| Residence | Toluca Lake, Los Angeles and Key Biscayne, Florida |
| Political Views | Criticism of the communist regime in Cuba |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Citizenship Status | Naturalized citizen of the United States |
Andrés Arturo García Menéndez is a Cuban-born American actor, director and musician. He first rose to prominence acting in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables alongside Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro. He underwent corrective surgery when he was an infant, which successfully repaired the cleft palate. Along with his successful acting career, Garcia has also used his celebrity status to raise awareness about cleft palates and to advocate for children with facial deformities. He has worked with organizations like Operation Smile, which provides free cleft palate surgeries for children in developing countries. In 2008, he hosted a fundraising gala for the organization in Los Angeles, which raised over $2 million for cleft palate surgeries.
8. Tom Brokaw
| Tom Brokaw | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas John Brokaw |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Webster, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Occupation | Retired Network Television Journalist, Author |
| Known For | Co-anchor of The Today Show (1976-1981), Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News (1982-2004) |
| Notable Programs | The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press |
| Notable Books | The Greatest Generation (1998) |
| Awards and Honors | Two Peabody Awards, Two Emmy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom, French Legion of Honor |
| Education | University of South Dakota (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Phi Beta Kappa) |
| Spouse | Meredith Lynn Auld (married in 1962) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Pound Ridge, New York |
| Career Highlights | – Coordinated The Today Show (1976-1981) and NBC Nightly News (1982-2004) |
| Notable Events | – Reported on the Watergate scandal |
| Retirement | Retired from NBC News in 2021 after 55 years at the network |
Thomas John Brokaw is an American retired network television journalist and author. He first served as the co-anchor of The Today Show from 1976 to 1981 with Jane Pauley, then as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News for 22 years (1982–2004). Tom Brokaw was born with a cleft palate. He underwent surgery as a child to correct his cleft palate.
9. Jeffrey Dean Morgan
| Jeffrey Dean Morgan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Dean Morgan |
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1966 |
| Age | 57 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | Portraying Negan in “The Walking Dead” |
| Other Notable Roles | John Winchester in “Supernatural”, Denny Duquette in “Grey’s Anatomy” |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Education | Lake Washington High School |
| Relationship Status | Married to Hilarie Burton |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York |
| Significant Projects | “Watchmen,” “Red Dawn,” “Rampage” |
| Latest TV Role | Fourth season of “The Boys” |
| Latest Film Role | “The Walking Dead: Dead City” |
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is an American actor of television and film, best known for playing the character Negan in the AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead. He was also born with a cleft lip and palate. Despite this, he has had a successful career as an actor and is best known for his roles in TV shows. Additionally, he has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for organizations that support children with cleft lip and palate, such as the non-profit organization Smile Train.
10. Cheech Marin
| Cheech Marin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Anthony “Cheech” Marin |
| Born | July 13, 1946 |
| Birthplace | South Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Musician, Activist |
| Known For | Cheech & Chong comedy act, Nash Bridges, Disney film voice roles |
| Languages | English (fluent), Some Spanish |
| Trademark | Strong Chicano accents in characters |
| Nickname | “Cheech” (short for “chicharron”) |
| Education | California State University, Northridge |
| Notable Works | Cheech & Chong films, Born in East L.A., Nash Bridges, Cars |
| Philanthropy | The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry |
| Spouses | Darlene Morley, Patti Heid, Natasha Marin |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Malibu, California |
| Cannabis Brand | Private Stash (with Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corporation) |
| Hobbies | Golf, Horse archery |
Richard Anthony “Cheech” Marin is an American comedian, actor, musician, and activist. He gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s with Tommy Chong and as Don Johnson’s partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez, on Nash Bridges. He was born with a cleft lip and palate and underwent surgery to repair it as a child. He has spoken openly about his experiences with cleft lip and palate and has been involved with organizations that raise awareness and support individuals with the condition.
11. Cher
| Cher | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cher |
| Birthdate | May 20, 1946 |
| Birthplace | El Centro, California, U.S. |
| Specialty | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatrics |
| Cleft Lip and Palate Description | Cher has been associated with cleft lip and palate, which are disorders where the tissues of the face do not join properly during development, resulting in an opening in the upper lip that may extend into the nose and an opening in the palate. These conditions can lead to feeding problems, speech problems, hearing problems, and frequent ear infections. |
| Treatment | Cher’s cleft lip and palate could be successfully treated with surgery, typically performed within the first few months of life for cleft lip and before eighteen months for cleft palate. Additional treatments like speech therapy and dental care may also be required. |
| Prognosis | With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with cleft lip and palate is generally good. |
| Frequency | Cleft lip and palate occur in approximately 1 to 2 per 1000 births in the developed world. |
| Deaths | Cleft lip and palate resulted in about 3,800 deaths globally in 2017. |
Cher is an American singer, actress and television personality. Often referred to by the media as the “Goddess of Pop”, she has been described as embodying female autonomy in a male-dominated industry. Cher herself has not openly discussed having cleft lip and palate, but she has been a vocal advocate for various social causes throughout her career. Regardless of any personal challenges she may or may not have faced, Cher’s achievements as a successful singer, actress, and television personality cannot be overstated, and she continues to be an influential figure in entertainment and beyond.
To achieve a stunning and glamorous look like Cher, consider exploring the world of cheerleaders. Just like Cher, cheerleaders exude confidence and style, making them a perfect source of inspiration for your own personal style. Whether you want to rock a bold and daring outfit or showcase your dance moves, cheerleaders can show you how to command attention and radiate charm.
12. Stacy Keach
| Stacy Keach | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stacy Keach |
| Born | June 2, 1941 |
| Age | 82 years |
| Place of Birth | Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Citizenship | United States, Poland (since 2015) |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Spouses | Kathryn Baker (m. 1964, divorced) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Stacy Keach Sr. (father) |
| Relatives | James Keach (brother) |
Walter Stacy Keach Jr. is an American actor, active in theatre, film and television since the 1960s. He was also born with a cleft lip and palate. Stacy Keach knew about his condition from birth and underwent several surgeries to correct it as a child. In interviews, he has been open about his experience and challenges due to his cleft. Stacy Keach has also worked with charitable organizations that support children with the condition and has spoken out to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with it.
13. Richard Hawley
| Richard Hawley | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Willis Hawley |
| Date of Birth | 17 January 1967 |
| Age | 56 |
| Birthplace | Pitsmoor, Sheffield, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer |
| Bands/Groups | Longpigs, Pulp |
| Genres | Indie pop, baroque pop, rockabilly, easy listening |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, organ, lyre, drums, percussion |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Setanta, Mute, Parlophone, Live Here Now |
| Notable Collaborations | Lisa Marie Presley, Shakespears Sister, Arctic Monkeys, Manic Street Preachers, Elbow, Duane Eddy, Paul Weller |
| Notable Achievements | Nominated for Mercury Prize (twice), Nominated for Brit Award |
Richard Hawley is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been active in the music industry since the late 1980s. Despite his cleft lip and palate, Richard Hawley has often spoken openly about his experiences and has become an advocate for supporting those who are affected by cleft conditions. Through his music and personal activism, he has helped to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding these developmental abnormalities.
14. Joel Edgerton
| Joel Edgerton | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 June 1974 in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Alma Mater | University of Western Sydney |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Partner(s) | Christine Centenera (2018–present) |
| Children | 2 (Twins born in May 2021) |
| Relatives | Nash Edgerton (brother) |
| Notable Roles | – Will McGill on The Secret Life of Us – Owen Lars in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones – Richard Loving in Loving |
| Awards/Nominations | – AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor (The Secret Life of Us) – Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor (Loving) – DGA Award nomination for Outstanding Directing (The Gift) – Breakthrough Award from Australians in Film |
| Filmography | – The Square (2008) – Animal Kingdom (2010) – Warrior (2011) – The Great Gatsby (2013) – Black Mass (2015) – Red Sparrow (2018) – The Green Knight (2021) – The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime miniseries, 2021) – Thirteen Lives (2022) – Master Gardener (2022) – The Stranger (2022) |
| Directorial Work | – The Gift (2015) – Boy Erased (2018) |
| Social Activism | – Ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation – Supports the restoration of sight and Aboriginal health improvement |
Joel Edgerton is an Australian actor and filmmaker. He is best known for his appearance in the Star Wars films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith as a young Owen Lars, a role he reprised in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. In interviews, he has been open about his experience and the challenges of a cleft lip since childhood and raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with it.
15. Pedro Pascal
| Name | José Pedro Balmaceda Pasca |
| Date of birth | April 2, 1975 |
| Place of birth | Santiago, Chile |
| Occupation | Actor |
José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal is a Chilean-born American actor. After nearly two decades of taking small roles in film and television, Pascal rose to prominence for portraying Oberyn Martell during the fourth season of the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones and Javier Peña in the Netflix crime series Narcos. He is widely known for his roles in popular television series such as Game of Thrones, Narcos, and The Mandalorian. He has also been an advocate for promoting awareness and understanding of cleft conditions, speaking openly about his own experiences and the importance of providing support to those who may be affected by these conditions.
16. Peyton Manning
| Peyton Manning | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peyton Williams Manning |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1976 |
| Nickname | “The Sheriff” |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Teams | Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos |
| College | University of Tennessee |
| College Achievements | Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award |
| NFL Draft | First overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft |
| NFL Achievements | Super Bowl champion and MVP, multiple MVP awards |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 |
| High School | Isidore Newman School |
| Family | Son of Archie Manning Brother of Eli Manning |
| High School Achievements | Led team to a 34-5 record as starting quarterback |
| Controversy | Involved in a legal dispute with trainer Jamie Ann Naughright |
Peyton Manning, the former American football quarterback, was born in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and he grew up to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He opened up about his experience that he had to undergo several surgeries as a child and that it was a difficult experience with cleft lip.|
17. Tom Burke
| Tom Burke | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Liam Benedict Burke |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1981 (age 42) |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Alma Mater | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Notable Roles | – Athos in “The Musketeers” |
| Family Background | Parents: David Burke, Anna Calder-Marshall |
| Physical Attribute | Born with a cleft lip, underwent reconstructive surgery |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, National Youth Theatre |
| Dyslexia Diagnosis | Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child |
| Career | Notable TV roles: Syd in “State of Play,” Lee in “Bella and the Boys” |
| Theatre Engagements | Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe |
Tom Burke is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as Athos in the 2014–2016 BBC series The MusketeersSome of his best-known roles include the character of Athos in the BBC drama series The Musketeers, as well as the title character in the BBC detective series Strike. Despite challenges related to his cleft condition, Tom Burke has become a respected performer and is known for his ability to bring nuance and complexity to his roles. He has also been an advocate for promoting greater understanding and acceptance of those with cleft conditions like him.
18. Richard Hammond
| Richard Hammond | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Mark Hammond |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1969 |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Journalist, television presenter, mechanic, writer |
| Known For | Co-hosting Top Gear (2002-2015) with Jeremy Clarkson and James May |
| Education | Solihull School, Ripon Grammar School, Harrogate College of Art and Technology |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Amanda Etheridge |
| Children | 2 |
| Early Life | Born in Solihull, England |
| Top Gear and The Grand Tour | Co-presented Top Gear (2002-2015) |
| Other Projects | Presented Brainiac: Science Abuse, Total Wipeout, and Planet Earth Live |
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w500/3H4Qz0Fpn36BBpS8kiY2gIpezZs.jpg
Richard Hammond Via MovieDB
Richard Hammond, the British television presenter known for his work on shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour, was born with a cleft lip and palate. In interviews, He has also discussed the emotional impact of having a facial deformity, and the teasing and bullying he experienced from other children. In 2012, he helped launch a campaign to raise awareness about the impact of cleft lips and palates, called “Until We Heal.”
19. Florence Welch
| Florence Welch | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Florence Leontine Mary Welch |
| Date of Birth | 28 August 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Camberwell, London, England |
| Nationality | British, American |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Band | Florence and the Machine |
| Debut Album | “Lungs” (2009) |
| Musical Genres | Indie rock, indie pop |
| Notable Works | “Dog Days Are Over,” “Shake It Out,” “You’ve Got the Love” |
| Book Release | “Useless Magic: Lyrics and Poetry” (2018) |
| Collaborations | David Byrne, Fatboy Slim, Calvin Harris, Lady Gaga |
| Education | Thomas’s London Day School, Alleyn’s School |
| Dyslexia and Dyspraxia | Diagnosed with mild dyslexia and dyspraxia |
| Achievements | Brit Award for Best British Album (Lungs) Three Grammy nominations |
| Recent Project | Musical adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” |
Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English singer and the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Florence and the Machine. The band’s debut studio album, Lungs, topped the UK Albums Chart and won the Brit Award for Best British Album. Their next four albums also achieved chart success. In an interview with Stylist magazine in 2012, Florence Welch spoke about her experience growing up with a cleft palate. She mentioned that her surgery had been successful and that she had not experienced any major difficulties as a result of the condition. She also spoke about the importance of self-acceptance, saying, “If you’re different, you’re meant to be different. It’s not something to be ashamed of.”
20. J.R. Martinez
| J R Martinez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | J.R. Martinez |
| Occupation | Actor, motivational speaker, radio host |
| Notable Work | Winner of Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars |
| Military Service | Enlisted in the Army in September 2002 |
| Burn Injury | Suffered severe burns to over 34% of his body in 2003 |
| Philanthropy | Active supporter of The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Operation Finally Home |
| Acting Career | Appeared in All My Children and Army Wives |
| Dancing with the Stars | Partnered with Karina Smirnoff and placed 1st |
J.R. Martinez is an American actor, motivational lecturer, and discharged US Army officer who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Martinez became an actress and motivational speaker after leaving the service and has been featured in several television programs and features, including All My Children and Dancing with the Stars. Martinez’s tale demonstrates the power of fortitude and courage in the face of adversity, as well as the significance of accepting individuals with physical differences.
21. Kevin Weisman
| Kevin Weisman | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | December 29, 1970 (age 52) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
| Alma Mater | UCLA |
| Occupation(s) | Actor of theater, film, television, voice-over artist, producer |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Notable Work | Marvel’s Runaways, ALIAS, Flipped, Hello Ladies, The Blacklist, Better Call Saul, X-Files, Scorpion, Goliath, Clerks 2, Awake, Roswell… |
| Spouse | Jodi Tanowitz Weisman (m. 2005; div. 2011) |
| Children | 2 |
| Career Highlights | Kevin Glen Weisman is an American film, television, and stage actor. Career highlights include his acclaimed portrayal of Marshall Flinkman on the TV series Alias, the role of Kives on HBO’s Hello Ladies, and Dr. Maynard on NBC’s The Blacklist. He also played Ned Berring in the series Goliath and Dale Yorkes on Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways. |
| Early Life | Kevin Weisman was born in Los Angeles, California, and pursued acting from a young age. He studied theater at UCLA and continued his training at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre. He is a founding member of the Buffalo Nights Theater Company. |
| Theater Achievements | Kevin has received recognition for his theater work, including winning a Lead Actor Award for his role in Murray Mednick’s Villon. He has produced, directed, and acted in over 25 productions with the Buffalo Nights Theater Company, performing in notable plays such as Arthur Schnitzler’s Anatol and Jonathan Marc Sherman’s Sophistry. |
| Television and Film Work | Kevin gained international recognition for his role as Marshall J. Flinkman in Alias. He has appeared in various television series, including Hello Ladies, Goliath, Marvel’s Runaways, The Blacklist, Scorpion, Better Call Saul, and The X-Files. In film, he has appeared in Clerks II, Flipped, The Rock, and Gone in 60 Seconds, among others. |
| Philanthropy and Personal Life | Kevin is actively involved in charitable causes, supporting organizations such as The Children’s Defense Fund, the DMD Fund, and Save The Children. He has participated in campaigns promoting donations to Jewish federations. Kevin was married to Jodi Tanowitz and has two daughters. He resides in Los Angeles, practices yoga, and follows a vegan lifestyle. |
| Additional Information | Kevin Weisman has been recognized on the Entertainment Weekly “Must List” and TV Guide’s “Top 10 Scene Stealers” list. He has received nominations for Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award. He is also a drummer and has appeared on Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown. He has lent his voice to commercials for companies like Nike, Coke, and Honda. In 2021, he started the podcast ‘Did We Do It’ with Kyle Gass. |
Kevin Glen Weisman is an American film, television and stage actor. He grew up in California and underwent several corrective surgeries as a child to repair his facial deformity. Additionally, He has been an advocate for individuals with cleft lip and palate and involved in various charitable organizations that provide support and resources for individuals with cleft lip and palate and their families.
22. Cher Lloyd
| Cher Lloyd | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cher Lloyd |
| Date of Birth | 28 July 1993 |
| Birthplace | Malvern, Worcestershire, England |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Spouse | Craig Monk (m. 2013) |
| Children | 1 |
| Cleft Lip and Palate | Yes |
| Genre | Pop, R&B, pop-rap, hip hop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Syco, Epic, Vixen, Universal |
Cher Lloyd rose to prominence in 2010 as a finalist on the seventh season of the UK version of The X-Factor. Although she faced some initial criticism from judges and audiences who were unaware of her cleft condition, Lloyd’s talent and determination ultimately won her a strong following of fans. Since her time on The X-Factor, Lloyd has released several chart-topping singles and albums and has become an advocate for raising awareness about cleft conditions.
If you’re a fan of Cher Lloyd’s unique style and personality, you might be interested in checking out our article on the 50 Most Popular D-List Celebrities You Might Have Missed. In this article, you’ll discover other lesser-known celebrities who have made a mark in the entertainment industry. It’s a great way to explore the diverse talent pool beyond the mainstream spotlight.
23. Carmit Bachar
| Carmit Bachar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carmit Maile Bachar |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Dancer, Choreographer, Singer |
| Genres | Pop, Electropop |
| Notable Tours | Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, No Doubt |
| Notable Music Videos | Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Aaliyah, Beyoncé |
| Family Background | Jewish Israeli father, Dutch mother |
| Childhood and Education | Raised in Encino, California; Parents were dancers; Competed internationally as a rhythmic gymnast |
| Achievements | Placed 5th in U.S. Olympic trials in 1992 |
| Personal Struggles | Born with a cleft lip and cleft palate; Endured multiple cleft surgeries; Experienced bullying |
| Marital Status | Married to Kevin Whitaker |
| Children | Daughter named Keala Rose |
| Philanthropy | Ambassador of “Operation Smile”; Aims to establish “Smile With Me” non-profit organization |
Carmit Maile Bachar, known professionally as Carmit, is an American singer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. She is a member of the Pussycat Dolls. She is married to longtime partner Kevin Whitaker and gave birth to her daughter in 2011. She underwent multiple surgeries as a child to correct her cleft lip and palate. Bachar has also worked with the charity organization Smile Train, which provides free surgeries to children born with cleft lips and palates in developing countries.
24. Brian Austin Green
| Brian Austin Green | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian Austin Green |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1973 |
| Age | 49 |
| Place of Birth | Van Nuys, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Rapper, Television Personality, Podcaster |
| Known For | Portrayal of David Silver on Beverly Hills, 90210 |
| Other Notable TV Shows | Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Freddie, Wedding Band, Anger Management, Desperate Housewives, Happy Endings |
| Education | North Hollywood High School |
| Relationship Status | Dating Sharna Burgess |
| Children | 5 (Three with Megan Fox: born in 2012, 2014, and 2016; One with Vanessa Marcil: born in 2002; One with Sharna Burgess: born in 2022) |
| Notable Achievements | Won the celebrity portion of the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2010 Supported Generosity Water by funding the creation of over ten water wells |
| Health Condition | Suffering from a strong case of ulcerative colitis |
| Podcast | Hosts a podcast titled “With Brian Austin Green” |
Brian Austin Green is an American actor, rapper, television personality and podcaster, best known for his portrayal of David Silver on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210. He has also spoken openly about his experience with cleft lip and palate in the media, helping to reduce stigma and increase understanding about these conditions. He has worked with organizations like Smile Train, which provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in developing countries. In 2013, he participated in a charity auction with his wife Megan Fox to raise money for the organization.
25. Jesse Heiman
| Jesse Heiman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesse Wayne Heiman |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | Texas State University (Bachelor of Arts in English) |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
| Notable Works | American Pie 2, GoDaddy Super Bowl XLVII commercial |
| Background Extra | Extensive work as an uncredited extra in films, TV shows, commercials, and music videos |
| Other Roles | Played one of the pledges in the film Old School Guest appearances in popular TV shows |
| Viral Video | Portrayed Dan Bronson in a Lost-themed viral video during Comic-Con |
| Super Bowl Commercial | Featured in GoDaddy’s Super Bowl XLVII commercial, sharing a graphic French kiss |
| Internet Fame | Gained popularity through compilation videos of his appearances |
| Michael Bublé Video | Featured in the opening scene of Michael Bublé’s music video “It’s a Beautiful Day” |
Jesse Heiman is an American actor best known for his extensive work in film and television as a background performer. He is often referred to as the “World’s Greatest Extra” and is recognizable for his distinctive appearance, which includes a cleft lip and palate. While Heiman’s cleft may not be as well-known as some other celebrities’ conditions, it is an aspect of his appearance that he has embraced and even used to his advantage in his acting career.He has been able to achieve his goals and make a name for himself in the entertainment industry despite any challenges he may have faced along the way.
26. Stephen Nichols
| Stephen Nichols | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Nichols |
| Born | February 19, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Spouse | Lisa Gordon (m. 1984) |
| Children | 3 (Vanessa, Aaron, Dylan) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor |
Stephen Earl Nichols is an American actor, recognized for his roles on American daytime soap operas. He has portrayed Steve “Patch” Johnson on NBC’s Days of Our Lives on and off since 1985. In 1996, he joined the cast of ABC’s General Hospital as Stefan Cassadine; he exited the role in 2003. He has a cleft lip and underwent treatment for this condition.
27. Ljubo Milicevic
| Ljubo Milicevic | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ljubo Milicevic |
| Date of Birth | 13 February 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Position | Centre Back, Defensive Midfielder |
| Education | St James College, East Bentleigh |
| Youth Career | Melbourne Knights, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) |
| Professional Career | Melbourne Knights, Perth Glory, FC Zurich, FC Basel (loan), FC Thun, BSC Young Boys, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, South Melbourne, Hajduk Split, Perth Glory, Dandenong City |
| Total Appearances | 200 |
| Total Goals | 9 |
| International Career | Australia U-20, Australia U-23, Australia |
| FIFA Tournaments | FIFA U-20 World Cup (2001), FIFA Confederations Cup (2005) |
| Notable Clubs | Melbourne Knights, Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, Hajduk Split |
| Retirement | Officially retired in July 2018 |
| Other | Suffered from depression during his playing career, Helped Perth Glory reach their first NSL Grand Final (2000), Captain of AIS National Youth League winning team, Made significant contributions to the Newcastle Jets’ defensive record |
Ljubo Milicevic is a former Australian professional soccer player who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Milicevic began his career with Melbourne Knights FC in Australia before moving to Switzerland to play for FC Thun. He later returned to Australia to play for Melbourne Victory and also had a brief stint in the United States with the New York Red Bulls.
28. Dave Coulier
| Dave Coulier | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Alan Coulier |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Michigan |
| Occupations | Actor, Stand-up Comedian, Impressionist, Television Host |
| Years Active | 1979–present |
| Spouses | Jayne Modean (m. 1990; div. 1992), Melissa Bring Coulier (m. 2014) |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Works | Joey Gladstone on Full House |
| Career Highlights | – Played Joey Gladstone on Full House |
| Personal Life | – Married to Melissa Bring Coulier since 2014 |
Dave Coulier, a comedian and actor best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the sitcom Full House, was born with a cleft palate. He has spoken publicly about his experience growing up with the condition and the surgeries he underwent to correct it. He has also been an advocate for raising awareness and support for children and adults with cleft palate and other craniofacial differences.
29. Ed Koch
| Ed Koch | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Irving Koch |
| Occupation | American politician, lawyer, political commentator, film critic, and television personality |
| Mayor of New York City | In office January 1, 1978 – December 31, 1989 |
| Congressional Experience | U.S. House of Representatives from New York (1969-1977) |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Public Housing Program | Implemented ambitious public housing renewal program during mayoral tenure |
| Fiscal Policies | Cut spending, taxes, and reduced city payroll by 7,000 employees |
| Supporter of Israel | Fervently supported Israel, endorsed candidates across party lines |
| Public Figure | Known for riding the New York City Subway and greeting passersby with the slogan “How’m I doin’?” |
| Personal Life | Lifelong bachelor, posthumously identified as gay |
| Mayor Re-elections | Re-elected in 1981 with 75% of the vote, won a third term in 1985 with 78% of the vote |
| Scandals and Tensions | Faced scandals with political associates and racial tensions during third term as mayor |
| Early Life and Education | Born on December 12, 1924, in New York City, graduated from City College of New York |
| Military Service | Served in the United States Army during World War II, honorably discharged as a Sergeant |
| Congressional Career | Represented New York’s 17th and 18th congressional districts (1969-1977) |
| Shifting Political Views | Started as a liberal, later identified as a “liberal with sanity” |
Ed Koch was an American politician who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. He was born with a cleft lip and palate, and his parents initially struggled to find adequate medical care for him as a child. Koch was known for his distinctive voice, which was affected by his cleft condition. However, he did not hide or downplay his cleft and instead saw it as a unique aspect of his identity. Ed Koch is a great example of someone who did not let his cleft lip and palate hold him back, and instead used his experiences to become a successful and influential leader.
30. Avi Kaplan
| Avi Kaplan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avi Kaplan |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Genres | Folk, a cappella, pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | Fantasy Records, Sequoia Summit Records, RCA, Madison Gate |
| Musical Career | Former vocal bass of Pentatonix |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Solo Works | EPs: “Sage and Stone” (2017), “I’ll Get By” (2020) |
| Pentatonix | Released five studio albums |
| Family | Has two older siblings: Joshua and Esther (now Koop) |
| Education | Attended Mt. San Antonio College |
| Notable Groups | Co-founder of A Cappella Academy |
| Departure from Pentatonix | Left the group in May 2017 |
| Residency | Currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee |
Avi Kaplan, an American singer and songwriter, was born with a cleft palate. A cleft palate is a congenital disability where the roof of the mouth is split or has a gap, and it can affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and even breathe properly. Avi Kaplan underwent surgery as a child to correct his cleft palate, and it did not prevent him from pursuing his passion for music. He is known for his bass voice and his work as a former member of the a cappella group Pentatonix. Despite having to work harder to overcome his physical challenges, Avi Kaplan became a successful musician and continues to inspire others with his talent and perseverance.
31. Jesse James
| Jesse James | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Jesse James |
| Known as | Hare-lip, cleft lip and palate |
| Status | Celebrity |
| Specialty | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatrics |
| Description | Jesse James is a celebrity known for having a cleft lip and palate. |
| Associated Complications | Feeding problems, speech problems, hearing problems, frequent ear infections |
| Treatment | Surgery, speech therapy, dental care |
| Prognosis | Good (with treatment) |
Jesse James, the American television personality and former CEO of the now-defunct West Coast Choppers motorcycle manufacturing company. James has spoken openly about his experience growing up with a cleft lip and palate and being teased by other children and that he experienced some challenges with speech and eating as a result of the condition. However, he has also credited his experiences with cleft lip and palate with giving him resilience and determination.
32. Jesse Jackson
| Jesse Jackson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesse Louis Jackson |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jacqueline Brown (married in 1962) |
| Children | 2 (Jesse Jackson Jr., Jonathan Jackson) |
| Education | B.S. in Sociology (North Carolina A&T State University) |
| Notable Positions | – United States Shadow Senator from the District of Columbia (1991-1997) |
| Held | – Founder of Rainbow/PUSH organizations |
| Notable Achievements | – Finished third in the Democratic nomination race in 1984 |
| Notable Causes | – Critic of the Reagan administration |
Jesse Jackson is a prominent American figure known for his political activism, political career, and leadership as a Baptist minister. He is known for his dedication to civil rights issues and has made remarkable contributions in this area. He also ran as a Democratic presidential candidate, highlighting his commitment to creating a more equitable society. Jackson’s personal challenges, such as his cleft and palate lips as a child to strengthened his drive to advocate for social justice and equality for all individuals. His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to fighting for marginalized communities and advancing human rights causes.
To achieve a similar look to Jesse Jackson’s, consider growing your hair long. You can find inspiration from these male celebrities with long hair. Their stylish and flowing locks can help you achieve a confident and trendy appearance, just like Jesse Jackson.
33. Charlie Day
| Charlie Day | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Peckham Day |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1976 (age 47) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma Mater | Merrimack College |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Director, Podcaster |
| Known For | It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Pacific Rim, Horrible Bosses, Mythic Quest, The Lego Movie |
| Spouse | Mary Elizabeth Ellis (m. 2006) |
| Children | 1 |
| Career Highlights | – Co-creator, executive producer, and writer of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia |
| Filmography | – Pacific Rim, Pacific Rim Uprising |
Charles Peckham Day is an American actor, writer, producer and podcaster. Charlie Day is widely recognized for his work in popular television shows such as “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Fargo,” as well as movies like “Horrible Bosses” and “Pacific Rim.” Day has also received critical acclaim for his comedic talent and has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He is also one of celebrities with a cleft palate successfully.
34. Barry Gibb
| Barry Gibb | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Barry Gibb AC CBE |
| Born | Barry Alan Crompton Gibb |
| Birthplace | Douglas, Isle of Man |
| Other Names | Johnny Hayes |
| Occupations | Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years Active | 1955 – present |
| Spouses | Maureen Bates (1966-1970) |
| Children | 5, including Steve |
| Parent | Father: Hugh Gibb |
| Relatives | Brothers: Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Andy Gibb |
| Musical Career | Origin: Manchester, Lancashire, England |
| Genres | Rock, pop, disco, country |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | Polydor, Atco, MCA, Capitol |
| Formerly of | Bee Gees, The Rattlesnakes |
Barry Gibb is a famous British musician and singer-songwriter and rose to worldwide fame as a member of the Bee Gees which is one of the most commercially successful groups in the history of popular music. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and knighthood in the Order of the British Empire. He was born with a cleft lip and palate and known to support various charitable causes, including those related to music education and children’s health.
35. Kristin Chenoweth
| Kristin Chenoweth | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristi Dawn Chenoweth |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Musical Career Genres | Musical Theatre, Pop, Jazz, Country Pop |
| Tony Award Wins | 1 (Best Featured Actress in a Musical) |
| Tony Award Nominations | 2 |
| Emmy Award Wins | 1 (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series) |
| Broadway Debut | Steel Pier (1997) |
| Notable Broadway Roles | Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Glinda in Wicked, Lavinia in Trial & Error, Lily Garland in On the Twentieth Century |
| Television Roles | Annabeth Schott in The West Wing, Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies, Mildred Layton in Schmigadoon! |
| Film Roles | Bewitched, The Pink Panther, RV |
| Solo Albums | Let Yourself Go (2001), A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas (2008), Some Lessons Learned (2011), Coming Home (2014), The Art of Elegance (2016), For the Girls (2019) |
| Memoir | A Little Bit Wicked (2009) |
| Adoption | Adopted at the age of 5 days |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre, Master’s degree in Opera Performance |
| Height | 4 ft 11 in (150 cm) |
| Ethnicity | One quarter Cherokee ancestry |
| Beauty Pageant Titles | Miss OCU (Oklahoma City University), 2nd runner-up in Miss Oklahoma pageant (1991) |
Kristin Chenoweth, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her roles in Broadway productions such as “Wicked” and in TV shows such as “Pushing Daisies” and “Glee,” was born with a small cleft palate. She has spoken openly about her experience with the condition and the surgeries she underwent to correct it.
36. Jake Johnson
| Jake Johnson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Jake Johnson Weinberger |
| Birthdate | May 28, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | University of Iowa |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Notable Roles | Nick Miller in “New Girl” |
| Notable Films | “Let’s Be Cops” |
| Notable TV Series | Starred in “Minx” |
| Achievements | Nominated for Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for “New Girl” |
| Spouse | Erin Payne |
| Children | Twin daughters – Elizabeth and Olivia |
Mark Jake Johnson Weinberger is an American actor, comedian, film producer and screenwriter best known for his role as Nick Miller in the Fox sitcom New Girl, …As a public figure with cleft lip and palate, He was a strong advocate for people with disabilities, and worked to increase awareness and understanding of their struggles.
37. Jesse McCartney
| Jesse McCartney | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesse McCartney |
| Born | April 9, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Ardsley, Westchester, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer |
| Years Active | 1994-present |
| Spouse | Katie Peterson (married in 2021) |
| Genres | Pop, Pop rock, R&B |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Hollywood, Eight0Eight, Blue Suit, The Orchard |
| Formerly of | Dream Street |
| Notable Roles | – JR Chandler on “All My Children” |
| Notable Shows | – “Law & Order: SVU” |
| Achievements | – Successful solo musical career |
| Albums | – “Beautiful Soul” |
| TV Appearances | – The Masked Singer (season 3) as “Turtle” |
Jesse McCartney was born with a cleft lip and palate, which is a type of birth defect that occurs when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly in the womb. Jesse McCartney underwent surgery as a child which corrected his cleft lip and palate, and he has continued to pursue a successful career in music and acting. He has been open about his experience with the condition and has used his platform to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate and support related charities.
When it comes to hairstyle inspiration, why not take a cue from Jesse McCartney? One option to achieve his stylish look is by trying out shaggy hairstyles for men, which offer texture and movement while still maintaining length. Check out this article on shaggy hairstyles for men to get some ideas for achieving that effortlessly cool appearance.
38. Burton Richter
| Burton Richter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Burton Richter |
| Birthdate | April 17, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Specialty | Particle physics, Nobel laureate |
| Notable Achievements | – Nobel Prize in Physics (1976) |
| Child with cleft lip and palate | Yes |
| Feeding problems | May experience difficulties with feeding |
| Speech problems | May face challenges in speech development |
| Hearing problems | Susceptible to frequent ear infections and hearing problems |
| Treatment | Surgery, speech therapy, dental care |
| Prognosis | Good outcomes with appropriate treatment |
| Historical Terminology | Formerly known as “hare-lip” (now considered offensive) |
Burton Richter was an American physicist. He led the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center team which co-discovered the J/ψ meson in 1974, alongside the Brookhaven National Laboratory team led by Samuel Ting for which they won Nobel Prize for Physics in 1976. He was also born with a cleft lip and palate. Despite these challenges, Richter went on to become one of the most accomplished physicists of the twentieth century. He made significant contributions to the field of particle physics.
39. Richard O’Brien
| Name | Richard Timothy Smith |
| Date of birth | March 25, 1942 |
| Place of birth | Cheltenham, England |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, musician, and television presenter |
Richard Timothy Smith, known professionally as Richard O’Brien, is a British-New Zealand actor, writer, musician, and television presenter. He has been very open about his experience with this congenital condition and has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up with it. Additionally, He has worked and supported with the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in the UK, which offers information, resources, and support for people with cleft lip and palate and their families.
40. Kieran Richardson
| Kieran Richardson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kieran Edward Richardson |
| Date of Birth | 21 October 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Greenwich, London, England |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) |
| Playing Position | Left winger, Left-back, Right winger, Central midfielder, Support striker |
| Current Club | Aston Villa |
| Youth Clubs | West Ham United, Manchester United |
| Senior Clubs | Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion (loan), Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa |
| National Team | England |
| Notable Achievements | – Versatile player known for his ability to play in multiple positions |
Kieran Richardson, a retired English professional footballer who played as a left-back or a winger, was born with a cleft palate rather than a cleft lip. A cleft palate is a birth defect where there is a gap or split in the roof of the mouth, while a cleft lip is a split in the upper lip. He played for clubs such as Manchester United, Sunderland, and Aston Villa, and also represented the England national team.
41. Dean Macey
| Dean Macey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dean Macey |
| Nickname | The Dean Machine |
| Date of Birth | 12 December 1977 |
| Age | 45 |
| Birthplace | Rochford, Essex, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Sport | Athletics (Decathlon) |
| Club | Harrow |
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Personal Best (Decathlon) | 8603 points |
| Olympic Games (Decathlon) | Twice finished 4th place |
| World Championships (Decathlon) | Silver (1999), Bronze (2001) |
| Commonwealth Games (Decathlon) | Gold (2006) |
| Post-Athletics Career | Angling television series “On Coarse” (Discovery Channel) Fishing Allstars (ITV4) Record time on Total Wipeout Qualifier (0:56) Fishing videos on YouTube sponsored by Guru Commentator for BBC TV, Radio 5 Live, Al Jazeera Sports, and Eurosport |
| Retirement | Retired from athletics in 2008 due to injury Considered future after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games Retirement decision made on 15 July 2008 |
| Bobsleigh Career | Competed in bobsleigh from 2008 to 2010 Trained with Jason Gardener Finished 6th in the two-man event at the 2008 British Bobsleigh Championships Commentator for Eurosport’s bobsleigh coverage |
| Other Activities | Completed Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest 10 km run in 2009 Contributed to Channel 4’s screening of the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships Engaged in various media appearances and commentary roles |
Dean Macey is an English athlete from Canvey Island. He is best known for competing in the decathlon, which he did from 1995 to 2008. Dean underwent several surgeries as a child to correct his cleft lip and palate, and he also had to undergo speech therapy to help him speak more clearly. After retiring from athletics, He became a television personality and effect on others with his positive attitude and strong work ethic.
42. Tomo Miličević
| Tomo Mili evi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tomo Miličević |
| Birthdate | September 3, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Sarajevo, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Occupations | Musician, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Spouse | Vicki Bosanko (m. 2011) |
| Family | Sister: Ivana Miličević |
| Musical Career | Thirty Seconds to Mars (Lead Guitarist), Morphic (Co-founder) |
| Genres | Alternative Rock |
| Instruments | Guitar, Bass Guitar, Violin, Keyboards, Percussion |
| Labels | Interscope, Universal, Virgin, EMI, Immortal |
| Education | Culinary School at Oakland Community College |
| Citizenship | American |
| Residence | Detroit, Michigan |
| Collaborations | Dommin, Ivy Levan |
| Notable Albums | A Beautiful Lie, This Is War, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, America |
| Influences | Stéphane Grappelli, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola, Pantera, Metallica, Slayer, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, Depeche Mode |
| Additional Facts | Classically trained musician, Fluent in bass instruments, keyboards, and percussion |
Tomislav “Tomo” Miličević is a Bosnian-American musician and record producer. He was the lead guitarist of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars from 2003 to 2018. He has also been an advocate for promoting awareness and understanding of cleft conditions, speaking openly about his own experiences and the importance of providing support to those who may be affected by these conditions. While he is no longer actively performing with Thirty Seconds to Mars, he remains a respected musician and continues to connect with fans through social media.
43. Geoff Plant
| Geoff Plant | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Geoff Plant |
| Birthdate | [Date of Birth] |
| Birthplace | [Birthplace] |
| Other Names | Hare-lip, cleft lip and palate |
| Alma Mater | [Alma Mater] |
| Nationality | [Nationality] |
| Occupation | [Occupation] |
| Notable Achievements | [Notable Achievements] |
Geoff Plant is a lawyer and politician from British Columbia, Canada. He underwent surgeries as a child to correct his cleft lip and palate. Besides, Geoff always promotes social justice and involved in various initiatives to promote access to justice aid which has positive impact on many people.
44. Rita MacNeil
| Rita MacNeil | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita MacNeil |
| Birthdate | May 28, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Big Pond, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Death Date | April 16, 2013 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Country, Folk |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years Active | 1975-2013 |
| Labels | Virgin Records |
| Notable Hits | “Flying On Your Own,” “Working Man” |
| Awards | Juno Awards, SOCAN National Achievement Award, CCMA Awards, ECMA Awards |
| Honorary Degrees | Five honorary degrees |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (posthumously) |
| Orders | Order of Nova Scotia, Order of Canada |
Rita MacNeil is a famous Canadian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born with a cleft lip and palate and played a role as patron of the Cleft Palate Foundation of Canada and performed benefit concerts to support the organization’s work. She overcame this challenge to become one of Canada’s most beloved and successful musicians, known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. MacNeil released multiple hit albums throughout her career, including “Flying On Your Own,” “Working Man,” and “Reason to Believe,” and won numerous accolades, including three Juno Awards.
45. Doc Pomus
| Doc Pomus | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doc Pomus |
| Birth Name | Jerome Solon Felder |
| Born | June 27, 1925 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, United States |
| Died | March 14, 1991 |
| Age at Death | 65 |
| Genres | Blues, rock and roll |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter & producer |
| Brother | Raoul Felder (New York attorney) |
| Inducted into | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
| Notable Songs Co-written | “A Teenager in Love” |
Jerome Solon Felder, known professionally as Doc Pomus, was an American blues singer and songwriter. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and underwent several corrective surgeries as a child to repair his facial deformity. Throughout his career, Pomus was known for his unique voice and his ability to capture the essence of life through his lyrics. Pomus was an advocate for individuals with cleft lip and palate and worked to raise awareness of the challenges and stigmas associated with facial deformities.
46. Jürgen Habermas
| J rgen Habermas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jürgen Habermas |
| Birthdate | June 18, 1929 |
| Birthplace | Düsseldorf, Rhine Province, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Education | University of Bonn (PhD) University of Marburg (Dr. phil. hab.) |
| Spouse | Ute Wesselhöft (married in 1955) |
| Children | Tilmann (born 1956) Rebekka (born 1959) Judith (born 1967) |
| Era | Contemporary philosophy |
| School | Continental philosophy Critical theory Neopragmatism |
| Main Interests | Epistemology Social theory Political theory Philosophy of law Rationalization |
| Notable Ideas | Brave New World argument Communicative action Communicative rationality |
| Influences | Weber, Durkheim, Mead, Freud, Marx, Dilthey, Parsons, Kant, Schelling, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Apel, Heidegger, Piaget, Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, Wittgenstein, Peirce, Austin, Abendroth, Dewey, Rawls, Rorty, Bühler |
| Influenced | Offe, Honneth, Forst, Gould, McCarthy, Hoppe, Benhabib, Fraser, Friedman, Kompridis, Wilber, Lafont |
Jürgen Habermas is a prominent German philosopher and social theorist who belongs to the critical theory and pragmatism traditions. He is renowned for his theories of communicative rationality and the public sphere. Although Habermas was born with a severe cleft lip and palate, he underwent surgery to address it, leaving a visible scar on his face. Despite this physical challenge, Habermas has established himself as a leading figure in the fields of philosophy and sociology, garnering widespread respect and influence.
47. Wendy Harmer
| Wendy Harmer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wendy Gai Harmer |
| Birthdate | October 10, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Yarram, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation | Author, Children’s Writer, Journalist, Comedian |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Gordon Institute of TAFE, Deakin University |
| Notable Works | “It’s a Joke, Joyce” (1989), Pearlie the Park Fairy |
| Career Highlights | Stand-up Comedian, Radio Show Host, TV Personality |
| Spouse | Brendan Donohoe |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Sydney, Australia |
| Books Published | 7 Books for Adults, 17 Books in the Pearlie series |
| Radio Career | 3AK, Radio National, 2Day FM, ABC Radio Sydney |
| Television Appearances | “The Gillies Report,” “The Big Gig,” “In Harmer’s Way” |
| Activism | Australian Republican Movement, Environmental Causes |
Wendy Harmer is an accomplished Australian author, comedian, and broadcaster. After gaining success as a comedian in the 1980s, she went on to excel in writing and broadcasting. Wendy has authored multiple books catering to both children and adults and served as a co-host on several Australian radio shows. Despite being born with a cleft palate, Wendy did not let it become a hindrance in her professional or personal life. Beyond her entertainment credentials, Wendy has showcased a compassionate side and actively volunteers in several charitable and social causes. She advocates causes such as children’s welfare and environmental conservation and has contributed significantly to the Australian community.
48. Jose Ferrer
| Jose Ferrer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jose Ferrer |
| Birthdate | January 8, 1912 |
| Birthplace | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Death | January 26, 1992 |
| Education | Princeton University (B.Arch, 1933) |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Director, Theatre Director |
| Years Active | 1935-1992 |
| Spouses | Uta Hagen, Phyllis Hill, Rosemary Clooney, [Additional Spouse], Stella Magee |
| Children | 6, including Miguel Ferrer |
| Relatives | Tessa Ferrer (granddaughter), George Clooney (nephew) |
| Awards | National Medal of Arts (1985) |
| Notable Achievements | – Inaugural Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac in 1947 |
| Film Highlights | – Joan of Arc (1948) |
José Vicente Ferrer de Otero y Cintrón was a Puerto Rican actor and director of stage, film and television. He was one of the most celebrated and esteemed Hispanic American actors—or, indeed, actors of any ethnicity—during his lifetime. As a public figure with cleft lip and palate, Ferrer helped to destigmatize the condition and inspire others who were born with it. He was a strong advocate for people with disabilities and worked to increase awareness and understanding of their struggles.
49. Frank Hsieh
| Frank Hsieh | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Hsieh Chang-ting |
| Birthdate | May 18, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Taiwanese |
| Political Party | Democratic Progressive Party |
| Occupation | Politician, Former Defense Attorney |
Frank Hsieh Chang-ting is a Taiwanese politician and former defense attorney. He was born with a cleft lip and palate. Hsieh has been a strong advocate for the rights of individuals with cleft lip and palate and has worked to raise awareness about the medical, social issues faced by those with this condition and provide support and resources for people with cleft lip and palate.
Are you planning a trip to Fort Hood? Don’t forget to check out the 18 Military Campgrounds & RV Parks near Fort Hood. These parks provide a convenient and affordable accommodation option for military personnel and their families. Whether you prefer camping or RVing, these parks offer a range of amenities and facilities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t miss out on exploring these fantastic options for your next adventure.
50. Nikki Payne
| Nikki Payne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikki Payne |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Comedian |
| Cleft Palate | Born with a cleft palate |
| Comedy Style | Incorporates her lisp into her comedy act |
| Awards | Three-time winner of the Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Stand-up Newcomer and Best Female Stand-up |
| Education | Nova Scotia Community College, Humber School of Comedy, The Second City Conservatory |
| Notable Appearances | Last Comic Standing, Video on Trial, Buzz, Am I Right??, Satisfaction, Comedy Inc. |
| Comedy Troupe | Member of The Boom comedy troupe |
| Recognitions | Named Comedy Person of the Year at the Canadian Comedy Awards |
| CBC Radio | Frequent guest on CBC Radio’s The Debaters |
| Canadian Screen Award | Winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series |
| Documentary Hosting | Host of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s documentary film, “The Enlightened Redneck’s Guide to Moose Sex” |
Nikki Payne is a Canadian comedian, writer, and actress. Despite the challenges of living with cleft lip and palate, Payne has used her experiences as fuel for her comedic performances. Nikki Payne is an inspiration to many who have been born with cleft lip and palate, and her success in the entertainment industry shows that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve great things.