BANNED Circus FREAKS That Actually Existed! Historical Photos, Rare Photos

| Mysterious
April 26, 2025

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circus sideshows – often called “freak shows” – were a major part of pop culture and public entertainment. These exhibitions featured individuals with extreme physical deformities, rare medical conditions, or extraordinary appearances. Audiences came in droves to see the “unexplainable” – humans who looked like beasts, giants, tiny people, or those who defied what was then considered “normal.”

While often criticized for exploiting the vulnerable, these shows were also, paradoxically, a source of income and identity for many performers. Some of these acts were later banned or censored for being “too disturbing,” “immoral,” or “inhuman.”

Let’s explore the true stories of real freak show performers who actually existed, the rare photos that captured their strange beauty, and the laws that tried to erase them from public memory.

Born in 1868 with a condition called dipygus, Myrtle had two pelvises and four legs – two of which were underdeveloped. She began touring at age 13 and quickly became one of the most famous sideshow acts in America.

Despite her condition, Myrtle was known for her charm, intelligence, and grace. She married and had five children. Some medical photos of her body were later banned from public exhibitions, deemed too graphic or “immoral” by early 20th-century standards.

Born Stephan Bibrowski in 1890 in Poland, Lionel had a rare condition called hypertrichosis, which caused excessive hair growth all over his face and body – making him look like a lion. He became a global sensation with Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Despite his wild appearance, Lionel was soft-spoken, fluent in multiple languages, and incredibly polite. Yet his image was banned from posters and advertisements in countries like France and the UK due to public complaints and “moral decency” laws.

Born in 1811 in Siam (modern-day Thailand), Chang and Eng Bunker were conjoined twins who became world-famous in the 1800s. They were intelligent businessmen who later settled in North Carolina, married two sisters, and fathered 21 children.

However, the nature of their condition and the way they were exhibited led to debates about human dignity and exploitation. Some European countries even banned conjoined twin exhibits, calling them unethical.

Ella Harper was born in 1870 with a condition that made her knees bend backward, forcing her to walk on all fours. She became known as “The Camel Girl” and was featured in several circuses, often on posters that showed her unique gait.

Due to increasing public outcry, some cities refused to grant performance permits, claiming the display of severely disabled individuals was cruel and exploitative.

Fedor Jeftichew, born in Russia in 1868, had full-body hair due to hypertrichosis and was billed as “Jo-Jo the Dog-Faced Boy.” Under contract with P.T. Barnum, he was encouraged to bark and growl like a dog on stage, adding to his “wild man” image.

Later, animal rights and disability advocates successfully pushed laws to ban performances that “dehumanized” individuals, especially those portraying humans as animals. Jo-Jo’s career suffered from such regulations.

Schlitzie was a performer with microcephaly, a condition that gave him a tiny skull and significant cognitive delays. Often dressed in girls’ clothing, he became a sideshow staple and starred in the cult film “Freaks” (1932).

The film was banned in several states for being “too disturbing” and showing “real freaks.” Schlitzie, however, was loved by many in the circus community and was said to be joyful and sweet.

Annie Jones was born in 1865 and began growing facial hair at a young age due to a hormonal condition. She was the most famous “Bearded Lady” in America and toured with Barnum’s shows starting as a toddler.

Later in life, she became an outspoken advocate for the humane treatment of sideshow performers. As moral standards changed, several states banned exhibitions of “bearded women”, especially when marketed as sexual or grotesque attractions.

The freak show era is one of the most controversial chapters in entertainment history. On one hand, many performers were exploited and forced into a life of public ridicule. On the other hand, for some, the circus offered financial independence, community, and a place to belong.

Many historical photos of these performers were once banned, locked away, or destroyed because they were considered “offensive.” Today, these images are slowly resurfacing in museums and archives, prompting a re-evaluation of how society views difference and disability.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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