A conjoined twin who defied medical expectations revealed he hid his true gender identity from his sister for years.
Lori and George Schappell, born in Pennsylvania in 1961, were craniopagus twins, sharing 30% of their brains with partially fused skulls. Doctors initially believed they wouldn’t live past 30, but the siblings passed away in April 2024 at the age of 62, setting a Guinness World Record as the oldest living conjoined twins.
Despite medical advancements making separation theoretically possible, the twins chose to remain together, living independently in a two-bedroom apartment. Lori pursued a career in the healthcare industry, while George became a successful country singer.
However, George harbored a lifelong secret—he was assigned female at birth and came out as a transgender man in 2007. Speaking to The Sun in 2011, he revealed, “I always knew I should have been a boy. I kept my desire to transition hidden, even from Lori, for many years.”
Originally named Dori, he later changed his name to George, having previously used “Reba” in honor of his idol, Reba McEntire. Though he never underwent gender-affirming surgery, he lived fully as a man.
Lori admitted she was initially shocked by the revelation but fully supported her brother’s decision, calling it “a huge moment” and affirming that “nothing could break our strong team.”
George remained single throughout his life, while Lori had relationships and was once engaged—though tragically, her fiancé passed away before they could marry.
The siblings made several media appearances, including on Jerry Springer, The Maury Povich Show, and The Howard Stern Radio Show. In a 1997 documentary, when asked if they ever considered separation, George firmly responded, “Why fix what isn’t broken?”
Their remarkable bond and unique journey left an indelible mark on medical history and public perception of conjoined twins.