We often read a lot about celebrities. They are public figures and hence, they seldom succeed in having a personal life. Even the most personal details about them are out in the open for people to know. One such personal detail is adoption. Though we keep up with the lives of our favourite celebrities we may still be unaware that some of them are adopted. Even after being through rough circumstances and finally being adopted, these people have made it big in their fields and have become household names. You would rather be stunned to know who all made it to the list of top 10 most famous adopted celebrities.

10.Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth was born in the year 1815. He lived with his parents and 7 siblings. But, 6 of his 7 siblings died due to disease. His parents didn’t have the resources to bring up their two children. In the hope of giving them a better life, they left Babe Ruth and his sister in an orphanage. Babe Ruth met Brother Matthias who introduced Ruth to the sport of baseball. That is how Babe Ruth came to becoming one of the most famous Baseball players.

9.Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley was born to a poor couple in Mississippi. They named him Ellas Bates. Over time, his parents weren’t in a position to take care of him and decided to take a few drastic steps. Ellas was given away to one of his mother’s cousins to be taken care of. He grew up to become one of the best blue musicians in America. He is also called as the Originator and he was given the stage name Bo Diddley too. He won many accolades. One suc accolade would be being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 1987.

8.Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American politician. She was the wife of Franklin. D. Roosevelt. She was orphaned at a very early age. Her mother died first, followed by the death of her father exactly 2 years after the death of her mother. Her grandmother took up the responsibility of bringing her up and adopted her. Eleanor Roosevelt served the post of The First Lady Of United States for the longest time period.

7.Deborah Harry

Deborah Harry is the 80’s pop sensation. She is famous for her tracks Call me and Heart of Glass. She is one of the lead singers in the band named Blondie. She was adopted by a New Jersey couple, Catherine and Richard Smith Harry when she was barely 3 months old on being given up at birth for adoption. She was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2006.

6.Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas the founder of the famous chain of restaurants, Wendy’s was born to an unmarried young woman who put him up for adoption and was adopted at birth by Rex and Auleva Thomas. His adoptive mum died when he was 5 years old. Dave dropped out of high school at the age of 12, to take up his first job at a restaurant as a helper. With hard work, dedication and time, he set up his own chain of restaurants called Wendy’s which shot to fame. Dave also founded the Dave Thomas Adoption which helped in the simplification of adoption laws and reduction in adoption costs in America.

5.Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of America, yes you heard it right, is adopted. Bill Clinton was born to his widowed mother. She wasn’t in a good enough state to take care of him. He was then adopted by his grandparents. who bought him up. Bill Clinton was the third youngest president of America.

4.Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a South African, politician and anti-apartheid leader. On the death of his father by an ailment, Nelson Mandela’s mother gave him to the Thembu regent, Jongintaba Dalindyebo. Nelson Mandela grew under the guardianship of the Thembu regent. He also served as the President of the African National Congress.

3.Steve Jobs

He doesn’t really need an introduction, does he? Steve Jobs was the co-founder of the company, Apple Inc. He was the brains behind the making of the i-pod. He was the biological son of Abdulfattah Jandah, a Syrian Muslim and Joanne Schiebble. As Schiebble’s parents had an objection, Steve was given up for adoption. He was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. He was one of the most successful entrepreneurs of America. A man with a vision you could say, someone who was ahead of his times.

2.John Lennon

John Lennon was an English musician. He was the founder of the famous band, Beatles. When he was born his father had gone away to work on a navy ship. His mother wasn’t able to take good care of him due to the shortage of resources. He was then adopted by his aunt and grew up under her care.

1.Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was born to a widowed mother and given away to an orphanage. She spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages. At 16, she was given the choice of another orphanage or getting married. She chose the latter option and got married to merchant marine officer, James Dory. She came to be known as one of the most famous American actresses and sex symbol.