Famous Celebrities You Had No Idea Were Adopted

Richard Burton

Originally named Richard Jenkins, Burton was born to a poor family in southern Wales. At the age of two, his mother passed away, leaving behind 13 children. Richard was the second youngest. Cecilia, his aunt on his father's side, took him in as his father was unfit to care for all the kids alone. In 1943, his teacher and guardian Phillip Burton informally adopted him. He took on his last name when he reached 18. 

Eric Clapton

At age 16, Eric Clapton's mother became unexpectedly pregnant with the soon-to-be songwriter. Instead of being raised by his mother though, he was raised by his maternal grandparents and led to believe that his mother was his sister. The grandparents pretended to be his real parents throughout his life and were his legal guardians until he became a legal adult at the age of 18. 

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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.