FRANCESCO LENTINI - The Three- Legged Man
Lentini was born in 1889 in Rosolini in the province of Sirocusa, Sicily as one of twelve children. Technically, he was one of 12 and a half children. His twin brother, who consisted of a leg and a set of genitals, was born attached to Francesco’s spine. While he was billed as ‘The Man With Three Legs’, Lentini actually had four feet as a small malformed secondary foot protruded from his third leg. Thus in total he had three legs, four feet, sixteen toes and two sets of functioning male genitals. Furthermore, to complicate his life further, all of Francesco’s legs were of different lengths.
As a child, Lentini hated his extra limbs and appendages. Doctors determined that because of their proximity to his spine, removal could have resulted in paralysis. Lentini was raised by his aunt after his parents refused to acknowledge him and she, meaning well, enrolled the young Lentini into a home for disabled children. While there he saw children far worse off than he. He saw children who could not walk at all and he gained a new appreciation for life. Lentini not only learned to walk, he also ran, jumped rope, rode a bicycle and even ice skate. His time at the home for disabled children was an experience he quoted for many years as his major motivation.
In 1898, at the age of eight, Lentini arrived in America and became an instant sensation. He charmed crowds with his keen wit and sense of humor. He wowed audiences with his unusual agility as well. He had amazing control over his extra appendage. During performances Lentini was well known for kicking a soccer ball about with the strange limb. As he grew older, Lentini’s performances focused on his charming character.
He would conduct interviews while propped up on his extra limb, using it as a stool. He fielded questions ranging from his innocent hobbies to the particulars of his sex life. He was also often asked about his shoes. People wondered if it was difficult to buy shoes in a set of three. Showing his mental sharpness, he always revealed that he bought two pairs and gave the extra one to a one-legged friend.
His charm did not go unnoticed and a young lady named Theresa Murray soon took a liking to Lentini. The pair soon wed and together they had four healthy children. Lentini continued touring until he died at the age of seventy-eight in 1966. His career spanned over forty years and he worked with every major circus and sideshow including Barnum & Bailey and Coney Island. Lentini was so respected among his peers that he was often simply called ‘The King’.
Image: 1. Card in author’s collection, obtained via auction.
2. The young Francesco Lentini.
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J. Tithonus Pednaud herein presents for your edification and enlightenment a curious collection of human marvels. These portent and exceptionally unique human beings stand as uplifting testaments to human spirit and serve as inspiring examples of human tenacity.
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Lentini several years before he passed. We chatted for quite a while after the show and I found him to be delightful and very kind to a young girl who was honestly interested in his condition. He started my life-long love affair with Special People, for which I will always thank him.
My nana, JOAN LENTINI, told me a few years ago that i was related to FRANCESCO LENTINI.that’s so cool!! he’s like my great great great great great great great something.haha.
-KAITLIN LENTINI
<3 italian
I am the Grandson of Frank, My father was James…if any one has a link or relation let me know!
J Lentini
I have an origonal oil painting of francesco lentini.
It is highly likely that Mr. Lentini spent some time in Malta, probably in the institution for malformed children there. A series of photographs belonging to a Maltese Professor of Medicine depict a 7-9 year-old child with identical deformities [three legs, one shorter with a rudimentary foot]. Malta is a island close to Sicily.
this is total BS. none of this is true. honestly.
What is BS? The Malta story?
This isn’t bull shit. There is film of his extra leg kicking the ball. It’s very old but it’s there. He was born in a time when fake legs couldn’t move on their own. Machinery was too bulky at the time.
I would like to know where is used ti lives. One of my friend his liast name is Lentini, that’s why i’m interested in any things about Lentini.
I HAVE SEEN THIS MAN WHEN I WAS A YOUNG CHILD, AND AS AN ADULT I STILL REMEMBER HIM AS A GREAT ENTERTAINER AND A FASCINATING MAN.
i fill realy bad for him how did it fill to be him.
I saw the comment from James son and Frank’s grandson. (J. Lentini) I think I may be your niece. I would like to find out if James had a son (Robert) and daughter (Margaret) born in Connecticut. My mother was adopted but found out her biological fathers’ name was James Lentini. If this is correct you would be her brother. I saw you posted this a year ago but i would like to hear from you. Jannellynne@yahoo.com
Frank Lentini was my grandfather’s first cousin. My grandfather once told me stories about Frank and gave me a 1959 article from the Hartford Courant describing how Frank and his family were among the first from Sicily to settle in Middletown, CT (where we live). There are many links on the Internet associated with Frank Lentini. He’s even on Facebook! From all the articles I’ve read - it sounds like he was a wonderful man.
to anonymous your ignorance shows when you make a comment. ps. great website… people need to understand diversity and how people deal with thier? (handicapabilaties)?
any updates coming ?
hm… funny.
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
any updates coming ?
Updates are generally bi-weekly…when my busy life permits.
wow! man that’s a leg!
He was my great grandfather. I am the granddaughter of his son Frank. My father was Jim. So interesting to read about him. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but have heard only good things.
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I think he seemed fascinating!!
But I have a serious question…..did he have 2 emmmmm penises??
Did they both work???
Just Askin’
I found one of his photos at an estate sale this weekend that is now on ebay. It seemed to be when he was first in US. I picked it up because I liked his wild plaid socks, then I noticed it had his name imprinted so I thought..he must be famous for something..THEN I noticed the 3rd leg! I saw a similar pic online but he was wearing 3 sox..in this pic he is only wearing 2. So interesting. Was glad he seemed so well adjusted.
Hey pam did you ever find out about that whole penis thing?
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this is very intresting
I have to comment on this….I just took 5 mins to research a 3 legged man whose image was used on the back of an Alice In Chains CD from 1995. I haven’t listened to it in 10 years and I was curious about the picture of this man…..so I stumbled upon this blog that seems to be brewing some real genealogical connections. All things considered, anything out of the “ordinary” freaks people out anyway. This guy had an amazing career as an entertainer by birthright, and is respected for that and obviously more. Very cool. Fyi…..the cover of the CD is worth noting; it’s a 3 legged dog. Man’s best friend right? lol
@ Pam I just found out that he had 2 penises and they both worked and he had 4 children
This man frank Lentini, spent some time in the beautiful island of Malta when he was a boy. it is said that he had a very good sense of humour and he often joked about himself. Well done for all the information!
well in the 90s a local news paper had a big skoop. they showed 3 photos of Mr lentini. it was said he was cared by a professor in medicen.malta is an island near sicily by ferry only 45mins.i am glad that he overcame the obstacels of life.and to do that he must had used the 3rd leg!:-]
when I was in school I leared about him
If i remember correctly, a close friend of mine is related to Mr. Lentini. Worthington Mass ring a bell to anyone?
Today I bought a Francesco Lentini’s photograph at a flea market in Mexico, I didn’t know about him till today that I found the picture and looked for a 3leg man on the internet, this is so great. The picture is beautiful and it’s very old
I went to Fun Street in Niagra on the Lake for the first time ever. I saw the display in Ripleys……mesmerizing
I am frank’s great great grandson. My father told me that he said it was mechanical by some pully. He was a good entertainer though.
I’m just wondering, does anyone know, could he really control his third leg? Could he feel it, and kick from it, or was he in some way telling his brother to do so? I can’t understand how if it was his brother’s leg, he would be able to control it.
Mr. Lentini must have been an extradorinary person. It’s amazing how he learned to play soccer, and even ice skating! It would have been a cool experience to meet him. We should learn from people like this, that we can do anything. Disabilities and deformities cannot stop the human spirit.
You mean strings and dummies cannot stop the human spirit.
I am the great grandson of Francisco Lentini..I have been looking for and information related to my great grandfather..I am the grandson of his son Frank..I have heard stories over the years and would like to get any information and photos of him…Jim Lentini and L Lentini would be my first cousins..
I am the true great grandson of Francisco Lentini.