Adopted Celebrities from Canada and the U.S
Famous Adoptee Actors, Musicians, Writers and Athletes
Mar 5, 2009
Spanning from when adoptions were secrets in the past to more recent times when birthparents make adoption plans, famous adoptees are becoming comfortable with sharing details of their adoptions with their fans. Talented and motivated, these celebrities stand out in the public eye for more than their adoption status and serve as role models for adoptees.
Actors, Directors and T.V. Hosts Who were Adopted
Adoptees who make their living on the movie screen and in the media, are taking the stage when it comes to bringing awareness about adoption.
- Jillian Barberie, Canadian actress
- Michael Bay, film director
- Richard Burton, actor
- Gary Coleman, actor
- Faith Daniels, T.V. journalist
- Melissa Gilbert, actress
- Jonathan Gilbert, actor
- Art Linkletter, Canadian comedian
- Ray Liotta, actor
- Nimmy March, actress
- Frances McDormand, actress
- Dana Plato, actress
- Nicole Ritchie, actress
- Eric Schweig, Native Canadian actor and carver
Many of these celebrity adoptees are open to talking about their adoptions in interviews and also discuss their family histories in biographies. Some notable biographies of famous adoptees are Art Linkletter’s I Didn’t Do it Alone [Caroline House Publishers,1980] and Gary Coleman [Berkley,1982] by the Coleman Family.
Famous Adoptee Musicians
Often finding inspiration for their work from their adoption experience, musicians across all genres are expressing their feelings and thoughts in a way other adoptees can relate.
- Rodney Atkins, country singer
- Stompin’ Tom Connors, Canadian folk musician
- Deborah Harry, singer
- Jeff Healey, singer and guitar player
- Faith Hill, singer
- Darryl McDaniels, rapper DMC
- Sarah McLachlan, Canadian singer and songwriter
- Liz Phair, alternative rock singer
- Renee Rosnes, Canadian jazz musician
- Buffy Sainte-Marie, Native Canadian folk singer
- KT Tunstall, singer
Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC fame wrote King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility and My Life with Run-DMC [St. Martin’s Press, 2001] and has also collaborated with fellow adoptee Sarah McLachlan on the single Just Like Me [Checks Thugs and Rock N Roll, 2006], a remake of Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin.
Adopted Authors and Writers
Whether it is writing about their adoptive family in a fictitious format or using their feelings toward their family to inspire creativity, writers are able to relate to many readers through their craft.
- Christina Crawford, author
- James Michener, author
- Clarissa Pinkola Estes, author
- Edgar Allan Poe, author
Christina Crawford’s book, Mommie Dearest [William Morrow and Company,1978] is about her tumultuous life with her famous adoptive mother Joan Crawford and was also made into a major motion picture.
Celebrity Athletes Who were Adopted
Many successful athletes are top performers in their sport because of the support and encouragement they received from their parents. Being adopted did not hold any of these athletes back and in some cases, their adoptive status may have fueled their competitiveness.
- Toby Dawson, skier
- Eric Dickerson, football player
- Grant Fuhr, Canadian NHL goalie
- Scott Fujita, football player
- Scott Hamilton, Olympic skater
- Curtis Joseph, Canadian NHL goalie
- Greg Louganis, Olympic diver
- Dan O’Brien, Olympic athlete
- Jim Palmer, pitcher
- Steve Shields, Canadian NHL goalie
When Grant Fuhr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003, he was surprised at the publicity he received about being the first black athlete to be awarded the honour as he did not experience racism in the NHL and he was raised by Caucasian parents.
By famous actors, musicians, authors and athletes sharing their adoption story with the public, adoptees find celebrities to whom they can relate. The success of these famous adopted people is a source of inspiration for adoptees and helps bring adoption into the spotlight.
References
Adoption.com website
Canada Adopts! website
Famous and Remarkable Adoptees, Foster Children and Others: A Biographical Directory compiled by Roger Fenton
T.V. Guide website
 |
