The environment in which a child is raised plays a vital role in the development of that child’s future behavior.  A supportive and loving home, whether provided by birth or adoptive parents helps to shape a child into a responsible and caring citizen.  There are many examples of individuals being adopted as children who go on to be very successful in a wide range of fields.  Whether they become Hollywood actors, CEOs of major corporations, or well-known politicians, they all have similar beginnings of being raised by adoptive parents.  Oftentimes, they also stay connected to their past through starting foundations for adoption of children, touring the world speaking about children’s rights, or other issues close to their hearts. Below are some brief biographies of famous adopted individuals.

Charlotte Ayanna (Former Miss Teen USA/Actress/Author)
Michael Bay(American film director) 
Layne Beachley (Australian sportswoman)
Kitty and Peter Carruthers (Former Olympic Figure Skaters)
Lynnette Cole (Miss USA 2000)
Faith Daniels (Anchorwoman)
Tommy Davidson (Actor/Comedian)
Larry Ellison (CEO)
Clarissa Pinkola Estes (Pscyhoanalyst/Author)
Antwone Fisher (Screenwriter/Poet)
Jamie Foxx (Actor/Musician)
Olive Fremstad (Swedish-American singer)
Lennie James(African Caribbean-British actor and playwright)
Steve Jobs (Apple, CEO)
Kiri Te Kanawa (Soprano)
Lee Majors (Actor)
Moses (Biblical Hebrew religious leader and prophet)
Dan O’Brien (Athlete)
Jim Palmer (Former Major League baseball player)
Carl Hancock Rux (Performer)
Buffy Sainte-Marie (Academy Award-winning Canadian First Nations musician, composer, visual artist)
Paull Shin (Senator)
Marlon Shirley (Olympic Track & Field Medalist)
Jett Williams (Singer)