7 famous people with genetic mutations: cleft lip, two thumbs on one hand, and more. Photo

Non-compliance with beauty standards is not something abnormal, unnatural, a flaw or a defect. It is something that makes people unique and inimitable; something that, together with the inner world, consciousness, feelings, and intellect, forms our true self. It is also something that can be turned into your main strength. Just like some movie stars have done.

In the OBOZ.UA material, we have prepared a selection of celebrities who, despite having certain genetic mutations, live a happy, fulfilling life and achieve success. They have gotten rid of insecurities about their own appearance and have not been looking for recognition of their attractiveness in the eyes of others for a long time.

1. Joaquin Phoenix

American film actor Joaquin Phoenix was born with a cleft lip (an opening or split in the upper lip that occurs when developing facial structures in an unborn baby don't close completely). If you look at his photos from the beginning of his career, you will notice that he shaved his stubble: that is, he felt quite confident with this feature in his appearance, making it his own thing in movies. Now the 49-year-old celebrity wears a thick beard and mustache probably to add brutality to his image.

2. Peter Dinklage

American actor Peter Dinklage has achondroplasia. This is a genetic mutation that leads to dwarfism due to underdevelopment of long bones. His height is 135 cm. The disease is considered to be hereditary, although both parents and Peter's brother are of average height. Nevertheless, this did not prevent the celebrity from reaching heights in his film career and marrying actress Erica Schmidt, who is 33 cm taller than him.

"Given my height, I often get a second look. All my life I've been noticed," Peter proudly said in an interview with The Times.

3. Jennifer Garner

The American actress and film producer Jennifer Garner was diagnosed with brachymetatarsia as a child. This is a congenital abnormality of the metatarsal bones of the feet, which causes one toe to grow above the other instead of beside it. It does not cause pain or discomfort to the celebrity, and is not an insecurity: Jennifer wears open-toed shoes and is not going to correct her toe with plastic surgery.

4. Harry Styles

British singer, actor and composer Harry Styles was born with four nipples. In medicine, this anomaly is called polythelia. It is considered benign and does not pose a threat to health. The artist does not try to hide this feature. On the contrary, he flaunts his nipples on the red carpet, during music videos and at concerts, wearing only a jacket or a low-cut T-shirt.

5. Hrithik Roshan

Indian film actor Hrithik Roshan has two thumbs on his right hand. As a child, he called them ugly as it was because of this genetic anomaly that he was bullied at school. Now that the star has managed to build a successful career in Bollywood, embracing his uniqueness, as he wrote on his Facebook page, "God gave me a piece of ugly to carry around and remind myself and others of how beautiful our imperfections make us... Beautiful imperfections. Thank God for this wonderful life. Make your weaknesses your strength. Be proud!"

6. Sylvester Stallone

The American actor Sylvester Stallone was born with facial nerve paralysis, which caused him to have severe facial asymmetry. In addition, he had slurred speech for a long time, which was corrected thanks to acting courses. The asymmetry did not prevent Sylvester from becoming an action movie star, especially thanks to the Rocky and Rambo series.

7. Forest Whitaker

American actor and director Forest Whitaker has a congenital disease of the oculomotor nerve (ptosis; drooping of the upper eyelid). This can be corrected with blepharoplasty, but the celebrity continues to refuse the operation. He argues that ptosis does not affect his self-esteem and quality of vision. Therefore, a slightly drooping eyelid adds mystery and charm to Forest's image (as well as his characters in movies).

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