JC Chasez
Former NSYNC member, songwriter, and occasional actor, JC Chasez has generally kept his private life low-key. When he opened up about his adoption, it surprised many of his fans. He went on to reveal that he was well aware of the story and that he was adopted at the age of five. Chasez also said that he knew who his biological mother was, adding that she can even come to visit him anytime she wanted.
His adoptive parents had been about everything. In fact, his biological mother was once fostered by them too! With credit to the difficult choice his mother made, Chasez was able to live a good life without worrying about debt or student loans. We’re sure he’s very grateful to her as well.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt will always be one of the most memorable women in the history of the US government. She introduced a different approach for first ladies when it comes to becoming actively involved in politics. Eleanor also came from a well-known politically inclined family. She is Theodore Roosevelt’s niece and was married to Franklin Roosevelt.
During her time in the White House and even after, she advocated for both human and women’s rights. It wasn’t always this easy for her, however. She lost her parents at a young age and was placed in the custody of her grandmother. Challenges aside, she still became an icon for many women all over the world. For her work and her strength, she deserves much credit.
Michael Oher
Michael Oher is a former football player, who hails from Memphis Tennessee. He’s successful now, but Oher had a difficult childhood. Due to a lack of support from his biological parents and lack of proper guidance, Oher got involved in plenty of trouble. He was jumping from one foster home to another and couldn’t stay in school.
His luck changed after he was adopted by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. With their guidance, he started excelling in football and became a prospect in Tennessee. He even got several scholarships offers from different Universities. Oher didn’t need to worry about loans for his future. Despite his unfortunate past, with perseverance and just a bit of luck, he was able to turn his life around.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is an award-winning author popular for her works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In her poetry, like her other written work, Maya Angelou shares the struggles she has experienced throughout her life. Her parents separated and together with her brother, she had to live with their paternal grandmother. Because of her race, she was not spared from discrimination.
Despite all these hardships, she continued to pursue her passion. In the 1950s, her career in the entertainment industry was raised to a degree. She landed a role in Porgy and Bess, as well as in Calypso Heat Wave. At the same time, she advocated for civil rights. Even today, she still continues to inspire many with her words.
Simone Biles
American gymnast Simon Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world. She, along with her sister, was taken care of by their grandmother. Eventually, they were legally adopted by their grandparents. Biles gives credit to the support from her family, especially her grandmother when it comes to her success as an athlete.
She started competing when she was young and worked her way up to the elite level. In 2011 she got top place in the vault and balance beam competition. In 2016, she won the all-around title and came first place in the vault and flooring exercise. Using her graceful movies, Biles got to join the 24th season cast of Dancing with the Stars in 2017.
Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman is an actress born in Stockholm, Sweden. She debuted in the movie Monkbrogreven back in 1934. Bergman is most famous in her home country for appearing in the film Intermezzo. After seeing her performance in Intermezzo, David O. Selznick offered her a role in its American adaptation. However, it was her role in Casablanca that helped launch her international movie career.
Her childhood wasn’t an easy one, however. Bergman lost her mother when she was just a toddler. Her father passed away during her teenage years. With these terrible losses, she ended up in the custody of her uncle and his family. Bergman’s showbiz career also had ups and downs, but thanks to her investments in her craft, the actress found success.
Nancy Reagan
The former first lady and Hollywood actress, Nancy Reagan was born in New York City to Kenneth Robbins and Edith Luckett Robbins. She was raised by her aunt and uncle after her parents legally separated. Her mother remarried Loyal Davis, a neurosurgeon in Chicago. Reagan moved in with them and she was later adopted by her stepfather.
They were quite well well-off, which allowed Reagan to attend some of the best private schools. In fact, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College. She eventually got into acting and landed her debut role in Ramshackle Inn. Her performance helped the budding talent get a contract with MGM Studios. She married Ronald Reagan in 1952 and he became president of the United States in 1980.
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan is a Canadian artist who was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her mother, Judy, was quite young when she got pregnant. It is for this reason that she put the child up for adoption. Sarah’s adoptive parents are Jack and Dorice McLachlan. Despite everything that has happened, she maintains a good relationship with her birth mother.
Her admirable talent and unique sound have won her fans all over the world. This is on top of all the accolades she has received over the years. This includes best female pop vocal performance and best pop instrumental at the Grammy Awards. While there were struggles during her childhood, the degree of success she has achieved since then is something to be very proud of.
Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina to Helen Burns and Noah Robinson. Jackson’s parents were never married and a year after his birth, his mother was wed to Charles Henry Jackson who adopted him legally. During his college years, he was deeply involved in the civil rights movement. This even led a young Jackson to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma, Alabama back in 1965.
He was later appointed special envoy to Africa and was awarded for his contributions. Jackson also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He graduated with a sociology degree and also went into the Chicago Theological Seminary, but was not able to finish the course. Despite this, he was still ordained by the minister of a church in Chicago.
Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth first became famous for her work in theatre and appearances in plays such as Strike Up the Band, Wicked, You’re A Good Man and Charlie Brown. These were followed by her acclaimed performances in The West Wing and Glee. Not many know this about the actress, but she was adopted by the Chenoweth family as a baby. Growing up, she had always shown interest in the performing arts.
As a young girl, Chenoweth used her talent in church and sang for the choir. Her first taste of acting was in school productions. She maintained this passion until adulthood and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre. The actress also has a Master’s in opera performance!