Connect with us

Lists

10 World’s Most Famous Conjoined Twins

Published

on

Conjoined twins, commonly known as Siamese twins, are an extremely rare identical twin developmental defect that has captivated the world for centuries. For reasons still unknown to humanity, assumedly due to particular mixtures of various unpredictable genetic and environmental factors, the single embryo of identical twins sometimes fails to fully separate in the fetal stage.

As a result, the children are born with one or more of their body parts fused, depending on how far the embryo managed to split itself before it stopped altogether. They frequently share various vital organs, such as the heart or liver.

Since even the world’s most technologically advanced hospital is powerless against this condition, it’s encouraging that this occurrence is so rare it only happens approximately once per 200,000 births. Naturally, owing to how uniquely they interact with the world in most respects, conjoined twins tend to be the main celebrities of their communities, while fewer still have managed to charm the entire globe.

Chang and Eng Bunker

The famous Bunker brothers were born in 1911 in Siam, now known as Thailand. Their fame birthed the more common synonym for conjoined twins, ‘Siamese twins,’ although there were many previous such instances around the world   They were joined at the chest by a band of flesh that was about 8ins (20cms) long and 2ins (5cms) wide. The twins’ condition is known as symmetrical conjoined twins, meaning that their bodies were perfectly mirrored, with each twin having his own head, arms and legs.

At the age of 18 Chang and Eng were discovered by a Scottish merchant named Robert Hunter, who convinced them to travel to the US and Europe to be exhibited as a curiosity. The twins agreed, and embarked on a world tour that lasted for over a decade, during which they were displayed in various circuses and sideshows, essentially as ‘freaks’.

Advertisement

The Bunkers eventually decided to settle down and start a family. They purchased a plantation in North Carolina and married two sisters – Adelaide and Sarah Yates, with whom they had a total of 21 children. Despite the challenges of living as conjoined twins, the brothers managed to lead a relatively normal life, running their plantation and engaging in various business ventures.

As the twins grew older, however, Chang and Eng’s health began to decline, causing Chang to suffer a stroke that paralyzed his right side, towards Eng, who cared for his brother from then on. Chang passed in his sleep at the age of 62 on 17 January 1974. Eng was woken up by his sons, and a doctor was called, but he died just two hours following his brother.

Millie and Christine McCoy

Also known as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World,’ ‘The Caroline Twins,’ and ‘The Two-Headed Nightingale,’ the McCoy sisters were born to enslaved parents in 1851 in North Carolina USA. They were joined at the lower spine and shared a circulatory system, but each had their own heart, lungs and other vital organs. Despite their condition, they were able to walk, run, and even dance, displaying remarkable co-ordination and athleticism.

After their supposed emancipation from slavery, Millie and Christine were taken on tour by their owner and subsequently sold to a showman, who exhibited them around the world. They became known for their singing talents, performing for audiences that included even world leaders, such as Queen Victoria and President Abraham Lincoln.

Despite the exploitation they faced, Millie and Christine were able to negotiate better working conditions, thanks to both being very business orientated. They eventually bought their own freedom, and went on to even purchase a farm in North Carolina, where they lived until passing away aged 61 in 1912.

Millie and Christine were also active in the abolitionist movement, and used their platform to speak out against slavery and racism. They were hailed as symbols of strength, resilience, and perseverance, and their story continues to inspire many.

Giacomo and Giovanni Battista Tocci

Giacomo and Giovanni Battista Tocci were born in 1875 or 1877 in Locana, Turin, Italy. They had two heads, two arms each, and one leg each, sharing a pelvis but having separate vital organs. The brothers were discovered by an American showman named P.T. Barnum in 1887, and brought to the US to perform in his circus.

They became famous as a circus attraction throughout Europe, and toured for many years before retiring around 1900. Little is known about their later lives, but they lived until their late 20s, surpassing the previous record for longevity for conjoined twins.

Advertisement

One not-so-pleasant fact about the poor brothers is that they never learned to walk, since having to stand as an exposition all day at the order of their parents caused severe atrophy, disallowing them from actually developing and growing muscles that are crucial for leg movement and stability. However, they could stand using a chair or walking aids.

It at least seems like they didn’t have to suffer much longer, as many have reported them as passing early in the 1900’s, although some skeptics place the twins’ death as late as 1940. Interestingly, author Mark Twain saw them in a circus once, and subsequently wrote the short story entitled “Those Extraordinary Twins,” which was later renamed to “Pudd’nhead Wilson.”

Rosa and Josepha Blazek

Rosa and Josefa Blazek were conjoined twin sisters born in 1878 in Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic. They began their career as performers when they were only one year old, with exhibitions of their unique condition at local fairs.

At the age of 13 they went to Paris to meet with doctors to explore the possibility of separation, but this was eventually dismissed as it was both too dangerous and way too advanced for technology at the time. Regardless, they moved on and continued to perform together, traveling all over Europe and later the US.

The Blazek sisters were popular performers in vaudeville shows, and their act was described as ‘a graceful and artistic performance of precision.’ They were well-received no matter the performance location, while in the US they graced Coney Island and other popular venues.

They passed away in 1922 at the age of 44, having left behind the customary substantial legacy of conjoined twin performers, adding to the overall legendary repute that these rare ‘couples’ enjoyed throughout history.

Daisy and Violet Hilton

Daisy and Violet Hilton were born at some point in 1908 in Brighton, England. The sisters were joined at the hip, and shared several organs including their circulatory and digestive systems. They were adopted by Mary Hilton, who began exhibiting them as ‘The Hilton Sisters’ when they were just three years old.

Daisy and Violet quickly became famous attractions in the sideshow circuit, and later on vaudeville (comedy) stages. They were trained in singing, dancing, and even playing musical instruments. They appeared in several films, including “Freaks” in 1932, which was a controversial movie that delved into the many particularities of living as a sideshow performer.

The sisters faced many challenges throughout their years, including financial exploitation by the bosses and a tumultuous love life. In the 1950s, they sued their managers and won back their earnings. They also had a failed attempt at a solo career, but audiences weren’t as interested in seeing them apart.

In 1961 Daisy and Violet retired from show business and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. They lived in a small house and worked at a grocery store. Their health eventually began to decline, and they both died of the Hong Kong flu within days of each other at the age of 60 in January 1969.

Ronnie and Donnie Galyon

Ronnie and Donnie Galyon were born on 28 October 1951, in Beavercreek, Ohio USA. The brothers were joined at the sternum to groin, and  also sharing a set of organs. They became circus exhibits in early childhood touring Latin America for many years, and with such as Coleman Shows among others,. In spite of their desires, they didn’t receive formal education because no school would accept them.

Their family was supported by their income as a sideshow attraction for many years, until in 1991 retiring from the entertainment industry, purchasing a house in Dayton, Ohio and living a fairly ordinary life with the help of twin wheelchairs.

Even after abandoning the limelight, the two still occasionally made appearances on television, including in “The Jerry Springer Show” in 1997, as well as a documentary film on the Discovery Channel a year later, and another documentary by Channel Five in 2009.

They eventually earned the title of the world’s oldest living pair of conjoined twins, keeping it until their deaths at the age of 68 on 4 July 2020, due to congestive heart failure.

Advertisement

Abby and Brittany Hensel

Abby and Brittany Hensel were born in Minnesota in 1990, and are perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of today. They are dicephalic twins, meaning they have two heads joined to one torso, with the rest of the body being that of a regular individual. Despite their unique condition, they have defied the odds and have lived a relatively normal life thus far.

The twins faced many challenges growing up, including learning to co-ordinate their movements and deal with the public’s curiosity about their condition. However, they were determined to overcome these obstacles and live their lives just like all other children. They hence went to school, participated in sports, and even learned to drive a car.

The sisters pursued a career in teaching after their college graduation, eventually earning a certificate for teaching elementary school. Their more-than-unique appearance is sure to at least attract everyone’s attention immediately, regardless of the age of their class, which surely must’ve helped in that line of work.

In 2012 they became arguably the most famous living conjoined twins after TLC did an eight-episode reality TV series on them, each of which lasted an hour. They also appeared in “Dateline NBC” in 1998, “Joined for Life” in 2003, and “Extraordinary People” in 2007.

Carmen and Lupita Andrade

Carmen and Lupita Andrade were born in 2000 in Veracruz, Mexico. The doctors’ prognosis at the time of their birth was three days of life at most. However, they defied all odds and continued to thrive, becoming nothing short of a medical miracle in their country. When they were old enough to travel, the family moved to Connecticut USA in search of better healthcare.

Despite being physically connected from their chest to their pelvis, where their spines connected, Carmen and Lupita lead separate lives. Interestingly, Lupita identifies as asexual and aromantic, while Carmen has been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Daniel, for over a year. They attend school, enjoy hobbies, and have even started their own YouTube channel, where they share their experiences with the world.

Their story has been documented in the TLC special entitled “Inseparable: Joined at Birth,” and the Channel 4 documentary “Two Sisters, One Body.” They have also appeared on several other content creators’ platforms, where they candidly answered questions about their daily life, dating and emotions.

The twins have faced a number of medical issues due to their condition, but modern medicine proved more than capable each time an intervention was necessary, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives. In early 2023 they’re fresh into adolescence and in peak health.

Advertisement

Krista and Tatiana Hogan

Krista and Tatiana Hogan were born on 25 October 2006, in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Unlike most other conjoined twins, these sisters are fused at the head and share a neural bridge that connects their brains. This makes them one of the rarest and most unique cases of conjoined twins in the world, identified as craniopagus twins, conjoined at the skull (cranium).

The twins have separate personalities, which is remarkable considering that they share a portion of their brain. Krista is more introverted and relaxed, while Tatiana is outgoing and high-strung. They are able to see and feel what the other twin is experiencing, which is due to the fact that they share a thalamus – the part of the brain that is responsible for relaying sensory information.

The Hogan sisters have received international media attention due to their almost fantasy-like mutual mind-reading capabilities. In 2011, The New York Times published a feature story on the twins, exploring the possibility of them sharing a mind. Their tale has also been featured in documentaries, including “Twin Life: Sharing Mind and Body” which aired on CBC in Canada.

Regardless of their unique condition, Krista and Tatiana are just like other children their age. They enjoy playing with their toys, riding their specially-built bicycle, and going down hills on toboggans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpXIYWcHtuK/

Ladan and Laleh Bijani

Ladan and Laleh Bijani were born on 17 January 1974, in Firouzabad, Iran. They captured the world’s attention in 2003 upon attempting to undergo a risky separation surgery. The twins had fused heads that had shared critical blood vessels, making the medical procedure an incredibly complex and uncertain.

The sisters accepted the risks and remained determined to undergo the surgery, which they believed would allow them to live independent lives. The procedure was ultimately performed in July 2003 in Singapore, involving a team of more than 28 world-renowned medical professionals from all over the planet.

Tragically, in spite of all of the preparation and expertise that was invested into the surgery, it proved to be too difficult, with both Ladan and Laleh dying on the operating table. The loss of the twins was a shock to many, and their story brought attention to the difficult ethical questions surrounding conjoined twin separations.

Ladan and Laleh’s story continues to be studied and discussed by medical professionals and ethicists today, keeping the door open for an eventual breakthrough that would potentially enable a majority of conjoined twins to opt for a safe separation procedure.

As the Managing Editor at The Legit, I direct a dynamic team dedicated to creating rich content that profiles the lives and accomplishments of influential figures. My commitment to detail and storytelling drives the production of biographies that truly engage our audience. I manage all aspects of the editorial process, from conducting thorough research to crafting vivid narratives, all while ensuring the accuracy and quality of our work. At The Legit, our goal is to offer our readers comprehensive profiles that provide deep insights into the realms of business, entertainment, and more. Through diligent research and engaging storytelling, we highlight the exceptional journeys and achievements of those who both inspire and intrigue us.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lists

Paul Teutul Sr’s Legal Battles and Financial Troubles

Published

on

For years, Paul Teutul Sr. graced the screens of motorcycle enthusiasts who followed his show religiously, watching him create custom bikes for fellow enthusiasts. Paul Teutul Sr. served in the Vietnam War as a member of the US Merchant Marine, and returned home from the war with a dream, which inspired him to start his first business, a fabrication shop in Orange County, New York State. That first business and his passion for bikes catapulted Paul to fame, after he earned several opportunities to build custom bikes on television, enter his creations in competitions, and earn awards for sharing his passion with the world. Unfortunately, financial troubles and a barrage of legal battles threatened Paul’s livelihood and ability to keep pursuing his passion. Here’s an update on all Paul Teutul Sr’s battles and problems.

“The Ride of a Lifetime”

In his memoir “The Ride of a Lifetime: Doing Business the Orange County Choppers Way,” Paul Sr. credits the positive turn in his life that brought him all the success he’s enjoyed to a promise he made to his wife. When Paul returned home from the Vietnam War, he fell into a drinking problem – at 35, he spent most of his time drinking, and would often wake up in strange places with no memory of how he got there. Naturally, his body was falling apart from over two decades of excessive drinking – he would often cough up blood, and knew that he had to stop drinking or he wouldn’t live long; he made a promise to his wife to sober up., which saved his life. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous, got sober, and started his fabrication business.

Advertisement

“Orange County Choppers”

Paul Sr. actually started his first business, “Orange County Ironworks,” long before he became sober. All he owned at the time was a welding machine and a pick-up truck he used for transport. In the mid-1980s, when Paul sobered up and started to recover from his alcoholism, the business began to expand. He opened a larger shop in Rock Tavern, New York, shortened his business name to “Orange County Iron,” and expanded his customer base exponentially over the next 15 years,. By 1998, Paul had acquired a 10,000-square-foot steel framed facility to supplement the 7,000-square-foot shop he’d been operating out of since 1986. After this expansion, Paul left it in the capable hands of his son, Dan Teutul, and moved on to pursue his passion for motorcycles.

Paul founded “Orange County Choppers” in 1999, capitalizing on his knowledge and extensive experience as a fabricator, his long-held passion for bikes, and the expertise of the engineers and designers he brought on board to create custom bikes. His passion and expertise as well as that of his team shone in his work, earning him a spot on the hit reality television series “American Chopper.” The company has withstood several legal battles seeking to use Paul’s shares to recover some of his debts. However, a quick review of the operations of “Orange County Choppers” reveals a thriving company, that sells branded gear such as t-shirts and hoodies, organizes, and has its bikes featured in events such as the upcoming “Show at the Shed” in May.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpicd6WukEa/

“American Chopper”

Four years after leaving his fabrication business to start “Orange County Choppers,” Paul’s decision to pursue his passion paid off, when he caught the attention of executives at Pilgrim Films & Television, and secured a spot for a show on the Discovery Channel. The first episode of “American Chopper” aired in March 2003, and over four years, Paul Teutul Sr., his son Paul Jr., and their team entertained their audience of bike enthusiasts with their antics, as they worked in their garage to build custom bikes, before their show was moved to TLC in 2007. Since its premiere, the show cultivated a niche among the Discovery Channel’s loyal audience base, gradually growing its own audience base that remained loyal, and stuck with Paul Sr. and his team when the show was moved to TLC, averaging over three million viewers per episode. Two years after its move to TLC, the show lost its spot despite the large viewership it had cultivated. Fortunately, fans and fellow bike enthusiasts didn’t wait long since TLC picked up the show again albeit with a twist in its premise since it pitted Paul Sr. against Paul Jr.

Advertisement

“Senior Vs Junior” and “The Last Ride”

One of the dynamics that defined “American Chopper” was constant disagreements between father and son. From the beginning, it became evident to the audience that despite sharing a passion for making custom bikes, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. had different approaches to their work,  which led to the infamous showdown of 2008; t he fight between the two had been brewing for a while.

One morning, Teutul Sr. was fed up with his son’s lateness to work, and expressed his anger over Junior’s tardiness, noting that Jr. had been making a lot of excuses lately, and adding that he wouldn’t let his son get away with it any longer. When Jr. eventually came to work, Paul Sr. confronted him for being forty-five minutes late, adding that he was tired of babysitting him. Jr. defended himself saying it didn’t matter what time he got to work, as long as all the work would get done at the end of the day. Besides, Jr. added, the business would collapse without his input. An angry Paul Sr. responded by firing his son.

Anyone who thought that Paul Jr’s termination from “Orange County Choppers” (OCC) would be the end of his infamous rivalry with his father was wrong. Paul Jr. opened a rival custom motorcycle business, capitalizing on the experience he’d gained after years of working with his father, the client base he’d cultivated, and the skills that had made him an invaluable member of OCC’s team.

Fans got to watch the rivalry between father and son play out on screen again, when TLC premiered “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior.” Four seasons later, the show ended with father and son standing proudly next to the bike they’d collaborated on building for a client. The feuding yet incredibly talented duo showed off its complementary skills again in 2020, when Paul Sr. and Jr. collaborated on another bike in a special entitled “American Chopper: The Last Ride.” 

Advertisement

Legal Battle: Father against Son

Paul Sr.’s rivalry with his son began on television and ended up in the courtroom. When Paul Sr. and Jr. started working together, they both had shares in “Orange County Choppers.” They had contract, including a clause that allowed Paul Sr. to buy out his son’s stock in the business, if Paul Jr. decided to leave the jointly-owned custom bike manufacturer. Paul Sr. decided to exercise his option after their infamous fight, but his son refused to part with the shares, prompting Paul Sr. to sue his son. According to court documents, Paul Sr. claimed that his son brought harm to their business by starting a competing business, and misappropriating business assets. Furthermore, Junior was unresponsive to any attempts by his father to value his shares and interests in the business, in preparation for the buyout. Paul Jr. won the lawsuit following the court’s decision that Paul Teutul Sr. couldn’t force his son to sell his shares in OCC.

Legal Battle: Fraud

Paul Sr. wound up in court again a few years later – this time on the other side of a court case. He’d been sued by another business partner, Thomas Derbyshire, for allegedly spending the capital the plaintiff had injected into OCC for personal expenses. According to Thomas, he invested $3 million into a spin-off entitled “Orange County Choppers: American Made” but Paul Sr. used the money to go on a fishing trip. Furthermore, Paul paid his son a significant amount of money from Derbyshire’s investment, and failed to consult Thomas before accepting sponsorships for the show. More people sued the veteran and bike enthusiast for similar cases of fraud, claiming that he misappropriated the millions of dollars they invested in a TV project, leading them to lose their investment.  

In addition to the lawsuits launched against him for fraud, Paul Sr. has been sued for copyright infringement, filed by a photographer who claimed that he’d taken and owned the copyright to a picture of Paul Sr., which the veteran used on his reality television show and on his merchandise. Finally, Paul Sr. is in trouble with the state of New York, for failing to pay state taxes amounting to $22,364.60. 

Advertisement

Bankruptcy

Financial woes have accompanied Paul’s legal troubles. Despite raking in millions in endorsements, sponsorships, income from his businesses, payment from TLC for his television programs, and the proceeds from the sale of branded merchandise, Paul Sr. has been buried in debt since 2018. He owed $1,070,893.44 to over 50 creditors, and was about to lose his home in Montgomery, New York. Paul responded to his financial crisis by filing for bankruptcy in 2018, hoping that the move would help him secure his assets.

Paul’s legal and financial woes stripped him of the fortune he had worked hard to acquire since he started his first fabrication business in the 70s. Fortunately, Paul isn’t afraid of starting over and rebuilding. He’s since moved to Florida, and relocated “Orange County Choppers” to the state from New York. In addition to the motorcycle business, he’s opened the “Orange County Choppers Roadhouse and Museum,” a restaurant he runs when he’s not building custom bikes, organizing competitions, and selling merchandise.

With Paul Teutul Sr., there’s never a dull moment!

Continue Reading

Lists

About Jessi Combs Death: Object That Caused Jessi Combs’ Jet Car to Crash at 550 mph

Published

on

On Tuesday, 27 August 2019, Jessi knew she would make history. She woke up in the morning, headed to the Alvord Desert with her partner, went through all the safety checks, recounted the safety protocols, got in the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger that had become her lucky charm after she drove it straight to her land-speed record, and strapped herself in, ready to drive her way into a Guinness World Record. However, fate had a different plan for Jessi’s life. Unknown to her, her partner, her crew, and her legion of fans around the world, Jessi’s ride across the desert would be her last. In a few moments, she would crash at the highest speed she had ever recorded, and her car would catch fire. Here is a look at the accident that cost motorsports enthusiasts one of their most promising legends, and the object that caused it.

The Rise of a Daredevil, Speed Racer, Speed Champion

Jessi Combs is a legend in the world of speed racing. Her journey to the top of the motorsports industry started with the dream of a little girl in Rapid City, South Dakota. Jessi was lucky to grow up in a family that loved to explore the outdoors, which introduced her to off-roading. From there, her passion for machines and speed was born, and she ecame fascinated with everything automotive. In addition, Jessi was a talented artist who loved to work and create things with her hands. She worked with every material she could find, but was particularly partial to metal and leather, two materials that complemented her passion for cars.

The drive, passion, and courage that emanated from Jessi during her racing events were a part of her character and personality since she was a child. They drove her to abandon a fully sponsored spot at a prestigious interior design school, to try her hand at snowboarding in Denver, Colorado, however, her heart wasn‘t in it, and before long, she was headed to Laramie, Wyoming to pursue her love for speed racing and passion for automotive machines. She enrolled at Wyotech, and took courses that aligned with her passion such as Chassis Fabrication, Trim and Upholstery, Collision and Refinishing, and Street Rod Fabrication. She topped her class, and graduated with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication.

Advertisement

With her degree, Jessi was ready to conquer the world of automotive fabrication. Her alma mater, Wyotech, showed its confidence in her skills and its Custom Automotive Fabrication program by hiring her to build a car with another student. Within six months, Jessi and fellow student Ben built and showcased their creation at a specialty equipment event in Las Vegas. The car was auctioned, and Jessi set off to make her place beyond Wyotech. The automotive and collision school recognizes her as one of its most successful students, and honored her contribution to the field of automotive fabrication with the “Jessi Combs Foundation Scholarship,” which is awarded to young women pursuing the trades and careers in other male-dominated industries.

Work and Television

Jessi ventured out on her own as soon as she completed her contract with Wyotech after her car was auctioned off for charity; she moved to California and opened a fabrication shop. Television executives soon came calling, drawn in by her skills, passion, and desire to bring more women into motorsports and automotive fabrication. She first appeared on television as a guest fabricator in “Overhaulin’”, before securing a permanent position as a co-host of Spike Tv’s “Xtreme 4×4.” She co-hosted over 90 episodes of the show over four years, building everything from small to large and complicated machines with co-host Ian Johnson, until a freak accident in 2007 led her to leave the show.

Advertisement

An accident involving machinery falling on her that fractured her spine and had her bedridden for months, didn’t dampen Jessi’s resolve to pursue her passion for speed racing, and building cars from scratch. As soon as she recovered from the accident and regained mobility, Jessi was back on television. Her appeal was largely based on her ability to pique her audience’s interest in the things she was building, her expertise, and the maintenance of her integrity in her craft. She made appearances on “Pirate 4X4,” “Bosch 125,” and “2 Guys Garage”, and was a regular in several shows on the Velocity Channel, including “All Girls Garage” and “The List: 1001 Car Things To Do Before You Die.” Jessi even graced fans’ television screens after her death, following the release of a documentary she’d been filming for years before her death.

Achievements

Jessi’s success in her career as a fabricator didn’t come close to the success she enjoyed as a performance driver and speed racer. She had always loved racing for fun, but didn’t venture into speed racing as a career until she trained as a performance driver for some of her television shows. After her training, she could drive anything with wheels, from monster trucks and rally cars to super speed cars and hot rods. As her experience and confidence as a driver grew, Jessi ventured into stunt driving, and started to enter professional racing events. At the height of her career, Jessi raced in the most difficult races and tracks. She became the first female driver to record a win in the Ultra4’s King of the Hammers in 2014, having already won the Baja 1000 and a National Championship.

Advertisement

Some of Jessi’s wins broke records and elevated her to a position she enjoyed as a role model for women in motorsports. For instance, in 2013, Jessi set the record for the Fastest Woman on Four Wheels when she reached 440mph and recorded an average speed of 398mph while driving the car that would kill her in six years. Two years later, she finished first in an all-women off-road drive across the Sahara Desert, and in the same year, Jessi became the first woman in history to compete in “The Race of Gentlemen”, and wrote a children’s book about a young girl who rode motorcycles. As an influential woman in a male-dominated industry, Jessi used all her wins as a platform to inspire girls and women to take their place in the trades and sports.

Fatal Accident

Jessi started her preparations for the most defining moment of her career years before she boarded the car that took her life, but helped her carve a place for herself in the Guinness Book of World Records, documenting the journey that would culminate with the historic moment when she would be crowned the fastest woman, after setting a new land-speed record. In addition to practicing and documenting her journey, Jessi had taken another important step. She’d visited Kitty O’Neil, the woman whose record she intended to break, to seek permission. Kitty was honored by the gesture, and passed on the torch to Jessi.

With years of training and experience, a car she knew well and had used to set another record in the past, and the blessing of her hero, Jessi was unstoppable. She set off across the Alvord Desert under the full view of the cameras. Everything seemed to be going well until one of her vehicle’s front wheels failed. At the time of the incident, she was cruising at 550mph, making it impossible for her to recover from the damaged front wheel. Within seconds, the vehicle crashed, Jessi hit her head against one of its surfaces, and the vehicle exploded in flames. Jessi was dead of blunt force trauma, before the vehicle caught on fire.

Advertisement

Further investigations showed that the wheel failure was not caused by mechanical problems in the vehicle. Rather, Jessi hit an object along her path, which led to the collapse of the front wheel assembly. The nature of the object has remained a mystery, but it lay along the dry lake bed in which Jessi drew her last breath. The speed racing legend died at 39, after breaking Kitty O’Neil’s record of 512 mph. In her death, the honor she chased in the last moments of her life was conferred upon Jessi Combs. She currently holds the record for the fastest land speed record (female) of 522.783 mph or 841.338 kph. Her name is enshrined in the Speed Racing Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading

Lists

What is “American Chopper” cast doing now 20 years after premiere?

Published

on

It’s been twenty full years since “American Chopper” first burst onto the scene, and changed the way we looked at motorcycles forever. We were captivated by the drama between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. Teutul, the main stars of the show, as they bickered their way through every episode. So, what happened after the show ended? Where did everyone go?

The cast of “American Chopper” has spread out over the last two decades, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped working on motorcycles. From custom-built machines to charitable works, the cast continue to churn out projects worthy of admiration. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what everyone’s up to now. In this article, we’ll dive into the world post- “American Chopper”—what each member of its original cast is up to now, and how it reflects back on their time on the show.

What is “American Chopper”?

If you’re a fan of the hit American reality TV show “American Chopper”, you’re no stranger to the drama between the Teutul family. The show has been capturing audiences around the world for over 20 years now, and with it, fans have come to love and sometimes hate the entire crew. The show premiered on Discovery Channel in 2003, introducing us to Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and Michael. The show follows their lives at Orange County Choppers, their custom bike shop in Rock Tavern, New York State, and documents the conflicts between father and his sons as they work together on over-the-top motorbike builds for celebrity customers, and create jaw-dropping bikes for various clients and contests.

Through it all, fans watched in awe as these skilled craftsmen crafted motorcycles from scratch and worked through their very real family issues—allthe  while making us laugh along with them! The series was shifted to TLC In December of 2007, with its first season premiering in January of 2008. In February of 2010, the channel cancelled the show, only for it to return as a spinoff “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior” that same year; it lasted two years before being cancelled as well. The original series was revived between 2018 and 2019, with a special entitled “American Chopper: The Last Ride” airing in August 2020. Now that it’s been 20 years since this show’s premiere, let’s take a look at what each member of the cast is up to today…

Advertisement

Paul Teutul Sr.

Paul Teutul Sr. may have been the star of “American Chopper”, but it looks like the man still has plenty of skills to show off. After the show ended in 2010, he founded Paul Sr. Designs, and continued to work in custom auto fabrication. In recent years, he’s even brought his sons onto the team – now, Paul Jr. Designs and Paul Sr. Designs exist under one roof. Paul Sr., known for his laid-back, affectionate leadership style, remains an iconic figure in the motorcycle industry, a motorcycle designer and fabricator, and co-owner of both Orange County Choppers and Paul Sr. Designs, the former based outside of New York City and the latter in Rock Tavern. As part of his work in the business, he still produces custom motorcycles for clients who come looking for his unique designs. In addition to his auto business, Paul Sr. also takes on special projects from time to time—such as being asked to transform a Boeing 737 fuselage into a fully functioning RV for tech-billionaire Elon Musk!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq_6iiOOeG_/

Unfortunately, Paul Sr. is no stranger to lawsuits, and has been involved in quite a few over the years. From suing his son, Paul Jr., to being sued by professional photographer Scott Gunnells, as well as business partner Thomas Derbyshire, to filing for bankruptcy, the family patriarch sure made headlines, albeit for the wrong reasons.

While he may be popular for his impressive bike customization, he’s almost as popular for his wide range of tattoos across his body. In 2019, he launched a product named ‘Tattseal’, a topical medicine derived from bioceuticals, which he claims to reduce pain and inflammation from tattoos. All in all, it looks like Paul’s life post the show has been full of interesting projects, that make the most of his talents and passion for automotive design.

Paul Teutul Jr.

Since his time on “American Chopper”, Paul Jr. has made a string of television appearances, including a stint on “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2009. He’s also starred in numerous other shows, such as “American Dad”, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, and “The Grand Tour”; in addition, he’s made several cameos in TV shows such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.

Paul Jr. also remains a successful entrepreneur in the motorcycle industry, although he no longer works with OCC or on his father’s business ventures. His current enterprise is his own custom fabrication shop called Paul Jr. Designs, which offers custom design services as well as produces a wide variety of accessories such as T-shirts and coffee cups for motorcyclists worldwide. He’s won many awards for his designs, and even created custom bikes for clients such as Jon Bon Jovi and Kid Rock. Moreover, he occasionally makes cameo appearances in other TV shows such as  “Counting Cars” and “Fast N’ Loud”, to showcase some of his pieces of work.

Advertisement

Paul is also an entrepreneur and launched a clothing line called Paul Jr Designs. He sells hats, T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories such as mugs with his branding. His website also includes detailed pictures of the custom motorcycles that we have seen him building in the show. In 2019, he partnered with Wayne Carini for Discovery Channel’s MotorTrend Network’s launch of “Chasing Classic Cars”– a weekly series showcasing cars and automotive industry experts.

At the end of 2019, Paul announced that he was taking some much-needed rest from public life to spend more time enjoying privacy with his family and friends. While it remains unclear how much more we will see from him in public, one thing is clear – Paul Teutul Jr. will always be remembered for his role in creating the iconic show “American Chopper”!

Mikey Teutul

When it comes to Mikey Teutul, the youngest son of Paul Teutul Sr., you might be wondering what’s he been up to since the show ended. After appearing on the show for several years, Mikey left in 2011, and a lot has changed in his life since then. Mikey is now a professional driver, and has appeared in several racing shows like MotorTrend’s “Fastest Car”, but his true passion lies with off-roadingThroughout this journey, he’s also found success as an Off-Road Champion and a professional race car driver. . He’s also expanded into creating custom off-road parts which are manufactured by his own company, MOX Offroad Gear.

It’s no secret that Mikey has always had a passion for customization, something that was evident during his time on “American Chopper”. Even before leaving the show, he was already working on his own projects, such as building mini-bikes and customizing cars. In 2016, he even launched two luxury electric bikes under the brand Epic Bikes, and attempted to raise funds for them through crowd-funding websites Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Mikey has certainly gone through many changes in the past few years ever since the show ended its glorious run—but it’s clear that his love of customization still remains strong!

Mikey is focusing on family these days, after his departure from Orange County Choppers in 2008. The younger son of Paul Sr, and big brother to Daniel seems to be living a quiet life away from any major business operations, with wife Veronica Sizemore-Teutul since 2013 according to public records. He continues to be an advocate for animal rescue organizations, and enjoys painting when he’s not working on cars and motorcycles

Advertisement

Christian Welter

Christian Welter played a supporting role as OCC’s foreman, fabricator and head mechanic in the series “American Chopper”, and 20 years later he’s now a successful entrepreneur. After his time on the show, Welter started his own metal fabrication shop – CW Fabrications—located near OCC. He works on custom motorcycles, sculpts and designs parts for them as well. He also runs a bike-building business called ‘CW Garage’, that builds show pieces from scratch, along with some uniquely designed limited edition collections. In the past decade or so, Welter has been an active member of the motorcycle community.

On top of that, Welter also owns C3 Powersports, a full-service powersports dealership offering rentals, sales, accessories and service for ATV’s, UTV’s and more. He’s also an accomplished steel sculptor, whose work has been featured in various cities across the country. Besides that, he chairs a motorcycle charity event every year, which benefits disabled veterans throughout the US and Canada, by providing them with appropriate transportation.

Vinnie DiMartino

While fans of the show were kept entertained by the almost-daily conflicts and bickering between father and his sons, one person truly stood out: Vinnie DiMartino. As the store’s mechanic and fabricator, Vinnie was usually seen keeping his head down and staying out of the conflicts. Fans knew him for his dedication to his craft, and his especially calm nature in the hectic workplace. In 2007, he ended his journey with both OCC and the show, deciding to move on with his own ventures.

He founded his own garage, VForceCustoms, citing, ‘…I really didn’t have any chance for advancement, and I had always wanted to have my own shop, so the natural progression was to leave and start my own place.’. He went on to run his store for five years, while working as a contractor for former castmate, Paul Jr. By 2013, DiMartino had sold all his bikes, replacing them with cars. He bought car-related inventory, before opening DiMartino Motorsports, primarily a truck and car repair company based in Walden, New York.

Advertisement

Where can you find the cast?

Despite the cast going their separate ways, quite fortunately fans can still catch a glimpse of their lives thanks to the wonders of modern technology. From social media to websites, there are a lot of ways for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike to see what the cast members of “American Chopper” have been up to. Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Mikey, Christian and Vinnie each have active social media accounts, with many on both Twitter and Instagram, a great way to stay up-to-date with their interests and activities. Plus, many post photos and videos from their time on the show—as well as more recent projects.

How much are they each worth?

The show’s cast has gone on to become some of the most recognizable names in the motorbike building industry. But have you ever wondered how much their celebrity status is worth?

  • Paul Teutul Sr, who founded Orange County Choppers in 1999, is worth an estimated $500,000 as of 2023. Despite his lengthy career and business ventures, recent bankruptcy and multiple lawsuits have seen his net worth dwindle considerably. He continues to work as a custom motorcycle designer and fabricator, often making appearances on television shows and commercials. He’s also branching out into other businesses related to custom motorcycling. and owns a line of merchandise.
  • Paul Teutul Jr., who co-founded Orange County Choppers, is estimated to be worth $10 million as of 2023. He went his own way after the family drama, created Paul Jr. Designs (now Paul Jr. Technologies), specializing in custom bike builds, as well as designing products for other companies such as Scion and Ford Motor Co.
  • Mikey Teutul has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2023. After leaving the family business in 2009, he started his own production company, Gas Monkey Garage. Mikey was also able to leverage his celebrity status by launching Gas Monkeys Clothing in 2017 which has become a popular brand throughout the US and Europe.

Summary

It is no surprise that the cast members of “American Chopper” have gone on to do great things, 20 years since the show premiered. While most have continued their passion for motorcycle design and fabrication, even launching their own custom bikes and apparel lines, others have opted for different ventures including cars, tattoos, lines of merchandise and clothing. Overall, this pioneering show helped create a brand-new industry that many people can enjoy today. Cast members have certainly made their mark in the world of custom motorcycles, inspiring new generations of bike builders with their unique vision and expertise.

Conclusion

All in all, the cast of “American Chopper” still remain some of the most popular faces in TV history. The show’s success has stood the test of time, and the cast’s ongoing commitment to their craft and passion continues to captivate viewers today. From their early days of building bikes together to their current projects, the cast sure have come a long way in the past two decades. They continue to inspire and entertain fans all over the world with their unique style and dedication to the show. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply curious about the cast, there’s no denying that the show has provided top-tier entertainment for many years.

Continue Reading

Recommended

Actors44 mins ago

About Cary Elwes (Stranger Things): Net Worth, Height, Wife, Bio

Contents1 Who is Cary Elwes?2 Education and early life3 Roles in movies4 Roles in TV series5 Other credits6 Awards and...

Celebrities45 mins ago

Lina Medina: How a Five-Year-Old Girl Became a Mother in 1939

Contents1 Who is Lina Medina?2 Family and pregnancy3 The boy’s father4 Lina’s career5 YouTube videos6 Love life and relationships7 Interesting...

Actors2 hours ago

What happened to Angus T. Jones? Controversial exit from “Two and a Half Men”

Contents1 Who is Angus T. Jones?2 Education and early life3 Roles in movies4 Roles in TV series5 Other credits6 Awards...

Lists3 hours ago

Paul Teutul Sr’s Legal Battles and Financial Troubles

For years, Paul Teutul Sr. graced the screens of motorcycle enthusiasts who followed his show religiously, watching him create custom...

Lists3 hours ago

About Jessi Combs Death: Object That Caused Jessi Combs’ Jet Car to Crash at 550 mph

On Tuesday, 27 August 2019, Jessi knew she would make history. She woke up in the morning, headed to the...

Lists6 hours ago

What is “American Chopper” cast doing now 20 years after premiere?

It’s been twenty full years since “American Chopper” first burst onto the scene, and changed the way we looked at...

Lists7 hours ago

What happened to Drew Pritchard from “Salvage Hunters”?

Drew is a Welsh television personality, architect, antique dealer and author, probably most popular for hosting Quest TV’s “Salvage Hunters”...

Lists7 hours ago

Who is Christine Brown’s new boyfriend David Woolley?

In November 2021, Christine Brown shocked “Sister Wives” fans when she announced her split from Kody Brown. The move threatened...

Lists7 hours ago

How Kody & Janelle’s Religion Handles Divorce

In 2022, “Sister Wives” ended a dramatic, emotionally charged, and thrilling 17th season in a cliffhanger over the status of...

Lists11 hours ago

Jersey Shore Stars Who Were Arrested

MTV’s well-known reality TV show, “Jersey Shore,” thrived on drama and conflict between the day it aired on 3 December...

Lists12 hours ago

10 Coolest Cars Owned By The Cast Of “Fast N’ Loud”

“Fast N’ Loud” is a well-known television show on Discovery Channel, that focuses on the lives of the employees of...

Lists12 hours ago

What is Jane Kilcher from “Alaska: The Last Frontier” doing now?

Jane is a well-known personality, most popular for appearing in the television show, “Alaska: The Last Frontier”, which airs on...

Trending