15 famous people with Klinefelter syndrome you would never have guessed

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that often goes undiagnosed, yet many affected individuals achieve great success. There are many well-known athletes and entertainers with the condition who have thrived despite the challenges. Here, we highlight 15 famous people with Klinefelter syndrome whose talents and accomplishments may surprise you.

Key takeaways

• Klinefelter syndrome symptoms can include reduced testosterone, infertility, and learning difficulties, but severity varies widely.
• Early diagnosis and treatment, such as hormone therapy or educational support, can significantly improve quality of life.
• Many people with Klinefelter syndrome lead normal, productive lives, including high-profile careers in sports, entertainment, and business.
• Among the famous figures with the condition are Lili Elbe, Tom Cruise, Michael Phelps, and Caster Semenya.

Famous people with Klinefelter syndrome

According to Medline Plus, approximately 1 in 500 to 600 males is born with an extra X chromosome, resulting in Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome life expectancy is generally close to normal for most individuals, especially with proper medical care and a healthy lifestyle.

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The National Institute of Health (NIH) has reported a few cases of variations of this syndrome. Check out these famous people with Klinefelter syndrome who have achieved remarkable success despite facing unique challenges posed by their condition.

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1. Lili Elbe

• Full name: Lili Ilse Elvenes
• Date of birth: 28 December 1882
• Age: 48 years old at the time of death
• Place of birth: Vejle, Denmark
• Profession: Painter

Lili Ilse Elvenes is among the famous individuals with Klinefelter syndrome. She was born on 28 December 1882 in Vejle, Denmark. Her birth name was Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener, but she later changed it to Lili Elbe in 1931 after undergoing gender transition surgery.

Elvenes was a prominent Danish painter. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1931 while undergoing a uterus implant.

2. Tom Cruise

• Full name: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV
• Date of birth: 3 July 1962
• Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Syracuse, New York, United States
• Profession: Actor, producer

Tom Cruise is among the famous males with Klinefelter syndrome. He is a renowned American actor and producer born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, United States. Tom Cruise has been featured in films like Top Gun (1986), The Last Samurai (2003), Minority Report (2002), and Jerry Maguire (1996).

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3. Michael Phelps

• Full name: Michael Fred Phelps II
• Date of birth: 30 June 1985
• Age: 40 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
• Profession: Retired competitive swimmer

Michael Phelps is a retired American swimmer. He was born on 30 June 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Michael is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals, including 23 Olympic gold medals, throughout his career.

4. George Washington

• Full name: George Washington
• Date of birth: 22 February 1732
• Age: 67 years old at the time of death
• Place of birth: Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States
• Profession: First President of the United States

George Washington was a Founding Father of the United States. He was born on 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States. He served as the President of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

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5. Jamie Lee Curtis

• Full name: Jamie Lee Curtis
• Date of birth: 22 November 1958
• Age: 66 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Santa Monica, California, United States
• Profession: Actress, author, and activist

Jamie Lee Curtis is among the renowned celebrities who have Klinefelter syndrome. She is an actress and author born on 22 November 1958 in Santa Monica, California, United States. Jamie is known for her roles in iconic films such as Halloween, Everything Everywhere All at Once, True Lies and Archer.

6. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

• Full name: Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr.
• Date of birth: 24 February 1977
• Age: 48 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
• Profession: Retired professional boxer

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a retired American professional boxer. She was born on 24 February 1977 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. He is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, boasting an undefeated record throughout his career and winning multiple world titles in various weight classes.

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7. Richard Branson

• Full name: Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson
• Date of birth: 18 July 1950
• Age: 75 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Blackheath, London, England
• Profession: Entrepreneur

Richard Branson is among the celebrities who have Klinefelter syndrome. Born Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, he is a British entrepreneur and philanthropist from Blackheath, London, England. The entrepreneur heads the British multinational venture capital conglomerate Group Ltd.

8. Caster Semenya

• Full name: Mokgadi Caster Semenya
• Date of birth: 7 January 1991
• Age: 34 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Ga-Masehlong, Limpopo, South Africa
• Profession: Middle-distance runner

Caster Semenya is a South African middle-distance runner believed to have Klinefelter syndrome. She is an Olympic gold medalist known for dominating 800-meter events.

The athlete has not been allowed to compete in distances from 400 metres to one mile (1,609 metres) since 2019 due to her high testosterone level, which gives her an upper hand in the sport.

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9. Janet Mock

• Full name: Janet Mock
• Date of birth: 10 March 1983
• Age: 42 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
• Profession: Author, activist, and TV host

Janet Mock is an American writer, director, producer, and transgender rights activist. She was born Charles on 10 March 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. At 18, she underwent a gender reassignment procedure. She has produced several films, including Pose, Monster, Hollywood, and The Trans List.

10. Tony Robbins

• Full name: Anthony Jay Robbins
• Date of birth: 29 February 1960
• Age: 65 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: North Hollywood, California, United States
• Profession: Author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker

Tony Robbins is an American author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He was born on 29 February 1960 in North Hollywood, California, United States. The author was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome as a teenager.

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11. Veronique Francoise Caroline Renard

• Full name: Veronique Francoise Caroline Renard
• Date of birth: 26 May 1965
• Age: 60 years old (as of May 2025)
• Place of birth: Netherlands
• Profession: Author, visual artist

Véronique Françoise Caroline Renard is one of the famous people with Klinefelter syndrome. She is an author and visual artist. The Dutch author was born on 26 May 1965 in the Netherlands. Véronique is the daughter of Annie Garda Van Unen and Wilhelmus (Wim) Gerardus Renard.

12. Renée Richards

• Full name: Renée Richards
• Date of birth: 19 August 1934
• Age: 91 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: New York City, New York, United States
• Profession: Retired tennis player, ophthalmologist, transgender rights activist

Renée Richards is a retired American ophthalmologist and former professional tennis player. She gained prominence for her legal battle to compete as a woman in professional tennis after undergoing gender confirmation surgery.

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13. Lauren Forster

• Full name: Lauren Forster
• Date of birth: 4 December 1957
• Age: 67 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
• Profession: Supermodel

Lauren Forster is a famous supermodel with Klinefelter syndrome. She was born on 4 December 1957 and raised in Durban, South Africa. At the age of 9, she realised that her identity did not match her gender and decided to change her name to Lauren Shipton in 1974.

14. Caroline Cossey

• Full name: Caroline Cossey (formerly Barry Kenneth Cossey)
• Date of birth: 31 August 1954
• Age: 71 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Brooke, Norfolk, England
• Profession: Model, actress

Caroline Cossey, also known as Tula, is an English model. She was born on 31 August 1954 in Brooke, Norfolk, England. The model was assigned male at birth under the name Barry Kenneth Cossey. Caroline was officially diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at the age of 17.

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15. Charles Barkley

• Full name: Charles Wade Barkley
• Date of birth: 20 February 1963
• Age: 62 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Leeds, Alabama, United States
• Profession: Former professional basketball player

Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and television sports analyst. He was born on 20 February 1963 in Leeds, Alabama, United States. Charles was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome as a child.

Frequently asked questions

After learning about these inspiring individuals who’ve achieved greatness despite their genetic condition, you might still have questions about Klinefelter syndrome itself. To help you understand it better, here are some frequently asked questions that address common concerns.

What celebrities have Klinefelter syndrome?

Celebrities with Klinefelter syndrome include Tom Cruise, Caster Semenya, George Washington, Michael Phelps, and Lili Elbe.

What are the symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome?

Some of the Klinefelter syndrome symptoms are highlighted below.

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• Babies may have weak muscles, slow motor development and a delay in speaking.
• Longer legs, shorter torso and broader hips compared with other boys.
• After puberty, less muscle, facial and body hair compared with other teens.
• Tendency to be shy and sensitive.
• Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings or socialising.
• Problems with reading, writing, spelling or math.
• Less muscular compared with other men.

Has Tom Cruise got Klinefelter?

It has been speculated for a very long time that Tom Cruise has Klinefelter syndrome, but with no official backing. The basis of these speculations came from his physical looks, he is tall, has wide hips and a rounded body type, he did not biologically father his three children, and has dyslexia, which is another symptom of the condition.

Which president had Klinefelter syndrome?

There is no credible evidence that any U.S. president had Klinefelter syndrome. However, claims suggest that figures like George Washington or other presidents had the condition.

What is unique about Klinefelter syndrome?

• Reduced testosterone levels, which can affect muscle mass, facial/body hair, and voice depth.
• Infertility
• Taller than average stature with longer legs and a shorter torso.
• Learning or language difficulties, including delayed speech or reading challenges.
• Variability in symptoms, meaning some males may have very mild or almost no noticeable signs.

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NB: Dating someone with Klinefelter syndrome can be a positive and fulfilling experience when there’s understanding and open communication. People with the condition may face challenges like low testosterone levels, infertility, or self-esteem issues, but these do not define their ability to love or maintain healthy relationships.

What is the fertility rate of someone with Klinefelter syndrome?

Men with Klinefelter syndrome typically have very low natural fertility caused by the extra X chromosome. Most are infertile without medical intervention, though the severity varies from person to person.

Advances in reproductive medicine, combined with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), have allowed some men with Klinefelter syndrome to father biological children.

Can females have Klinefelter syndrome?

No, females cannot have Klinefelter syndrome in the typical sense. The most common karyotype for Klinefelter syndrome is 47, XXY, meaning a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, with an extra X chromosome.

Klinefelter syndrome occurs in males who have an extra X chromosome (47, XXY). Since females normally have two X chromosomes (46, XX), they do not develop Klinefelter syndrome.

How can one assess for Klinefelter syndrome?

A “Do I have Klinefelter syndrome quiz” can be a helpful first step in self-assessment, but it cannot replace a professional diagnosis. These quizzes usually ask questions about physical traits, development, and fertility.

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Understanding the physical traits of this condition is easier when you look at Klinefelter syndrome real pictures in medical journals and educational websites. These images often show features such as taller stature, reduced facial hair, and broader hips, which are common among males with the condition.

These famous people with Klinefelter syndrome have achieved remarkable success despite facing unique challenges posed by their condition. Their stories have proven that adversity can be overcome with determination and resilience.

Review disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Details about individuals are based on public sources and are not confirmed medical diagnoses. Klinefelter syndrome can only be verified through professional genetic testing. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.

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