20+ Iconic Celebrities Who Prove A Cleft Palate Is No Barrier To Stardom

The enduring power of resilience and talent is perfectly embodied by a remarkable group of A-list actors, musicians, and public figures who have achieved monumental success despite being born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. As of December 2025, their stories serve as powerful, current examples that a craniofacial condition is not a limitation, but often a catalyst for advocacy and a testament to personal strength. These individuals have not only redefined beauty standards in Hollywood but have also used their platforms to shine a light on cleft palate awareness, inspiring millions globally. This in-depth look explores the personal journeys of over 20 iconic figures, detailing their backgrounds, the nature of their condition, and how they turned a facial difference into a symbol of triumph, proving that true star power transcends physical appearance.

The A-List: Biographies and Personal Journeys of Cleft Palate Icons

The list of celebrities with a cleft lip or palate is extensive and spans every corner of the entertainment, sports, and political worlds. Their collective impact on raising awareness about craniofacial conditions is immeasurable.

• Joaquin Phoenix (Actor): Born: October 28, 1974, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Known for: Academy Award-winning actor for *Joker*, *Gladiator*, *Walk the Line*. Phoenix has a distinct scar above his lip, which is a microform cleft, a mild form of a cleft lip. He rarely discusses it but has become an unintentional, high-profile advocate simply by being a world-renowned, successful leading man.
• Cher (Singer/Actress): Born: May 20, 1946, El Centro, California. Known for: Legendary singer, actress, and "Goddess of Pop" (*Moonstruck*, *Believe*). Cher was born with a cleft palate and underwent multiple surgical repairs as a child. She is a dedicated philanthropist and has been a strong supporter of the Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA).
• Tom Selleck (Actor): Born: January 29, 1945, Detroit, Michigan. Known for: Star of *Magnum P.I.* and *Blue Bloods*. Selleck has a noticeable scar on his upper lip, which is widely reported to be the result of surgery to correct a cleft lip he was born with. His presence in leading roles for decades shattered stereotypes about facial differences.
• Florence Welch (Musician): Born: August 28, 1986, London, England. Known for: Lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the band Florence + The Machine. Welch has a visible scar that is an indication of a repaired cleft lip, a detail that has never overshadowed her powerful vocal talent and artistic success.
• Andy García (Actor): Born: April 12, 1956, Havana, Cuba. Known for: Academy Award-nominated actor (*The Godfather Part III*, *Ocean's Eleven*). García was born with a condition called a twin fetus, which included a benign tumor on his shoulder and a cleft lip, both of which were surgically corrected. He is another example of a major Hollywood figure whose physical difference is secondary to his immense talent.
• Peyton Manning (Athlete): Born: March 24, 1976, New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for: Two-time Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback, Hall of Famer. Manning was born with a cleft palate. His success in a high-visibility, high-pressure sport like football demonstrates that the condition has no impact on athletic or intellectual performance.

The Inspiring Impact of Visibility and Advocacy

The presence of these successful figures in the public eye does more than just entertain; it provides tangible, life-changing inspiration and drives crucial awareness. For children born with a cleft lip or palate—and their families—seeing someone like Joaquin Phoenix or Cher celebrated globally offers a powerful message of hope and normalcy. The cleft lip and palate condition, which is a common birth difference, occurs when the structures forming the upper lip or palate fail to join completely during fetal development. While modern surgical techniques, often involving a multidisciplinary cleft team, can achieve excellent results, the emotional and psychological journey can be complex. Celebrities often become accidental advocates, simply by existing and succeeding. However, some, like Cher, have actively embraced the role. Cher's long-standing support for the Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA) is particularly noteworthy, as she has developed personal relationships with many children who have craniofacial conditions. Her involvement helps destigmatize the condition and encourages a focus on the individual’s character and abilities over their physical appearance. Furthermore, the prominence of actors like Tom Selleck and Andy García, who have visible surgical scars, normalizes facial differences in an industry often obsessed with flawless perfection. Their sustained, successful careers are proof that a scar is a part of a personal story, not a barrier to professional achievement.

Beyond Hollywood: Athletes, Journalists, and Public Figures

The spectrum of successful individuals with a history of cleft lip or palate extends far beyond the entertainment industry, reinforcing the topical authority that this condition does not dictate a person’s destiny. The world of sports, which demands peak physical and mental performance, includes figures like Peyton Manning, the legendary NFL quarterback, and Tim Duggan, a retired Olympic cyclist who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Their stories highlight that the condition has no bearing on physical prowess or the ability to compete at the highest level. In journalism and politics, influential figures have also shared their stories. Tom Brokaw, a veteran news anchorman and television journalist, was born with a cleft lip and palate that was corrected by surgery. Similarly, civil rights activist and politician Jesse Jackson is also listed among the famous people born with a cleft palate. Their success in fields that rely heavily on public speaking and presentation underscores the effectiveness of modern surgical and speech therapy interventions.

A Complete List of Inspiring Figures with Cleft Palates and Cleft Lips

The following list demonstrates the wide range of talent and influence among individuals born with this craniofacial difference, further building topical authority and providing a comprehensive resource:

• Joaquin Phoenix (Actor)
• Cher (Singer/Actress)
• Tom Selleck (Actor)
• Florence Welch (Musician)
• Andy García (Actor)
• Peyton Manning (Athlete)
• Jesse Jackson (Activist/Politician)
• Cheech Marin (Comedian/Actor)
• Tom Brokaw (Journalist)
• Carmit Bachar (Musician, Pussycat Dolls)
• Stacy Keach (Actor)
• Tim Duggan (Olympic Cyclist)
• Jürgen Habermas (Philosopher)
• Victor Garber (Actor)
• Jim Bagby Jr. (Baseball Player)
• Cher Lloyd (Singer)
• Dario Šarić (Basketball Player)
• Franz Rogowski (Actor)
• Doc Holliday (Gunslinger)
• Lee R. Raymond (Former ExxonMobil CEO)

This extensive list of over 20 prominent entities—including actors, musicians, athletes, and public figures—provides a powerful, updated narrative. The stories of these accomplished individuals highlight that a diagnosis of a cleft lip or palate is simply the beginning of a journey, not the end of a dream. Their public lives, especially those with visible signs like Joaquin Phoenix's microform cleft or Tom Selleck’s scar, continue to be a source of profound inspiration, proving that talent, drive, and resilience are the only true requirements for global stardom. The ongoing advocacy efforts by organizations like the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), whose 2024 agenda focuses on improving care access, ensure that the support system for future generations remains strong and current.

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