Mary Ann Bevan has been deemed the “World’s Ugliest Woman“. Despite her reputation she was astonishingly beautiful in her youth. Not to mention a strong and resourceful woman who overcame numerous obstacles in her lifetime.
Mary Ann Bevan was born Mary Ann Webber on December 20, 1874. One of 8 children, she grew up in a suburban area called Plaistow, on the Eastern edge of London. She went on to become a nurse prior to marrying and becoming a mother. And prior to becoming the ugliest woman in the world.
Marry Ann Bevan Faces Obstacles
Marry Ann Bevan worked hard most of her life. However, there was a brief period in her life during which time she lived in bliss. She married Thomas Bevan of Kent County in 1903. Although the pair would have 4 children, their union was not long lasting. Sadly, Thomas passed away unexpectedly, leaving his wife to care for their family in 1914. Not long after the passing of her husband, Mary Ann Bevan began to show signs of her own health concerns. Mary Ann Bevan had developed Acromegaly. It is a disorder that impacts hormone production, as the “pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood.” In turn, this causes bones to “increase in size”.
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Noting a Rare Condition
Luckily, the rare condition is believed to impact less than 20,000 people annually, and thanks to modern medicine, is easily treated. However, it can develop both during adolescence and in adulthood. In childhood, the condition can cause “gigantism“, or an abnormal increase in height. Whereas, in adults such as Mary Ann Bevan, height remains the same. Rather, in adults the condition causes bones in the hands, feet, and face to grow as well as “thickened lips“. Other signs can include coarse, oily, or thickened skin. Or excessive sweating and body odor. Additionally, changes in the voice, severe snoring, vision problems, headaches, as well as other significant or problematic hormone changes. It progresses slowly and, in many cases, can take years to notice.
Generally, the condition is caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland but can also be the result of tumors in the lungs or pancreas. Furthermore, when left untreated, the condition can cause other major health problems such as an increased risk of certain cancers, heart problems and high blood pressure, as well as others. Today there are several treatment options including hormone suppressing medications, surgery, or radiation, all depending upon the size and location of the tumor.
Mary Ann Bevan Flips the Script
Sadly, for Mary Ann Bevan treatment was not an option in her lifetime, and it wasn’t long before she would need to come up with a solution to feed her family. Although her method is heartbreaking, she was undeniably resourceful and chose a creative avenue. She likely worked a number of off jobs, eventually landing a job that would forever change her life.
Supposedly, Mary Ann Bevin worked for a farmer who insulted her, telling her the only thing she was “fit for” was “the ugly woman competition.”
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Mary Ann Bevan, likely desperate to feed her family, considered the insult as more of a suggestion, and pursued it. She then entered a “Homeliest Woman” Contest. Beating out 250 other competitors, she’d found her meal ticket, a solution to providing for her children. Her career took off as an “entertainer” and she got a full-time job traveling with a fair all over the British Isles.
A few years later, in 1920, Mary Ann Bevan answered a Wanted ad in the London Newspaper. The ad stated, “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”
Amazingly, the ad was for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. Not long after sending in her photo, she was offered a job at Dreamland Amusement Park in Coney Island. She and other well-known performers capitalized on their newfound “freakshow” fame. By the 1920’s Mary Ann Bevan had grown to be a 5′ 7″ woman weighing 154 pounds, with size 25 hands and size 11 feet. Her international fame became a bittersweet culmination of humiliation and the ability to feed her family. In fact, she handled the gawking crowds with such innovation that she also began selling post cards of herself to audiences.
From Bad Luck to Fame and Fortune
With her business savvy, she wasn’t just able to provide for her children. She was also able to ensure they got an education, as well as provide for herself. Mary Ann Bevan spent 2 years performing, earning around $2 million in today’s economy. During that time, she not only found fame and fortune, but she also found love. In 1929, she performed at Madison Square Garden and met a giraffe keeper by the name of Andrew. However, by this time she was almost 60, and had been warned by doctors that her condition would eventually cause her untimely death. On December 26, 1933, just 6 days after her 59th birthday, Mary Ann Bevans passed away, and was returned to her homeland for her final resting place.
Mary Ann Bevan has a mystifying life story that until recently few knew about. Little was known about her, other than her sideshow appearances, until the early 2000’s. Her image was used on a greeting card. Ultimately, sparking controversy the image was removed. In contrast, the image that was viewed as mockery sparked interest in her story, shedding light on a loving mother who was fueled by her desire to provide for her family and overcome what life had thrown her way.