5. Chang and Eng Bunker
The Bunker twins were born on May 11, 1811 in the well-known city of Siam, Thailand. Because the two were born in Siam and were connected by a piece of cartilage from the sternum, their condition became known as Siamese twins. The brothers both had lungs, but they were entwined. In the modern world, twins could easily be separated, but 19th century medicine was not suitable for such an operation. After being discovered by Robert Hunter, the brothers were exhibited on a world tour, but soon after settling, they became US citizens. Both men were able to marry and even have children. The Bunker brothers are famous for being the first widely recognized pair of Siamese twins. In 1874, Chang contracted pneumonia and died, but Eng was still alive. Doctors offered to separate them, but Eng refused and died three hours later.
4. Jenna and Barbara Bush
Jenna and Barbara Bush make the list for being the "First Twins." Bush's daughters are the first twins to live in the White House. They were born on November 25, 1981 and are the only children of George W. and Laura Bush. During their lifetime, the sisters were involved in a number of activities, including writing books, attending presidential events, and helping with learning campaigns. Although the twins moved out of the White House, they offered advice to newcomers.
3. Robin and Maurice Gibb
Despite being twins, Robin and Maurice Gibb are undoubtedly among the most influential people in the world. After forming their band in Australia, the twins finally got a breakthrough when they traveled to England with another brother, Barry Gibb. The Bee Gees have since won many inductions, including nine Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, a World Music Award and multiple Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Sadly, Maurice Gibb died of a heart attack on January 12, 2003.
2. Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren
Although they were identical twins, the two sisters didn't look much alike because Landers had surgery to correct her deviated septum. However, both idolized many women in their time. The twins worked together and even had a wedding together. When Landers started his column in 1955, Abigail also decided to write her own column after helping her sister. Both women soon became very popular columnists and even had a rivalry at one point that kept them from speaking to each other for nearly 10 years. Known by their popular Dear Abby, the sisters are said to receive 15,000 letters each week with an estimated 200 million readers.
1. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Best known for sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the show Full House, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are undoubtedly one of the more recognizable twins today. Both appear to be the youngest twins to become famous, officially being hired as actresses at the age of six months. Growing up, the sisters starred in many films, television series, and then separated to pursue their own careers. The sisters also have dolls to their name, a clothing line and other items that continue to keep them in the spotlight.
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