Josephine Myrtle Corbin was born with a rare birth defect called polymelia, meaning born with extra limbs, in her case, she had 4 legs, 2 normal ones and 2 smaller ones that grew from her hips. But there was more to it. She also had 2 sets of reproductive organs and 2 pelvises. Because of this rare occurrence, she’s probably one of the few people in history considered wonders. Let’s delve into Myrtle’s story and discover her exceptional life milestones.Myrtle was considered a rare and remarkable case of human development.
Josephine Myrtle Corbin, an American sideshow performer, came into the world in 1868 as a remarkable medical rarity. Affected by a condition known as dipygus, she possessed two lower bodies from the waist down. This unusual phenomenon occurred due to her body axis splitting during development, resulting in two separate pelvises side by side. Remarkably, her smaller inner legs were paired with one of her outer legs. While Myrtle could move her inner legs, but they were too weak to walk on.
Born in Tennessee to her parents, William and Nancy, Myrtle’s arrival brought both wonder and concern. At 25, her father, William, and 34-year-old mother, Nancy, welcomed the unique little Myrtle into their lives. Medical professionals noted that if Myrtle had been delivered breech, with her bottom first, it could have been potentially fatal for both her and her mother. Thankfully, Myrtle’s early days were promising, as she displayed signs of strength, weighing 10 lb (4.5kg) just 3 weeks after her birth.
Myrtle’s father was facing financial hardship and had to think of ways to support his growing family.
© Charles Eisenmann (1855-1927) / Wikimedia Commons, © Public domain, © Palette.fm
At the age of 5 weeks, people had the opportunity to visit William Corbin and marvel at his four-legged daughter for a small fee. As the years passed, Myrtle grew up accustomed to the constant stares and astonishment from those who encountered her rare condition. Her inner legs never fully developed, her right foot was clubbed, and both of the smaller legs had 3 toes on each foot.
Over the following decade, William took Myrtle on a journey across the country, where she participated in fairs, sideshows, and dime museums. By the time she turned 14, she had achieved success and managed to secure a lucrative contract paying her an unusually high salary of $250 per week.
The four-legged girl, Myrtle, had a younger sister named Ann, who fortunately did not suffer from any birth defects.
Myrtle married when she was 18 and later became a mother.
© James R. Applegate (1849–1910), Philadelphia / Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain, © Palette.fm
As Myrtle entered adulthood, she grew weary of the constant attention she received due to her condition. At 18, she decided to marry James Bicknell, a medical student, after which she retired from her performing career. Interestingly, her fame had inspired others to attempt to fake her unique deformity, but all of these impostors were eventually exposed as frauds.
A year into their marriage, Myrtle experienced troubling symptoms like fever, nausea, headaches, and side pains. Concerned, she sought medical attention, and to her disbelief, the doctor revealed that she was pregnant on her left side. Myrtle skeptically responded, saying, “If it had been on my right side, I would come nearer believing you are correct.” The pregnancy proved challenging for her health, and doctors even advised her to consider an abortion due to the severity of her illness. However, Myrtle managed to recover swiftly.
Over the following years, James and Myrtle welcomed seven more children into their family. Tragically, only 5 of them survived infancy, 4 daughters and a son.
© Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain
The family lived a quiet life until their 5 children reached adulthood. Then Myrtle re-entered the show business. In 1909, when Myrtle was 41, she was a part of Huber’s Museum exhibit, appearing as The Four-Legged Girl from Cleburne, Texas. She often dressed her 4 legs in matching shoes and socks, to the audience’s delight. She was making $450 per week at the time.
In 1928, Myrtle developed a skin infection on her right leg, and the doctor diagnosed her with erysipelas or a strep infection. A week later, on May 6th, 1928, Myrtle passed away. Her casket was covered in concrete, and family members kept watch until it was fully cured to prevent grave robbers from stealing her remains.
Almost a century later, Josephine Myrtle Corbin Bicknell continues to inspire others by proving that even in the 19th century, a woman could forge a successful career and become a mother all at once.
This remarkable actor has undergone a profound transformation since his days as a heartthrob in the 1970s
At 83 years old, Nick Nolte, the once celebrated heartthrob American actor, recently celebrated another year. Known for his remarkable performances, he has been cast mostly in challenging roles that demonstrate his exceptional talent.
Nolte’s striking features, a strong jaw, prominent cheekbones and wild hair, often evoke the image of an impressive Shakespearean character. Over the years, his outstanding acting skills have earned him numerous awards and cemented his reputation as one of the finest actors in American film history.
While he may no longer be considered a heartthrob, Nolte’s remarkable contributions to film and unforgettable performances continue to resonate with audiences. His ability to bring passion and vulnerability to his roles captivates viewers, and his colleagues continually praise his impressive range.
In 1991, Nolte received a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama for his role in “Prince of Tides”, which also earned him an Oscar nomination. His performances in “Affliction” and “Warrior” demonstrated his exceptional talent and reflected his ability to deliver powerful and authentic performances.
Despite his illustrious career, Nolte’s current appearance is a stark contrast to the handsome star he once was. However, his acting legacy remains firmly established, and recognition of his work is likely to last throughout his life.
In 2002, a controversial mugshot drew unwanted attention to Nolte’s personal problems and tarnished his once-shining reputation. The actor, who had previously been dubbed “the sexiest man alive”, found it difficult to maintain that image despite adversity.
Nolte’s journey began on February 8, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska. He began modeling in the 1960s and eventually rose to fame as the face of Clairol’s “Summer Blonde” campaign in 1972, a groundbreaking moment for male models in the advertising world.
His breakthrough came in 1976 in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man, where his portrayal of Tom Jordache quickly earned him recognition. Based on his life experiences, Nolte brought authenticity to his characters, and this role marked a defining moment in his career.
The transformation into Tom required considerable physical effort; he lost weight and improved his physique over several years. His dedication paid off when he starred alongside Eddie Murphy in “48 Hrs.”, a film that broke new ground in racial dynamics on screen.
The 1990s marked Nolte’s peak as a star actor, with a string of successful films that further expanded his fan base. However, in the decade that followed, personal challenges overshadowed his professional life, leading to intense scrutiny.
Despite his difficulties, Nolte embraced his reputation for playing rebellious characters, which sometimes complicated his relationships on set. Nevertheless, he remained a respected actor dedicated to his craft.
Having been sober since 2002, Nolte has shifted his focus to a healthier lifestyle. He lives in a quiet treehouse in Malibu with his wife, Clytie Lane, and enjoys family hikes and quiet moments away from the spotlight.
As the father of Sophia and Brawley, both of whom have pursued acting careers, Nolte supports their individual paths while appreciating his role as a parent.
Although he has become less visible in recent years, Nolte’s passion for acting remains alive and well. He views aging as an adventure, embodies a youthful spirit and encourages others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
Nick Nolte’s enduring talent and positive attitude have cemented his status as a legendary actor, and his contributions to film will be remembered for generations to come.
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