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10 Most Famous Albino People

*Originally  Published by Diana K in  December 2022 and Updated  in  March 2024

According to NHS People with albinism have a reduced amount of melanin or no melanin at all. This can affect their colouring and their eyesight. People with albinism often have white or very light blonde hair, although some have brown or ginger hair. The exact colour depends on how much melanin the body produces. It is a fairly rare condition, with just one in 20,000 people worldwide suffering from albinism. Famous albino people include musicians, actors, and models. These people not letting their condition stop them from having a fantastic life. Most people with albinism live a normal life span. People with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome are at an increased risk of a shortened life span due to associated conditions. In Tanzania, scores of albinos have been murdered so that witchdoctors can use their skin and body parts to make potions they claim bring wealth and good fortune. There is not even a word for albino in the local Kiswahili language, instead, they are called 鈥渮eru,鈥� which means ghost. However, a number of real people with albinism have risen to fame, especially in popular music and fashion modelling. Albino animals capture the public imagination and wonder as zoo attractions and even in the wild can attract popular positive attention. Which is a good reminder that no matter what you look like, you can still your goals. International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is celebrated annually across the globe on June 13. Below is a list 10 most famous albino people.

 

1. Salif Keita

Salif Ke茂ta is a Malian singer-songwriter, referred to as the “Golden Voice of Africa”. He is a member of the Keita royal family of Mali. He was cast out by his parents due to his albinism, which was seen as bad luck. Turning to music as an outlet, Keita rose to be one of Mali’s biggest stars, bringing traditional African rhythms and instruments to a broader audience. He began playing with several bands but was eventually forced to flee his home of Mali in the 70s due to political unrest. Keita settled in the Ivory Coast with his group, Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux, slowly earning a reputation as a great live band.

He moved to Paris to kick start his solo career in the 80s and quickly became famous across Europe.  His music merges West African sounds with European and American influences. The lyrics of Keita鈥檚 songs often comment on social and political issues. He is also a noted supporter of the albino community, with his 2009 album La Diff茅rence dedicated to the struggles faced by albino people. Retiring from music in 2018, Keita now resides back in his birthplace of Mali. It easy to see what sets him apart from the rest, he’s an albino, one who began life as an outcast but refused to be kept down.

Click here for a list of famous soccer players from Mali.

2. Johnny Winter

Blues icon Johnny Winter was another famous albino person who made his mark in the world of music. Winter was known for his high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances in the late 1960s and 1970s. He also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues singer and guitarist Muddy Waters. A talented singer and guitarist, Winter recorded his first song at the age of 15. He would go on to release 19 studio albums and produce three Grammy Award-winning records for blues legend Muddy Waters.

Other accolades he received during his career included being the first musician to feature on the cover of Guitar World in 1980 and being the first non-African American to enter the Blues Hall of Fame in 1988. He was ranked as 74th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Johnny Winter, along with his brother Edgar Winter, were nurtured at an early age by their parents in musical pursuits. Both he and his brother, who were born with albinism, began performing at an early age. When he was ten years old, Winter appeared on a local children’s show, playing ukelele and singing Everly Brothers songs with his brother.

Famous people with OCD.

3. Connie Chiu

Connie Chiu is a fashion model and jazz musician known for being the world’s first fashion model with albinism. Chiu was born in British Hong Kong and grew up in Kowloon. The fourth child in a Chinese family, she is the only one born with albinism.

Connie Chiu is recognized as the first fashion model with albinism to make it big. Born in British Hong Kong, she moved with her family to Sweden when she was just seven. The reason being her sensitivity to the sun thanks to her condition.

Chiu got into modeling thanks to her sister. After sending a black and white photo to French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, Chiu soon found herself walking the catwalk at his autumn/winter show in 1994. As well as modeling, Chiu is a jazz musician who also studied journalism.

4. Thando Hopa

Thando Hopa is a South African model, activist, and lawyer. She is the first woman with albinism to be on the cover of Vogue. While working as a prosecutor, she was scouted by Gert-Johan Coetzee to work as a model. Hopa aims to portray albinism in a positive way and is an inspiration to all people with albinism. While working as a prosecutor, Hopa was spotted by fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee who wanted her to model his clothing. This led to a career in modelling, with Hopa becoming the first person with albinism to appear on the cover of Vogue.

She also features in the mini-series Troy: Fall of a City as the Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, nature and childbirth. Hopa has used her celebrity to help the albino community, raising awareness of the condition. As a black woman with albinism, she is using her platform to discuss inclusivity and prejudice and her thoughts on identity. She has spoken at many conferences and written a number of great articles about her experiences with albinism.

Famous short people.

5. Carlos Enrique Estremera Colon

Carlos Enrique Estremera Col贸n was a Puerto Rican Salsa singer who was a native of Santurce, Puerto Rico. Estremera was nicknamed “el ni帽o de oro” and later “el due帽o del soneo”, for his uncanny ability to improvise lyrics to Salsa music. Estremera, was albino, and billed as “El Cano.” His musical beginnings are associated with the traditional music of his country since as a percussionist he joined a legendary group of Plenas called “Los Pleneros del Quinto Olivo”.

At the age of 18, he joined the “Mulenze” orchestra, but his big break came in 1978 when he was invited to join the orchestra led by bassist Bobby Valent铆n. The first song he recorded with Valent铆n’s orchestra was La boda de ella, a song by Roberto Angler贸 that became a huge success and continues to be one of the most listened to in the vocalist’s repertoire and in salsa.

6.  Yellowman

Born Winston Foster, Yellowman is an accomplished Jamaican reggae and dancehall deejay. Also known as King Yellowman, the musician was massive in the 80s, releasing close to 30 albums and over 40 singles. It wasn鈥檛 until the mid-90s that he found international fame. He continues to create music and perform throughout the world and was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) by the Jamaican government in 2018.

His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles that he overcame and went on to be (at one time) the biggest reggae artist since Bob Marley.   After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellow went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes bodacious lyrics. His ability to ride rhythm and excite a crowd made Yellow an instant hit in Jamaica.

Most famous singers from Jamaica. 

7.   Govinda Rao Harishankar

Govinda Rao Harishankar, (India, June 10, 1958 in Chennai 鈥� February 11, 2002 in Chennai) was an Indian player of the kanjira, Khanjira or Khanjari, a tambourine-like frame drum used in the Carnatic music of South India. He is the only kanjira player to be awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest national recognition given to performing artists.

鈥淭he Sunflower鈥� is 17 min short film which revolves around the subject of albinism and how our society is apathetic and inhuman to persons with this skin condition. The film is made as a tribute to Govindarao Harishankar 鈥� The Khanjira-Drummer Legend, who was also Albino. This master of percussions named 鈥淜hanjira鈥� was honoured

Harishankar received his initial training under his father Govinda Rao. (The Malayalam film singer and classical vocalist Govinda Rao was a different person.) He later learnt under Ramanathapuram C. S. Murugabhoopathy and then under Palghat Mani Iyer. He was a staff artist of the All India Radio, Chennai.

8. Hermeto Pascoal

Hermeto Pascoal is one of the most instantly recognizable musicians in the world. He was born in 1936 in Lagoa da Canoa, a small town in northeastern Brazil, and began playing his father鈥檚 accordion as a child. In the mid-鈥�60s, having moved to the piano, he formed the short-lived Sambrasa Trio with drummer Airto Moreira and bassist Humberto Clayber. He learned the accordion from his father and practised for hours indoors, as, being albino, he was incapable of working in the countryside with the rest of his family

His work is rooted in traditional Brazilian music, and even the sounds of nature, but is extremely progressive and often built around complex orchestrations, winding melodies, state-of-the-art studio production and improvisation. Between 1996 and 1997, Pascoal worked on a book project called Calend谩rio do Som, which contains a song for every day of the year, including February 29, so that everyone would have a song for their birthday.

Famous Brazilian people.

9. Shaun Ross

Shaun Ross is an American model, recording artist, and actor. He is known for his work in the fashion world as the first professional male model with the congenital disorder albinism. The New York native had a tough upbringing, being bullied by his peers for the colouration of his skin. This didn鈥檛 deter Ross from chasing his dreams though, with the American training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) for five years. During this time he was discovered on YouTube and signed by AMCK Models London. While he has modelled for some of the big fashion designers, Ross also has a passion for music, he released his first album, SHIFT, in 2021, and continues to pursue a successful career in the entertainment industry.

10. Victor Varnado

Victor Varnado is an American stand-up comedian and actor who was born legally blind due to his albinism. He grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and later moved to Minneapolis. His condition hasn鈥檛 stopped him from making a name for himself in the entertainment business. Varnado鈥檚 big break came when he starred in the music video for Elton John鈥檚 Recover Your Soul. This led to parts in other films along with Varnado forming his own production company.

Varnado’s career in acting began with his roles in various films like End of Days (1999), the drama Julien Donkey-Boy (1999) with Ewen Bremner and The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002). He also appeared in the comedy A Guy Thing (2003) with Jason Lee.

While he hasn鈥檛 acted as much in the past decade, Varnado has established himself as a successful comedian. He is a member of Chicago City Limits, New York鈥檚 longest-running comedy improv theatre company and is truly one of the most famous albino people in the world

 

Top 20 Facts about Albinism

1.  Albinism is a Genetic Condition

Albinism is a rare genetic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour. People with albinism inherit one or more mutated genes from their parents. These mutations prevent the body from making enough tyrosinase 鈥� an enzyme needed to produce melanin. It protects the skin from ultraviolet light coming from the sun.

As a result, people with albinism tend to have very pale skin and hair. Their eyes also appear light blue, pink or reddish as there is little pigment in the iris or retina. Without melanin acting as a protective barrier in the eyes, vision problems occur. People with albinism are also at higher risk for sun damage and skin cancer. Approximately 1 in 20,000 people have some form of albinism.

2. Involuntary Eye Movements in Albinism

 

Nystagmus is a leading vision issue among those with albinism. It involves fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes. These oscillations may occur side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion. Nystagmus typically develops in infancy and continues throughout life. The involuntary flicking reduces visual clarity and it can鈥檛 be completely corrected with glasses or contacts.

However, treatments like vision therapy and surgery may help minimize head turns and improve sight. Additionally, cataract surgery provides vision improvement in older adults. Recognizing and properly addressing nystagmus is key for people with albinism. 

3.  There are 2 Main Types of Albinism

The two main types of albinism are ocular albinism and oculocutaneous albinism. In ocular albinism, lack of pigment mainly occurs in the coloured part of the eye. As a result, vision problems like involuntary eye movements, far-sightedness and sensitivity to light occur. However, the skin and hair may appear similar to non-albino family members. Meanwhile, those with oculocutaneous albinism lack melanin in their eyes, skin and hair. Both types involve little melanin production, but ocular albinism typically causes fewer vision issues.

4.  The Effects of Albinism Vary 

While all people with albinism lack melanin, the specific effects can vary. Some have albinism just in their eyes while others lack skin and hair pigment too. The amount of pigment present determines hair and skin tone. Levels as low as 10% still lead to fairer complexions. Also, African Americans tend to retain a bit more pigment. The effects range from white and silvery locks, and very light complexions to slight coloration. Regardless, all individuals require extra sun protection and vision support. Understanding the variety in symptoms helps destigmatize this lifelong condition.

5. There are other Vision Challenges Associated with Albinism

Vision impairment is very common in people with albinism, occurring in up to 95% of cases. Other vision challenges include crossed or lazy eyes (strabismus), far-sightedness, and extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia). Additionally, the nerves connecting the eyes and brain often develop abnormally.

With low vision at birth, the brain never learns to see normally. While symptoms vary, almost all individuals with albinism require some form of vision correction. Understanding common visual deficits helps ensure proper eye care and treatment from an early age.

6.  It Runs in Families

Albinism is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that both parents must carry the mutated albinism gene and pass it on for a child to have the condition. The gene mutations that lead to albinism are passed down from parents who often don鈥檛 have albinism themselves. If one parent has albinism and the other doesn鈥檛, their children won鈥檛 have the condition but they will be carriers. Two carriers have a 1 in 4 chance of having a baby with albinism with each pregnancy. It鈥檚 a common misconception that albinism only affects people from certain ethnic backgrounds. People of all races and ethnicities can carry the genes for albinism.

7.  Albinos are Sensitive to Infrared Waves

Recent research indicates some individuals with albinism have increased infrared light sensitivity. Infrared falls just outside the visual colour spectrum. While normal vision can鈥檛 detect infrared, many people with albinism show brain response to it. This effect likely links to changes in their visual system and optics due to lack of iris pigment. Additionally, their eyes may transmit infrared waves they can鈥檛 block or absorb. With heightened infrared perception, they experience visual stimuli most don鈥檛. More work is needed to understand this special sensitivity and how to utilize it. 

8. Albinism is not Contagious

Albinism is not an infectious disease or contagious condition whatsoever. Unlike illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, albinism stems from genetic mutations inherited at conception rather than any external pathogenic exposure. Specifically, it results when a child inherits two copies of a defective gene involved in melanin production from their parents. This means albinism cannot spread through any type of contact, shared use of objects or proximity between individuals.

Rest assured, activities like hugging, holding hands, coughing and sneezing pose zero risk of transmitting albinism from one person to another. Furthermore, receiving a blood transfusion or organ donation from someone with albinism does not cause recipients to develop the condition. Since non-contagious disorders aren’t acquired from others, one should feel comfortable interacting with people who have albinism without concern.

9. Albinos are at a High Risk of Skin Cancer

Because melanin pigment normally absorbs ultraviolet radiation, deficient levels leave people with albinism prone to sun damage. Even minimal sun exposure can lead to painful burns. And without protection from UV rays, their risk of developing skin cancer is incredibly high. In fact, individuals with albinism have over a thousand-fold increased risk of cutaneous melanoma.

This deadly skin cancer also develops earlier and is more invasive. Sadly, many die from cancer before age 50. However, practising consistent sun protection helps lower the chances of malignancies. Regular dermatology screening is essential as well. Preventative measures are vital for health and longevity.

10.  With Albinism Regular Eye Care is Necessary

Due to high rates of visual deficits, people with albinism require ongoing ophthalmic monitoring and treatment. Frequent eye exams allow early detection of issues like refractive errors, involuntary eye movements and amblyopia. They also facilitate prompt intervention when needed. Additionally, regular screening enables assessment of existing and new eye problems that may develop over time. An ophthalmologist can provide glasses and magnification tools to maximize sight as well. Making comprehensive eye care a priority empowers those with albinism to preserve vision and function. Overall, proactive examinations and care are paramount for their well-being.

11.  Its more Prevalent in Africa

 

While rare overall, rates of albinism are elevated in certain world regions, especially across parts of Africa. For example, prevalence has been reported to be as high as 1 in 1,400 people in Tanzania and 1 in 8,500 among the Black South African population. Researchers believe repeated intermarriage in small, isolated communities drives numbers up in some groups.

Outside Africa, albinism affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people on average. However, cases can occur among all ethnic backgrounds when two carriers of recessive albino genes reproduce. Regardless of heritage, individuals deserve equal compassion and opportunity to thrive in society.

12.  Albinism Stigma Rooted in Misconceptions

Unfortunately, people with albinism suffer profound stigma and discrimination in various nations. Myths fuel fallacies like their condition results from a curse or punishment for ancestor’s sins. Such superstitions trigger shocking abuses, extending to kidnapping and murder to harvest albino body parts for magical potions.

However, advocacy groups across Africa have made strides in dispelling myths and protecting those with albinism. They emphasize it as a manageable genetic condition and push for the fundamental human rights of affected groups. With more education and empowerment, the tide continues shifting to acceptance.

13. Albinism Impacts the Development of the Iris

The coloured part of the eye, known as the iris, fails to fully develop in those with albinism. The iris lacks sufficient melanin during embryonic growth. This deficiency stems from genetic mutations that disrupt melanin synthesis. Specifically, the pigment cells fail to appropriately migrate and distribute across the iris area due to these changes.

As a result, the iris stays completely or partially unpigmented, leading to very light eye colours. However, the retinal vasculature forms normally. So, while vision is impacted, the inner structures supporting the retina itself remain intact. Understanding the effects on iris formation spotlights the developmental underpinnings of albinism. 

14.  Albinos Experience Challenges in Sunlight

Due to photophobia and the absence of protective melanin, individuals with albinism face considerable challenges related to sunlight exposure. Even brief time outdoors on bright days causes discomfort and sometimes pain in their eyes. Without pigment to absorb UV radiation, their skin is highly vulnerable to burns and subsequent cancer risk.

Therefore, safe sun practices are paramount for their well-being. Minimum precautions involve always wearing sunglasses, wide-brim hats and sun protective clothing along with SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed areas when outside. Additionally, avoiding prolonged exposure during peak sun hours is best. With proper safeguards, outdoor activity can still be enjoyed.

15.  Genetic Testing can Confirm presence of Albinism Genetic

Molecular genetic analyses serve an important diagnostic role for albinism given the heterogeneity in possible genotypes and phenotypes. Tests identify disease-causing mutations in specific genes like TYR, OCA2, TYRP1 and SLC45A2 among others. These analyses provide definitive confirmation of the presence of albinism. They also allow classification of the specific type of albinism based on the gene involved. Additionally, results can guide genetic counselling for affected families regarding recurrence risk. Ongoing advances in DNA-based testing fuels improved genetic literacy in this community.

16. Albinism Awareness is Aimed to Dispel Myths

People with albinism continue pushing for broad public awareness to transform outdated mindsets and improve inclusion. Many deal with stares in public, mocking and exclusion rooted in the stigma around their condition. Furthermore, life-threatening persecution persists in various nations. However, impactful advocacy groups have emerged to protect rights and elevate respect in these communities.

These organizations educate on the genetic factors at play, bring attention to injustices and campaign for accommodating policies related to sun protection in schools and workplaces. They also fund meaningful research projects to better support those living with albinism. Awareness remains key for true change.

17.  Did you know there are Albino Animals in Nature? ..

Albinism manifests not only in humans but also across species in the animal kingdom. For example, albino alligators and deer suffer the same lack of protective skin pigment. Bright white fur occurs in albino rabbits, squirrels and gorillas. Pale or golden feathering appears in albino peacocks and eagles. Many albino animals face rejection by their normal pigmented counterparts.

Additionally, their visibility against backgrounds puts them at higher risk of predation in natural environments. Zoos sometimes intentionally breed select albino animals as novel attractions. At conservation centers, staff can dedicate resources to protecting these visually impaired creatures. 

18.  鈥�..and Albino Plants (albiflora) Too!

While often discussed in animals and humans, albinism can affect plants as well. Botanical albinism manifests when a plant fails to produce normal levels of chlorophyll pigments. Chlorophyll gives plants their quintessential green colouring and facilitates photosynthesis to convert light into energy. In albino plants, mutations within genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis pathways result in white, yellow or pale foliage depending on the extent of their deficit.

With their limited photosynthetic abilities, albino plants grow weaker than normal green specimens. They also tend to wilt faster in hot weather. However, plant breeders intentionally cultivate albino variants as novelty floral decorations. Understanding albinism in nature involves appreciating its manifestations beyond the animal kingdom. 

19.  One Twin Albino, the Other Not

 

There are confirmed cases of albinism presenting in just one member of a set of twins. This pigmentation discordance stems from certain albinism gene mutations only transmitting to one embryo rather than both. Specifically, if only one twin inherits two defective copies of the gene, that child will have albinism while the other appears normally pigmented.

Even identical twins with matching DNA can demonstrate this variable inheritance pattern. It relates to when key mutations arise during early cell divisions right after fertilization. Such instances fascinate geneticists and spotlight the complex developmental processes underlying traits like albinism. They also exemplify how a family’s experience with albinism can vary greatly.

20.  In some Cultures, Albinos are Believed to Possess Special Powers

Across numerous traditional communities, people with albinism endure a complex mix of stigma and exaltation. Folklore in various nations associates extraordinary powers like psychic visions, healing abilities and magic control with albinism. Sadly, the propagation of such mythology fuels harmful witchcraft rituals targeting those with albinism to harvest their body parts.

However, in stark contrast, some African tribes viewed people with albinism as godly beings. Nigerian groups like the Yoruba traditionally regarded albinos as reincarnations of deities. Such veneration provides notable counterpoints to the persistent discrimination people with albinism face globally. Understanding cultural beliefs around albinism provides crucial insight.

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Albinism is a complex genetic condition that affects individuals and families around the globe. While negative stigma persists in certain regions, advocacy continues moving the needle towards acceptance and empowerment. At its core, albinism results from inherited gene mutations that disrupt the melanin pigment pathway, leading to vision impairment and cancer risks. However, with supportive treatment, personalised adjustments and community backing, those with albinism can enjoy full, rewarding lives. Continued research and education will further progress public understanding of this lifelong condition.