Mary Ann Bevan: The Tragic Tale of the ‘Ugliest Woman in the World’
Mary Ann Bevan, once a beautiful English woman, was tragically forced into the world of sideshows and circuses in the early 20th century after being diagnosed with acromegaly, a rare and disfiguring condition. Known cruelly as the “Ugliest Woman in the World,” Bevan performed in various carnivals and events to provide for her family.
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Born in the suburbs of London in the late 19th century, Mary Ann Bevan (née Webster) had a normal upbringing and initially appeared no different from any other young woman. She pursued a career in nursing and married a farmer named Thomas Bevan in 1903. The couple had two sons and two daughters, starting their family life on a promising note.
However, after Thomas’s untimely death in 1914, Mary Ann’s life took a drastic turn. She began to show symptoms of acromegaly, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary glands. This led to significant and irreversible changes in her appearance. Her hands, feet, and facial features became distorted, making it increasingly difficult for her to find steady employment.
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Determined to support her children, Bevan took on various jobs despite her altered appearance. Her situation became more desperate when a former fairground worker suggested she compete in an “ugly woman” contest, which she won. This victory caught the attention of sideshow proprietors, leading her to a new, albeit challenging, career path.
In 1920, Bevan responded to an advertisement seeking the “ugliest woman” for a sideshow act. This ad had been placed by a British agent for Barnum and Bailey’s circus. Despite the harsh premise, Bevan’s appearance was described paradoxically as “the face of an ugly woman that was not unpleasant.” She soon joined the sideshow circuit, performing at fairs and amusement parks, including the famous Dreamland amusement park at Coney Island.
Mary Ann Bevan’s performances included selling postcards of herself, which helped her earn a substantial income to support her family. Her resilience and dedication allowed her to provide for her children, even as she endured the degrading treatment often faced by sideshow performers.
Bevan’s popularity grew, and by the 1930s, she was a featured act in the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. Over her career, she managed to make a considerable amount of money, achieving her goal of financial security for her children. Despite the public’s fascination with her appearance, Bevan maintained a sense of dignity and continued to work until her death in 1933.
Mary Ann Bevan passed away at the age of 59 and was buried in Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery in London. Her story faded from public memory until the early 2000s, when her likeness was used on a Hallmark card, leading to public outcry and the card’s subsequent discontinuation.
Mary Ann Bevan’s life is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by those with disfiguring conditions in the past. Her story, while marked by tragedy, also highlights her incredible strength and determination to provide for her family despite the severe societal challenges she faced. Please SHARE this brave woman’s story with your family and friends.