10 Famous People with Six Fingers

10 Famous People with Six Fingers

*Originally Published  by Diana K in December 2022 and Updated by Diana K in March 2024

To many people, celebrities’ lives are perfect in every way because they have the looks, fame, money they could ever need and more. But, celebrities are humans, too and like the rest of us, they are not immune to illnesses or genetic mutations that cause physical deformities. Many of us know that in the human body, there are 5 fingers each on both hands and 5 toes each on both legs. However, there are some people who possess fewer than 5 fingers and toes and there are those that possess more than 5.

Possession of more than 5 digits is known as Polydactyly, while possession of fewer than 5 digits is called Oligodactyly. Polydactyly occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 children and can involve either multiple toes or multiple fingers —everything from small skin buds next to the pinkie to two fingernails on one finger to fully functioning extra digits to fingers.

There are some cultures, such as in Latin America, where it’s regarded as a sign of good luck hence people retain the extra digit because it was thought to be a lucky omen.  About one in 500 people in the United States are affected by polydactyly, with it affecting both males and females at almost the same rate. Continue reading to get to know 10 famous people with six fingers.

 

1. Jimmy Cliff – Musician

Jimmy Cliff was born with an extra finger on each hand, but they were removed right away — such as not to get in the way of his jammin’. Jimmy Cliff is a legendary reggae musician known for his cover of I Can See Clearly Now on the Cool Runnings soundtrack. He became famous by the age of 14 for a hit coincidentally entitled Hurricane Hattie he then went on to popularize reggae music everywhere. The Jamaican singer and songwriter was instrumental in introducing reggae to an international audience, largely through his performance in the landmark film The Harder They Come (1972). In 2007, Cliff performed at the opening ceremony of cricket’s World Cup.

In the same year, You Can Get It If You Really Want was adopted by the British Conservative Party during their annual conference. He was quoted in The Independent as saying, “One of my bandmates called me this morning to tell me the news. I can’t stop them from using the song, but I’m not a supporter of politics…. I don’t support any politician.” Cliff is the second reggae artist, after Bob Marley, to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But he actually preceded Marley in bringing reggae to the international stage, appearing in and performing his songs for the 1972 film The Harder They Come.

Remarkable facts about Bob Marley.

2. Gemma Arterton – Actress

Actress Gemma Arterton is known for her roles in films such as Tamara Drewe, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, and Clash of the Titans. While many know about her notable film career, few are aware that she has an extra finger on each hand. Her parents encouraged their children to explore their creative abilities. Gemma’s sister, Hannah, liked to sing, whereas Gemma chose acting. During her teenage years, she was part of the Masquerade and Miskin theatre companies, appearing in productions of The Massacre of Civitella and Guiding Star.

In 2004, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress, which helped her to win a grant to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Arterton was seen in the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace (2008), as well as Clash of the Titans (2010) and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010). In 2011, she was recognized for her performances and nominated twice for an award by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

3. Hrithik Roshan – Bollywood Actor

Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor who works in Hindi films. He has portrayed a variety of characters and is known for his dancing skills. One of the highest-paid actors in India, he has won many awards, including six Filmfare Awards, of which four were for Best Actor. Moreover, Hrithik Roshan has 6 fingers on his right hand. Roshan appeared in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 based on his popularity and income. Being in the industry for nearly two decades, Hrithik Roshan has amassed huge wealth through brand endorsement and other investments. Reportedly, he charges Rs 65 crore for each film. As per reports floating around the internet, his net worth is valued at $370 Million ie Rs 2745 Crores approximately. He is known for his dancing skills and has portrayed numerous characters. Some of the films in which he starred include, Fiza; Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Agneepath.

Find out more about the best Bollywood comedy movies to watch.

4. Anne Boleyn – Royalty

Even Anne Boleyn, the wife of Henry VIII, was thought of as a witch thanks to the sixth finger rumoured to be on her right hand (some believe she merely had an extra fingernail on one of her fingers). Apart from the 11 fingers, it is commonly believed that she possibly has a third breast. Historians believe that she did have an extra finger or at least some sort of growth on her hand that resembled an extra finger, but it’s unlikely that she had an extra breast. This rumour may have been started by her enemies because in Tudor times an extra breast was believed to be the sign of a witch. While the witchcraft accusations (and the occasional fear-fueled murder of a polydactyl child) have faded away over the centuries, a six-fingered stigma does seem to remain in popular fiction. Long ago in Eastern Europe and Africa, six-fingered children were associated with witchcraft, or pegged as the “exchanged child” of a witch, swapped out in the middle of the night while the mother was asleep.

Also read Facts about King Henry VIII.

5.  Taye Diggs – Actor

“As a child, I had an extra digit on each hand,” Taye Diggs said on a CBS show. However, he had them removed when he was a child. He is an American singer and actor who is best known for his roles in television series like Private Practice or in films like The Best Man. He received a BFA degree in musical theatre from Syracuse University. Taye made his show business debut in the ensemble cast of the five-time Tony Award-winning play “Carousel.” Diggs is the author of four children’s books, Mixed Me! (2015), Chocolate Me (2015), I Love You More Than… (2018) and My Friend! (2021), all illustrated by Shane Evans (artist). He is also the co-artistic director of a dance company, Dre. dance, with fellow Broadway veteran and School of the Arts alumnus Andrew Palermo. Taye Diggs is the oldest of five children. The actor has two brothers, Gabriel and Michael, and two sisters, Christian and Shalom. He attended Allendale Columbia School in Rochester and later transferred to the School of the Arts.

The best Black Actors of all time.

6. Antonio “Six Fingers” Alfonseca- Baseball Player

 

“I think God gave me more fingers and toes because He wanted to show that I’m special and that I will be special someday.” – Antonio Alfonseca in The Miami Herald (April 19, 2003)

Antonio Alfonseca is a Dominican former relief pitcher. He last pitched in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007. Alfonseca also played for the Florida Marlins, the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, and the Texas Rangers. He is known for having an extra digit on each hand and foot. It’s hard to say if the extra finger helped him as a pitcher but he was able to pitch effectively until he retired at age 35. He claimed the extra fingers don’t affect his pitching because they didn’t usually touch the ball. In most cases of polydactylism (extra fingers or toes), the extra digit has only limited mobility, or can’t be moved at all, and is often surgically removed shortly after birth. The condition is reported in about one child in every 500. The sixth finger on Alfonseca’s hand is like an extra pinky, only half its size and he usually threw the ball at 90 miles per hour.

7.  Hound Dog Taylor

 

Taylor was born in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1915, though some sources say 1917. He first played the piano and began playing the guitar when he was 20 he moved to Chicago in 1942. Taylor had a condition known as polydactylism, which resulted in him having six fingers on both hands. Born in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1915, Hound Dog Taylor was one of the most influential Chicago blues guitarists. His distinctive slide guitar style of playing the blues was highly influential on later generations of blues musicians. In Chicago, where he quickly became an important figure in the city’s blues scene. He recorded his first album, Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, in 1971. The album was a critical and commercial success. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1975.  One night, while drunk, Taylor sliced off the extra finger on his right hand with a sharp razor.

The Most Famous Blues Musicians.

8.  Tyrone Rugen – Fictional Character

A Count in the court of Prince Humperdinck, Rugen has a disturbing interest in the scientific study of pain and is a sadist, deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others. The synopsis goes, in the past, Tyrone approached Domingo Montoya, to create a sword for his unique six-fingered grip. After Domingo slaved over it for a year, Tyrone returned and offered only a tenth of the promised price. Domingo refused, saying the sword would pass to his son Inigo. In response, Rugen slashed him through the heart. Outraged, Inigo challenged him to a duel, which Tyrone bested him at, slashing the boy’s cheeks as a reminder. Inigo spent the next 20 years planning his revenge and searching for Rugen, identifying him by the six fingers on his right hand.

9. Hampton Hawes – Jazz Pianist

Hampton Hawes is a jazz pianist, was born with six fingers on each hand but the extra fingers were surgically removed shortly after birth. He was born in Los Angeles the son of a Presbyterian minister. His mother was the church pianist and he began picking out tunes from her lap at home as a toddler. He taught himself to play and by the time he was a teenager was goings to gigs on Central Avenue with its West Coast pioneers including saxophonists Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Art Pepper and Teddy Edwards. Hampton Hawes was not just a pianist; he was also the author of one of the most compulsively readable books ever written about jazz. Raise Up Off Me, co-authored with Don Asher and originally published in 1974, is an unflinching but darkly hilarious exploration of his life, encompassing music, addiction, encounters with racism, military service, and jail time, in a tone somewhere between Chester Himes and William Burroughs.

Best Jazz Clubs in London.

10.  Garfield Sobers – Cricketer

Garfield St Aubrun Sobers was born on 28 July 1936 to Shamont and Thelma Sobers of Walcott Avenue, Bay Land, St Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados, and was the fifth of six children. At birth, he had two extra fingers, one on each hand. Sir Garfield Sobers is an international cricket celebrity and a national hero of Barbados. Sir Garfield rose from the back streets to become Captain of the West Indies team and has always been regarded as the world’s greatest all-rounder. He is a former cricketer who played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974 and is widely considered one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, having excelled at all the essential skills of batting, bowling and fielding. The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is a cricket trophy is awarded annually by the International Cricket Council to the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. It is considered to be the most prestigious of the annual ICC Awards and was first awarded in 2004 to Rahul Dravid the most recent awardee is Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan for the year 2021.

 

10 Facts About Extra Finger Genetics

1.   It is One of the Most Common Congenital Limb Malformations

While polydactyly, the condition of having extra fingers or toes, may seem rare, it is surprisingly more common than one might think. This congenital limb malformation occurs in approximately 1 in every 500 to 1,000 live births worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent congenital anomalies. Despite its statistical rarity, polydactyly has graced the lives of numerous renowned individuals throughout history, adding a unique and intriguing twist to their narratives. From revered artists and influential leaders to celebrated athletes and entertainers, these remarkable individuals have embraced their extra digits as a part of their identity, often using them as a source of inspiration or a conversation starter.

2.  Inheritance Pattern: A Genetic Legacy

In the majority of cases, polydactyly is an inherited trait . This genetic inheritance pattern implies that if one parent possesses the gene for polydactyly, their child has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. This genetic predisposition has allowed polydactyly to persist across generations, weaving itself into countless family histories and leaving a mark on the lives of those who bear this distinctive trait. Families with a history of polydactyly often embrace this unique characteristic, celebrating the continuity of this genetic legacy through generations and the diversity it brings to their lineage.

3. There are Three Main Types of Polydactyly

There are three main types of polydactyly, each characterized by the location of the extra digit(s). Postaxial polydactyly involves the presence of an extra digit on the little finger side of the hand or the fifth toe side of the foot. Preaxial polydactyly, on the other hand, manifests as an extra digit on the thumb side of the hand or the big toe side of the foot. Central polydactyly, the rarest form, occurs when the extra digit(s) appears in the middle of the hand or foot. This classification system highlights the unique patterns and variations that can arise within the realm of polydactyly, adding to the diversity of this condition’s expression.

4. Polydactyly follows an Autosomal Dominant Pattern

The genetic underpinnings of polydactyly have been extensively studied, revealing a complex interplay of different genetic factors. Mutations in several genes, including GLI3, SHH, ZRS, and PITX1, have been identified as contributors to various types of polydactyly. These genetic alterations can disrupt the intricate processes involved in limb development, leading to the formation of extra digits during embryonic growth.

Researchers have also discovered that the location and specific mutations within these genes can determine the type and severity of polydactyly, ranging from partial to fully formed extra digits, and affecting either the hands, feet, or both. Understanding these genetic mechanisms has not only shed light on the origins of polydactyly but has also opened doors for potential therapeutic interventions, genetic counseling, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human genetics.

5.  Polydactyly also Runs in  Certain Ethnic Groups

Polydactyly often runs in families, with certain ethnic groups and populations exhibiting a higher prevalence of the condition. For instance, the Amish community and certain African populations have been observed to have a higher incidence of polydactyly. This familial clustering suggests a strong genetic component and highlights the potential role of specific genetic variations or inherited predispositions within these communities. Studying these patterns of inheritance can provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying polydactyly and contribute to a better understanding of its etiology.

6. Bilateral vs. Unilateral: A Tale of Symmetry

Polydactyly can manifest in either a bilateral or unilateral pattern. Bilateral polydactyly occurs when the extra digit(s) is present on both sides of the body, such as on both hands or both feet. Unilateral polydactyly, on the other hand, involves the presence of extra digit(s) on only one side of the body. Interestingly, bilateral cases are more common than unilateral cases, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition towards symmetrical expression. This characteristic of polydactyly adds another layer of complexity to the condition, highlighting the intricate interplay between genetic factors, developmental processes, and environmental influences that shape its manifestation.

7.  Scientists are Pondering on its Potential Advantages

The persistence of polydactyly in human populations has sparked intriguing discussions about its potential evolutionary advantages. While the condition is considered a congenital anomaly, some researchers have proposed that having an extra finger could provide certain functional benefits, although this remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Speculations range from improved grip strength and dexterity to enhanced tool-making abilities.

It hints at the possibility that polydactyly may have conferred adaptive advantages in specific contexts throughout human evolution. Regardless of the theoretical advantages, the enduring presence of polydactyly across diverse populations underscores the complexity of evolutionary processes and the role of genetic diversity in shaping human traits.

8.  Polydactyly Research for Body Regeneration

Advances in genetic research have facilitated a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind polydactyly. By studying this condition, scientists are not only shedding light on the intricate processes governing human limb development but also gaining broader insights into limb formation and regeneration.

The identification of key genes involved in polydactyly has opened new avenues for exploring the regulatory networks that orchestrate limb patterning and digit specification during embryogenesis. Moreover, investigations into polydactyly have the potential to inform regenerative medicine strategies, as understanding the mechanisms underlying digit formation could pave the way for innovative approaches to treating limb defects or injuries.

9.   Polydactyly can Occur with other Congenital Disorders

While polydactyly can occur as an isolated trait, it can also manifest in combination with other congenital disorders. Some of the conditions associated with polydactyly include Trisomy 13, Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, and Pallister-Hall syndrome. These associations highlight the intricate interplay between genetic factors and developmental processes and the potential for polydactyly to be a component of broader syndromes or genetic disorders. Studying these connections deepens our understanding of polydactyly and sheds light on the complex web of genetic and developmental pathways that shape human health and development.

10.  Extra Toes are More Common than Extra Fingers

Interestingly, extra toes are more common than extra fingers, with a ratio of approximately 4:1. This asymmetry in the prevalence of polydactyly between the upper and lower limbs suggests potential differences in the underlying developmental mechanisms or genetic factors involved. While the reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear, it highlights the nuances and complexities within the realm of polydactyly, reminding us that even within a single condition, variations and patterns can emerge. Understanding these subtleties may provide valuable insights into the intricate processes governing limb development and patterning.

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Did you know that Halle Berry also has extra digits?  it goes to show that even the people you thought were physically perfect have flaws, too. The unusual feature is caused by a relatively rare genetic mutation, which occurs in one out of around 500 people and the condition is caused by mutations in multiple genes. It’s likely that the trait was inherited from their parents, but can occur even if there is no family history of the condition. The genetics behind extra fingers and toes is a fascinating area of study that not only provides insights into limb development but also highlights the diversity of human traits and the complex interplay between genes and the environment.