From Nurse to Notoriety
In the early 1900s, Mary Ann Bevan lived an ordinary life in London as a nurse. After marrying and having four children, her life changed dramatically when she developed acromegaly, a disorder that caused abnormal growth and facial distortion. Following her husband’s death, she struggled to support her family.
A Contest That Changed Her Fate
In 1920, desperate for income, Mary Ann entered and won a “Ugliest Woman” contest in London. The title brought her public attention, and shortly after, she was hired by Dreamland Circus in Coney Island, New York. She traveled across the Atlantic to work, gaining widespread fame.
A Career Built on Survival
Mary Ann performed at Dreamland for years, where large crowds came to see her. She also appeared in advertisements and exhibitions, using the earnings to send money back to her children in England. Despite the intense public scrutiny, she maintained her career for over a decade.
The Final Curtain
Mary Ann Bevan continued working until her health declined. She died in 1933 at the age of 59 in London. She was buried in Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, having spent much of her life providing for her family through extraordinary circumstances.
In the early 1900s, Mary Ann Bevan lived quietly in London as a nurse. After marriage and four children, she developed acromegaly, a disorder causing facial distortion.
Following her husband’s death, she struggled to find ways to support her family…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/pc7lTyR391
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) April 29, 2025