An adoption is a life-changing event, both for the birth family and the adoptive family. It has been around for centuries as a way to bring families together and it continues to provide loving homes to tens of thousands of children each year. Some famous people have even gone through adoption in their childhoods and gone on to do great things.
Faith Hill
Grammy award-winning singer Faith Hill was adopted as an infant and named Audrey Faith Perry, and her childhood was based in Star, Mississippi. Hill grew up to be one of the most famous female country singers. The five-time Grammy winner has acted in several television shows and movies, and her most recent work includes Yellowstone and 1883.
Marilyn Monroe
One of the most famous actresses of all time, Marilyn Monroe was placed by her mother into a foster home at two weeks old and spent her tumultuous childhood switching from her mother’s care and living with other foster families and family friends. The mental health of Monroe’s mother had a detrimental impact on Monroe’s childhood and adult life.
Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was adopted shortly after his birth in 1955 by Paul and Clara Jobs. Jobs’ biological parents were of different religions, and his biological mother’s family did not approve of the relationship and insisted the baby be given up for adoption. Jobs ended up meeting and establishing relationships with his biological mother and sister.
Jamie Foxx
At 7 months old, Jamie Foxx was taken in and later adopted by the same people, Mark and Estelle Talley, who helped raise his mother. Foxx’s parents never hid his adoption from him, and the well-known comedian and actor received his first acting lesson from his adoptive mom, whom he called “Granny.” His Granny encouraged his teachers to let Foxx tell jokes in class if he behaved all week in class.
Kristen Chenoweth
The Emmy and Tony-winning Broadway star Kristen Chenoweth was adopted at 5 days old by Jerry and Junie Chenoweth. Chenoweth praises her parents for being open and honest about her adoption, and in 2022, she released a children’s book, What Will I Do with My Love Today?, about adoption and kindess. Chenoweth has championed the adoption cause and become an advocate for it.
Nicole Richie
Actress, author, and fashion designer Nicole Richie was adopted by singer Lionel Richie. Lionel first met Nicole at a Prince concert where Nicole was playing the tambourine at the age of 2. Lionel and his wife Brenda became legal guardians of Nicole after her biological parents had difficulties in their relationship and lives, and the Richies adopted Nicole when she was 9 years old. Nicole is a longtime advocate for adoption and uses her platform to raise awareness about the issues surrounding it.
Adoption can be an incredibly rewarding experience for all parties involved, as evidenced by these famous people who were adopted as children. These individuals show us that it is possible to live happy and successful lives despite not being born into their adoptive families. With patience and understanding, there is no limit to what those involved in adoption can achieve.
