Sad to hear that Lori and George* Schappell – the world’s oldest living conjoined twins – have died in America aged 62.
Our paths crossed twice. First in 2002 when they featured in a two part Channel Four programme “Joined: The Secret Life of Siamese Twins” produced by ACM Training‘s sister company ACP Television. Then, a few years later, in Still Joined, a documentary for BBC Radio 4 produced by Richard Uridge.
Despite being joined at the skull they were both determinedly individual: George as a country singer; Lori as ten pin bowler. Filming them at their home in Reading, Pennsylvania, was a fascinating priviledge. You can listen to the full radio documentary below this short television clip.
Here’s Still Joined which was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and was recorded before George* had transitioned and was called Reba.
*George was named Dori at birth. She changed her name to Reba in honour of her country music hero Reba McEntire and transitioned in 2007.