Adoption is far more common than you think it is. Children are separated from their biological parents every single day for numerous reasons — choice, death, relationship circumstances and even strange laws. Public figures are certainly no exception.
Whether it be Marilyn Monroe, Nicole Richie, Bill Clinton or Jesse Jackson, we've compiled a list of 20 celebrities you probably didn't know were adopted. (We know we didn't!)
Nicole Richie
Nicole was raised by family friend Lionel Richie from a very young age and he legally adopted her at 9 years old. Who knew?
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was given up and adopted at birth. We wonder if his parents knew how successful he would be…
Marilyn Monroe
Before becoming Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jean Baker grew up with various family members and even lived in foster homes.
John Lennon
Lennon was raised by his aunt and uncle after his father's military desertion.
Jamie Foxx
Foxx was adopted at 7 months old by his grandmother after his parents split up.
Bill Clinton
Clinton was raised by his grandparents after his father died, and he eventually took his stepfather's name.
Simone Biles
The gymnastics star is currently being raised by her grandparents.
Nancy Reagan
The former First Lady was raised by her aunt and uncle and was later adopted by her stepfather.
Trace Cyrus
The Metro Station singer's real mom might be Tish Cyrus, but he was formally adopted into the Cyrus fam by Billy Ray Cyrus at the age of 4.
Nelson Mandela
Mandela was raised by a tribe chief after his father died at 9 years old.
Sarah McLachlan
The woman behind those depressing dog commercials was given up and adopted at birth.
Babe Ruth
Before Ruth became a baseball star, he was raised in several orphanages.
Snooki
The Jersey Shore alum was adopted at 6 months old!
Faith Hill
Hill was given up shortly after being born and ended up being adopted right away.
Ray Liotta
The Goodfellas actor might seem Italian, but he's actually Scottish! His adoptive parents, on the other hand, were as Italian as it gets.
Malcolm X
The human rights activist grew up in an orphanage following his father's death and his mother's mental breakdown.
Lance Armstrong
Armstrong was adopted by his stepfather at age 3.
Debbie Harry
The Blondie front woman was given up at 3 months old and adopted shortly after.
Ice-T
Ice-T was raised by his aunts after his parents died.
Andy Dick
The controversial comedian was adopted at birth.
