In early 1900s England, a mother of four, Mary Ann Bevan, was afflicted with acromegaly and forced to embrace the title of “the ugliest woman in the world” to provide for her children. Her tragic story is a reminder of the harshness and injustice of the world.
She hadn't always been like this. In her youth, Mary Ann Bevan was an attractive woman, but everything changed when she was struck by acromegaly. This rare disease occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, causing the bones and soft tissues to enlarge. As a result, the hands and feet swell, while the structure of the face changes significantly. Over time, Bevan's face became deformed: her jaw and forehead were pushed forward, her nose became enlarged, and her features became harsh.
She became a nurse and in 1903 married Thomas Bevan, a farmer from Kent. The couple had a happy marriage and gave birth to four healthy children. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. In 1914, Thomas died suddenly, leaving Mary Ann a widow with four children to raise. It was after this difficult period that the symptoms of acromegaly began to become more apparent, although some sources suggest that the disease had begun earlier.
In modern times, acromegaly can be treated if detected early, but in the early 20th century, medicine had no way to prevent or cure it. Within a few years, Bevan’s appearance had changed so much that she was almost unrecognizable. Forced to find a way to feed her children, Bevan entered a contest for “the ugliest woman” and beat out 250 other contestants. Winning this sad title opened the doors to a secure job: the freak shows of the time, where people with unusual appearances were put on display for the public’s curiosity.
Bevan was hired by Sam Gumpertz to perform at the Dreamland Sideshow, where she spent most of her life, being the object of curious and often contemptuous stares from the crowds. Despite her altered appearance, however, she remained a devoted mother. Often, to remind visitors that she was more than a showgirl, she would show pictures of her children and speak proudly of her son serving in the British Navy.
Despite daily humiliations, Mary Ann Bevan achieved what she wanted: to provide a good life for her children. During her years performing in New York, she earned about $50,000 – an amount that would be equivalent to about $800,000 today. Her story remains a testament to courage and sacrifice. Although society at the time saw her as a “curiosity,” she was in fact a strong woman, a devoted mother, and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
