One orphan we all know and love is Little Orphan Annie, a famous cartoon character and movie named for her. She was the cute little curly haired girl with the optimistic attitude that could belt out ‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow”. But are there any real people who were orphaned and became famous? Plenty! Despite less than ideal beginnings, plenty of orphans have went on to become famous adults. Perhaps they were the ones that had real life attitudes like Little Orphan Annie.
The first leader of the Israeli people was an orphan, Moses.
One of the Founding Fathers of The United States was an orphan, Alexander Hamilton.
The 31st President of The United States was an orphan, Herbert Hoover.
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, was an orphan.
Often quoted and much beloved poems were written by an orphan named Edgar Allen Poe.
One of the greatest inventors of all time was an orphan, George Washington Carver.
Musician and composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was an orphan.
A man considered to be one of the greatest writers of all time was an orphan, Leo Tolstoy.
The microwave oven that sits in almost every kitchen was invented by an orphan, Percy Spencer.
We have been entertained by orphans, blues singer Bessie Smith and actress Ingrid Bergman. Ice-T, famous for his gansta rap and controversial lyrics, was orphaned.
The list goes on of famous orphans, who grew up to become athletes, politicians, actors, playwrights and TV producers. There are other famous people who spent part of their childhood years in orphanages due to their parents inability to care for them.
What does this tell us? That no one’s life is disposable or invaluable, and that no matter what environment a person comes from, they can rise above humble beginnings and become major contributors to society.
There are things we can do to help an orphan child become all he/she can be in this life. Adopt an orphan, become a foster parent, join the Big Brothers or Big Sister agency, give donations to orphanages, etc.
If you are unable to give of your time or money towards an orphan, there is something we all can do for children, orphaned or not, and that’s give them a hug and a word of encouragement. We never know who that child will grow up to be, maybe with a little positive influence from us, the child might grow up to be famous.
Source:
http://orphan.childrenshope.net/Famous-Orphans.195.0.html
