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Identical twins originate from a single fertilized egg that divides into two, resulting in siblings who share an identical genetic blueprint. While being an identical twin is fascinating on its own, some twins have gained recognition for their extraordinary talents, whether in sports, intellect, business, or even their notorious reputations, taking their uniqueness to unparalleled heights.
1. ASTRONAUTS SCOTT AND MARK KELLY
In March 2015, astronaut Scott Kelly (shown above with his twin) embarked on a year-long mission aboard the International Space Station, setting a record for the longest space stay by an American. Meanwhile, his identical twin brother Mark, a former astronaut, stayed on Earth to participate in a groundbreaking twin study, serving as a control subject. This research aimed to analyze the impact of extended space travel on the human body, with findings expected to aid in planning future missions to Mars. Since identical twins share the same DNA, scientists could closely compare Scott’s physical and mental state after his space journey with Mark’s condition on Earth. Scott returned in March 2016 and has since shared insights into the physical toll of his extended space mission, highlighting the challenges of readjusting to life on our planet.
2. CHANG AND ENG BUNKER, THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS CONJOINED TWINS
National Library of Medicine via Wikimedia // Public Domain
Born in Thailand (formerly Siam) in 1811, Chang and Eng Bunker are the origin of the term 'Siamese twins.' Connected at the torso, these extraordinary twins defied their physical limitations. In the 1820s, they encountered Robert Hunter, an English trader, who invited them on a tour of Europe and America, compensating their mother $500 for a 30-month journey. Their performances, showcasing gymnastics and strength, captivated audiences worldwide. After years of touring, they retired in 1839, purchasing a plantation and marrying sisters Sarah Ann and Adelaide Yates, with whom they had 21 children. Chang passed away from pneumonia in 1874, and Eng, unwilling to be separated from his deceased twin, died shortly after.
3. JACK YUFE AND OSKAR STOHR, NAZI AND JEW
The lives of Jack Yufe and Oskar Stohr have intrigued psychologists exploring the interplay of genetics and environment. Separated at six months, Jack was raised Jewish in Trinidad, while Oskar grew up in Nazi Germany, joining the Hitler Youth. Reunited at 21, their initial meeting was strained due to their striking similarities. They didn’t reconnect until 25 years later, participating in the Minnesota Twin Study. Astonishingly, they arrived dressed identically and shared peculiar habits, like sneezing loudly in elevators and flushing toilets before and after use. Their participation in the study and subsequent documentation in books have significantly advanced our understanding of genetic influence on personality.
4. CHRIS AND XAND VAN TULLEKEN, HUMAN GUINEA PIGS
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British twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken, both medical professionals, have gained fame for their documentaries where they experiment on themselves for scientific exploration. In one project, they investigated binge drinking, with one twin consuming a 'safe' daily amount of alcohol (3 units) for a month, while the other drank 21 units in one weekly session. The results revealed that daily drinking was nearly as damaging to the liver as binge drinking. In another experiment, one twin followed a low-carb diet, while the other adhered to a low-fat diet for a month. They discovered that both diets had negative effects, but the low-carb diet was particularly harmful, causing weight loss, mental and physical sluggishness, and an increased risk of diabetes.
5. MIKE AND BOB BRYAN, MOST SUCCESSFUL TENNIS DOUBLES PLAYERS OF ALL TIME
"Boss Tweed" via Wikimedia // CC BY 2.0
Mike and Bob Bryan, identical twins, are the most accomplished tennis doubles team in history, boasting Olympic gold medals, multiple Grand Slam victories, and an impressive 23-4 Davis Cup record. Their success is partly due to being 'mirror twins'—Mike is right-handed, and Bob is left-handed, providing exceptional court coverage. They clinched their first tournament win at just six years old (an under-tens title) and have since dominated the global tennis scene, amassing titles and popularizing their iconic chest-bump celebration.
6. ROSS AND NORRIS MCWHIRTER, FOUNDERS OF THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS
The McWhirter twins circa 1953. Getty Images
British twins Ross and Norris McWhirter launched the Guinness Book of Records in the 1950s. This iconic publication has sold over 100 million copies globally and is available in 37 languages. Norris, a sports enthusiast, served as the timekeeper when Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954, an event that fueled his passion for trivia and records. Both brothers were politically active, and tragically, Ross was assassinated by the IRA in 1975 after offering a reward for information on terrorist activities.
7. LECH AND JAROSLAW KACZYNSKI, POLISH POLITICIANS
Polish twins Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski gained early fame by starring in the 1962 film Those Two Who Would Steal the Moon. However, their legacy was cemented in politics. In 2005, Lech became President of Poland, appointing his twin brother Jaroslaw as Prime Minister. This marked the peak of their political careers, which included serving as parliament members and Lech's tenure as Warsaw's mayor. Tragically, in 2010, Lech and several other Polish officials died in a plane crash in Russia.
8. THE KRAYS, CRIMINAL BROTHERS
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Ronnie and Reggie Kray, born in 1933, transformed from small-time criminals to notorious figures controlling London's underworld through violent protection rackets. Expelled from the army for desertion, they were among the last prisoners held in the Tower of London. In the 1950s, they established their East End empire, later mingling with celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in the 1960s nightclub scene. Despite their glamorous facade, their lives were marked by violence, leading to their imprisonment for brutal murders. Their story has inspired numerous books, films, and even influenced Monty Python’s Piranha Brothers.
