Top 6 famous people with Klinefelter syndrome you probably didn't know about
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a baby is born with an extra X chromosome, resulting in XXY instead of XY. The condition is often diagnosed in adulthood. Many prominent people are living with this condition, but it has not stopped them from succeeding. Who are the famous people with Klinefelter syndrome?
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Overview of famous people with Klinefelter syndrome
- Famous people with Klinefelter syndrome
- Can females have Klinefelter syndrome?
- What is the difference between XXY and XYY?
- Who are some famous intersex actors?
- How tall are men with XXY?
- Can XXY males get pregnant?
- Are there any famous people with Klinefelter syndrome?
- Does Adele have Klinefelter's?
- Can you live a normal life with Klinefelter syndrome?
- What is the life expectancy of a man with Klinefelter's syndrome?
Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) is a condition that affects men who are born with an extra X chromosome, resulting in an XXY sex chromosome karyotype. Most men don't realize they have this condition because its symptoms are mild. Famous people with Klinefelter syndrome have proven that the condition does not define their success.
Overview of famous people with Klinefelter syndrome
| No | Name | Place of birth |
| 1 | George Washington | Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States |
| 2 | Lili Elbe | Vejle, Denmark |
| 3 | Lauren Foster | Durban, South Africa |
| 4 | Caroline Cossey | Brooke, Norfolk, England |
| 5 | Charles Barkley | Leeds, Alabama, United States |
| 6 | Brooke Moore | United States of America |
Famous people with Klinefelter syndrome
Symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome include having wider hips, less facial and body hair, fewer muscles, and developmental delays in childhood. In severe cases, the men will have a small manhood.
Additionally, people with this condition tend to experience infertility, low sex drive, and learning disorders. The condition is easily manageable with appropriate medical care and support.
Approximately one in about 500 to 800 male children are born with Klinefelter syndrome annually. The syndrome affects all social classes, including prominent and influential individuals. Here is a look at famous people with Klinefelter syndrome you probably did not know about.
1. George Washington
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: George Washington
- Date of birth: 22 February 1732
- Date of death: 14 December 1799
- Age at death: 67 years
- Place of birth: Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States
George Washington was the first President of the United States of America from 1789 to 1797. He was a soldier and statesman. It is alleged that George Washington had Klinefelter syndrome, with some even speculating that he was infertile and his two children were adopted.
In addition to his purported sterility, Washington's physical characteristics also supported this claim. However, there is no documented proof that he suffered from Klinefelter syndrome.
2. Lili Elbe
Source: UGC
- Full name: Lili Ilse Elvenes
- Date of birth: 28 December 1882
- Date of death: 13 September 1931
- Age at death: 48 years
- Place of birth: Vejle, Denmark
Lili Elbe was a prominent Danish painter whose birth name was Einar Andrea Magnus Wegner. She changed her name to Lili Elbe in 1931 after undergoing sex transition surgery because she reportedly had Klinefelter syndrome.
Lili was castrated in 1930 by Dr Ludwig Levy-Lenz, which considerably encouraged rumours that she had the syndrome. Her feminine-appearing body shape, face, and legs fueled curiosity regarding her condition. Lili Elbe died in 1931 while undergoing a uterus implant. She did not have any biological children.
3. Lauren Foster
- Full name: Lauren Foster
- Date of birth: 4 December 1957
- Age: 66 years (as of August 2024)
- Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
Lauren Foster is a South African supermodel born in Durban. She was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at a young age. Her family was very supportive and went out of their way to accept her as a girl. She began hormone therapy at 17 and underwent gender affirmation surgery a year later.
Foster found acceptance and continued to grace the glossy pages of the industry's leading fashion publications, although a tabloid once published a story identifying her as a man. Lauren Foster is an LGBTQ community advocate on her social media platforms.
4. Caroline Cossey
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Caroline Cossey
- Date of birth: 31 August 1954
- Age: 70 years (as of August 2024)
- Place of birth: Brooke, Norfolk, England
Caroline Cossey is a famous model from Britain. She was born Barry Kenneth Cossey and is popularly known by her stage name, Tula. In 1981, she appeared in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Following her appearance in the film, it was revealed that she is a transgender person.
Growing up, she was uncertain about her sexuality. Her peers constantly bullied her due to her feminine appearance. Caroline Cossey was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at 17 and began hormone therapy shortly after.
5. Charles Barkley
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Charles Wade Barkley
- Date of birth: 20 February 1963
- Age: 61 years (as of August 2024)
- Place of birth: Leeds, Alabama, United States
Former professional basketball player Charles Barkley now works as a television sports analyst on TNT and CBS Sports. There are unverified claims that the retired basketballer was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome as a child.
6. Brooke Moore
- Full name: Brooke Moore
- Place of birth: United States of America
Beauty blogger Brooke Moore was born Bradley. It quickly became clear that she was unlike other little boys. The older she got, the more she did not feel like she fitted in with the other boys and desperately wanted to be treated as one of the girls.
At 16, she left school and changed her name to Brooke. It was not until her early 20s that she found out that her body transitioned itself because of Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Can females have Klinefelter syndrome?
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition found in males only. Females can only get Turner syndrome which results when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing.
What is the difference between XXY and XYY?
People with Klinefelter syndrome have XXY chromosomes. Those with XYY syndrome often have macrocephaly and macro-orchidism (a large head and large testes.
Who are some famous intersex actors?
River Gallo, Lisa Lee Dark, Eden Atwood, Laura Vila Kremer, Arisleyda Dilone, Alec Butler, Hida Viloria, and Sean Saifa Wall are among the famous actors who are intersex.
How tall are men with XXY?
Adults with Klinefelter syndrome are usually taller than non-affected adult males. They tend to reach a mean height of about 185cm. XXY males also tend to have disproportionately long arms and legs.
Can XXY males get pregnant?
No, they cannot get pregnant. Studies show that 95% - 99% of XXY men are infertile because they do not produce enough sex cells to fertilize an egg naturally.
Are there any famous people with Klinefelter syndrome?
Famous people with Klinefelter syndrome include George Washington, Lili Elbe, Lauren Foster, Caroline Cossey, Charles Barkley and Brooke Moore.
Does Adele have Klinefelter's?
The singer Adele does not have Klinefelter syndrome. However, Adele Markham has the syndrome. For 28 years, Adele was known as Matthew and was living as a man until a stunning medical discovery revealed her true sexual identity.
Can you live a normal life with Klinefelter syndrome?
With the right medical care, early intervention, and ongoing support, a person with Klinefelter syndrome can lead a normal, healthy, and productive life.
What is the life expectancy of a man with Klinefelter's syndrome?
The life expectancy of a person with Klinefelter syndrome is reduced by five to six years compared to that of an unaffected person. People diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at a younger age tend to have a shorter lifespan. This is possibly because diagnosis at an earlier age is associated with a more severe phenotype.
Throughout history, there have been famous people with Klinefelter syndrome. The syndrome did not stop them from achieving great success and inspiring others.
Yen.com.gh recently published a list of beautiful actresses in their 40s who are still making it big in Hollywood. For years, Hollywood has been the ultimate destination for millions of talented actors and actresses.
Actresses in their 40s are making waves in the entertainment scene, boasting decades of experience in Hollywood. However, their careers have not always been smooth sailing, as they have to face fierce competition from young actresses to maintain global respect and admiration.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Yen.com.gh, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
