Lori and George Schappell, the world’s oldest living conjoined twins, passed away on April 7th, but the cause of their death remains undisclosed. Born in Pennsylvania on September 18, 1961, the twins were 62 years and 202 days old at the time of their death. They held the record for the oldest living conjoined twins, as recognized by the Guinness World Records website. Prior to George coming out as transgender in 2007, they also held the record for the oldest female conjoined twins. After George’s revelation, they became the first set of same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders.
The Schappell twins were craniopagus twins, meaning their skulls were partially fused, and they shared vital blood vessels and 30% of their brains. This rare form of conjoined twinning only represents 2-6% of cases. They were conjoined by the forehead, facing in opposite directions, and were unable to see each other. Surgeries to separate twins like themselves were not possible during their birth, although they maintained that they never desired to be separated. Lori Schappell expressed her belief that separation would be interfering with God’s work.
Despite their physical connection, the twins led very different lives. Lori was able to walk, whereas George, four inches shorter, had spina bifida and could not walk on his own. Lori pushed George around on a movable stool wherever they went. George worked as a country singer, booking gigs both in the US and overseas, while Lori earned a college degree and worked in a hospital, handling medical instruments as George quietly read a book. Together, they found creative ways to accommodate each other, embodying the idea that compromise leads to happiness.
The siblings spent the first 24 years of their lives in an institution for mentally disabled individuals, a decision made by their “frightened and confused parents.” They were only able to leave after the efforts of former Pennsylvania governor Richard Thornburgh’s wife proved to state officials that they did not have intellectual disabilities. The twins eventually moved into a high-rise apartment for the elderly in Reading, Pennsylvania, where they resided independently. They appeared in various documentaries, talk shows, and even acted in a 2004 episode of “Nip/Tuck” as fictional conjoined twins.
George’s gender transition in 2007 led the twins to become the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders, adding another layer to their already unique story. They were able to embrace their individuality while maintaining their close bond. Their story inspired many and shed light on the importance of compromise in relationships. The Schappell twins’ legacy lives on, as they continue to be remembered for their resilience, creativity, and unwavering connection in the face of adversity.
