Introduction to the Three Identical Triplets
The question of what happened to the three identical triplets refers to a groundbreaking adoption and reunion story involving three brothers separated at birth and raised in different socioeconomic environments. Their paths converged in adolescence, revealing striking similarities in personality, interests, and life outcomes despite different upbringings. This evergreen explainer outlines who the triplets were, how the study and adoption occurred, key milestones in their lives, the public and scientific response, and their current status as documented by verified sources.
The Background: The Triplets and the Study
In 1961, psychiatrist Peter B. Neubauer began a longitudinal study of child development and separation among twins and triplets. The subjects were three infant brothers born in 1966 to a single mother who were placed separately for adoption: Edward ‘Eddy’ Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran. The study aimed to examine the nature versus nurture debate by placing the genetically identical siblings into three distinct households—one affluent, one working class, and one working class with a different dynamic. The arrangement was conducted without informed consent by modern ethical standards, and records were sealed.
Key Identifiers and Early Patterns
- Birth year: 1966
- Names at adoption: Edward Galland, David Kellman, Robert Shafran
- Birth mother: Unnamed single mother who placed all three for adoption
- Adoption settings: Affluent white-collar family; working-class Catholic family; working-class family with foster care components
- Study type: Covert longitudinal study under Peter B. Neubauer, with records sealed
The Reunion and Public Discovery
The story reached a pivotal point in 1980 when, as teenagers, Robert Shafran inadvertently met David Kellman and then discovered Edward Galland, realizing they were identical triplets who had been separated. Their reunion triggered media attention and a search for their biological mother and history. Eventually, Peter Neubauer and his assistant, Joan Alterman, revealed the study’s existence under sealed records, making the case one of the most famous separated-identity stories in psychology and media.
Media and Public Response
The documentary film Three Identical Strangers (2018) brought the story to global audiences, dramatizing the reunion and sparking debates about ethics in psychological research. Books and articles followed, analyzing the triplets’ lives, mental health outcomes, and the moral implications of the concealed study. Public fascination centered on questions of identity, genetics, and the roles of parenting and environment.
Where Are They Now: Establishing the Current Status
As of the most recent verifiable information, the three men have acknowledged the complex legacy of their upbringing and the study. They have participated in interviews and panels, advocated for informed consent in research, and maintained a public presence reflecting on their experience. While personal details such as career choices and private life remain limited in reliable public records, their case continues to influence discussions in psychology, ethics, and adoption policy.
Current Activities and Public Engagement
- Participation in documentaries, podcasts, and academic panels on research ethics
- Advocacy for stronger protections for adoptees and research participants
- Selective media appearances focused on lessons learned rather than personal storytelling
- Support for updated laws governing sealed adoption and research records
Verified Milestones and Timeline
A concise factual overview of key dates and events for the triplets provides a reliable backbone for understanding their history. The following table summarizes verifiable milestones covered by reputable sources to date.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1966 | Birth records and documentary corroboration |
| Separation | Infancy; placed with three separate adoptive families | Adoption and study documentation (sealed) |
| Study Lead | Peter B. Neubauer | Psychiatric and academic records |
| Reunion | 1980, initiated by Robert Shafran recognizing David Kellman | Media reports and documentary interviews |
| Public Documentary | Three Identical Strangers released 2018 | Film credits and festival records |
| Advocacy Focus | Research ethics and adoption record access | Interviews and panel statements |
Ethical and Scientific Implications
The triplets’ case underscores unresolved tensions in developmental psychology and research ethics. While the study yielded data suggesting genetic influence on intelligence and temperament, its lack of transparency and consent has led to widespread criticism. Modern guidelines emphasize informed consent, transparency, and the right to access one’s records, partly in response to high-profile cases like this one. Their experience is frequently cited in discussions around reforming institutional review processes.
Lessons Identified by Experts
- Importance of informed consent in longitudinal research
- Need for independent oversight and ethical review
- Recognition of participants’ rights to their personal history
- Impact of early environment on identity and mental well-being
- Balance between scientific value and individual autonomy
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
The legacy of the three identical triplets extends beyond their personal story. It has reshaped conversations about adoption, identity, and the ethics of hidden research. Policy advocates and scholars reference their case when proposing changes to record access laws and research participant protections. While the men have largely preserved privacy regarding their adult lives, their collective influence on science, law, and public understanding remains significant and continues to evolve.
Questions about what happened to the three identical triplets are best answered by recognizing their journey as a catalyst for systemic change, where three individuals unknowingly helped establish more ethical standards for future research and adoption practices.