Lori and George Schappell: The Oldest Living Conjoined Twins
Lori and George Schappell, the oldest living conjoined twins, have sadly passed away at the age of 62. They were the subjects of several television documentaries and were even featured in an episode of the popular show “Nip/Tuck.” The twins, who had distinct brains but were joined at the skull, defied medical expectations throughout their lives, pursuing separate careers, interests, and relationships.
A Life Defying Expectations
Lori and George Schappell, born on September 18, 1961, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, were listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living conjoined twins. Despite doctors initially predicting they wouldn’t live past 30, the twins proved them wrong. They passed away on April 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, though the cause of death was not detailed.
Throughout their lives, Lori and George strived to live as independently as possible, despite their physical connection. George, who was 4 inches shorter and had spina bifida, relied on Lori to wheel him around on an adaptive wheeled stool. Both twins graduated from a public high school and took college classes. Lori worked in a hospital laundry while George accompanied her for six years, and later, Lori gave up her job so that George could pursue a country music career.
A Life in the Spotlight
Over the years, the Schappell twins appeared in numerous documentaries, talk shows, and even made a musical appearance in the Farrelly brothers’ comedy film “Stuck on You.” They also appeared in an episode of the medical drama “Nip/Tuck.” Despite their fame, the twins maintained their own residence and traveled extensively.
Lori was once engaged to be married, but tragically, her fiancé died in an automobile accident. During dates, George would bring books to read, highlighting their close bond and support for one another. In a 1997 ITV documentary, the twins discussed their different bathing schedules, emphasizing the importance of compromise and respect in their unique situation.
Conjoined Twins: A Rare Phenomenon
Conjoined twins occur in approximately one out of every 50,000 to 60,000 births when identical twins from a single embryo fail to separate. Most conjoined twins are stillborn, and only a small percentage are joined at the head like Lori and George. The majority are joined at the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Separation surgery is often risky and was deemed unnecessary for the Schappell twins.
In a 2002 interview, Lori Schappell expressed her belief that one should not interfere with what God has created, even if it means enjoying both children for a shorter time. Similarly, in the 1997 documentary, George strongly opposed the idea of separation, stating, “Why fix what is not broken?” Their perspective on their unique condition reflected their acceptance and contentment with their lives.
A Legacy and Private Services
With the passing of Lori and George Schappell, it remains unclear who will now hold the title of the oldest living conjoined twins. The oldest documented conjoined twins were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 68. Eng and Chang Bunker, the famous “Siamese Twins” from the 19th century, lived to be 63.
The Schappell twins are survived by their father and six siblings. Private services are planned to honor their lives and the unique bond they shared.
