Origins & Early Life

Francesco "Frank" Lentini (18 May 1889 – 21 September 1966) was an Italian-American sideshow performer whose career spanned more than 40 years. Born in Rosolini, Sicily, Lentini had a parasitic twin that gave him a third leg, an additional foot, and a partial second pelvis. He emigrated to the United States as a child and performed with the Ringling Brothers Circus, Barnum and Bailey Circus, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Lentini was known by the stage names "The Great Lentini", the "Three-Legged Football Player", and "The King".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

During his performances, he often kicked a football with his third leg, which became a regular part of his act. Lentini was born at 8 Gintoli Street, Rosolini, Sicily, on 18 May 1889. Delivered by midwife Maria Alberino, he was the fifth of 12 children (seven sisters and five brothers) in his family. Disgraced initially, his parents gave him into the care of his aunt, the wife of his uncle Corrado Falco. Lentini was born with a parasitic twin.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The undeveloped twin was attached at the base of his spine and consisted of a pelvic bone, a rudimentary set of male genitalia, and a fully formed third leg extending from...

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