The story of Mary Ann Bevan, who was considered ‘The ugliest woman in the world,’ starts in the 19th century, a dark period of the American culture when ‘freak shows,’ traveling circuses showing people with certain deformities and disabilities, were at the peak of their popularity.
Today, it is highly unacceptable to treat people with disabilities with disrespect, but back in the day, no one believed it was morally wrong to dub them freaks.
Mary Ann Bevan was born on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, United Kingdom. She grew up to become a nurse and was respected by the society. On top of that, she was a very attractive woman who was offered many possibilities.
In 1902, Mary met the love of her life, a man named Thomas Bevan. The two married and welcomed four children together, but their happiness didn’t last long. After 14 years, Thomas passed away, leaving Mary heartbroken.
Her life became difficult as she was left to take care and provide for her children all by herself.
Unfortunately, around the time she turned 32, Mary started experiencing strange symptoms. Her face started changing gradually and she didn’t know what was happening or what caused that change which impacted her both psychologically and financially. Mary’s bones grew big, and her face became deformed. As a result, she lost her job and was unable to provide for her children any longer.
Back in the day, no one could diagnose her, but this poor woman suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood, when a change in height doesn’t occur. Instead, the increase in bone size is limited to the bones of the hands, feet and face.
Today, a lot more is knows about this condition and there are ways to keep it under control, which wasn’t the case during the time Mary lived.
Crushed, heartbroken, and poor, this woman saw an ad one day which read, “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”
No matter how awful she felt about this ‘job,’ she saw no way out of her situation. She simply needed to do anything in order to feed her children. Above all, she was a mother.
Mary answered the ad and she was soon contacted by the circus’ agent, a man named Claude Bartram, who later shared Mary’s story.
“She was not repulsive at all. She had the kind of face one usually finds in a giant, a powerful, masculine jaw, prominent cheek-bones, nose and forehead, but she was unblemished, healthy and strong. She told me she did not like the idea of placing herself on exhibition, she was shy and did not want to be separated from her children,” Bartram said, according to Daily Star.
“I told her she would earn £10 per week for a year, travelling expenses and all the money from the sale of picture postcards of herself, so she could provide for the education of her children.”
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In no time, magazines were filled with Mary Ann’s photos and everyone recognized her as ‘the ugliest woman on Earth.’
Her popularity brought her to the Dreamland Circus in Coney Island, New York, one of the most famous circuses there were. Mary Ann became an attraction, but then a doctor named Harvey Cushing, a leading neurosurgeon, spotted her and knew there was more behind ger huge face that he wanted to explore thoroughly.
“This unfortunate woman who sits in the sideshow of Ringling Brothers ‘between Fat Lady and Armless Wonder’ and ‘affects white lace hats, woollen mittens and high laced shoes’ has a story which is far from mirth-provoking.
“She, previously a vigorous and good-looking young woman, has become the victim of a disease known as acromegaly,” he wrote in a letter to Time magazine.
Mary Ann spent her life working at the circus and she was reported to have earned a small fortune which enabled her to send her children back to England where they attended boarding schools.
She endured a lot, but she did it all for her children.
Mary Ann died at the age of 59 of natural causes. Her final wish was to be buried in her homeland, England, and her children fulfilled her wish. She is resting at the Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery in South London.
This woman’s sad, yet fascinating life story speaks of the mother’s love for her children more than anything else.
A Proud Father’s Joy: Hazel Moder at Cannes Film Festival
A Lovely and Encourageing Evening
Hazel Moder, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder’s talented daughter, made an unusual appearance at the renowned Cannes Film Festival in July. Even though the family often keeps their children out of the spotlight, Hazel attended the function to support her father’s choreography for the movie “Flag Day,” starring Sean Penn. And trust me when I say that she was the star of the show thanks to her amazing attractiveness.
Obtaining the Best Genetic Information
That Hazel drew notice at the festival makes sense. With her gorgeous blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and laid-back personality, she surely inherited some of her parents’ best traits. While some believe she has her mother’s nose, others notice a strong resemblance between her and her gorgeous father. Either way, she was obviously the center of attention.
A Chic Display of Grace Hazel’s choice of attire further accentuated her attractive appearance. She wore a beautiful yellow lace gown that was elegantly paired with black Mary Jane pumps. The hairstyle she wore emphasized her youthful beauty. The modest makeup brought out her natural features, giving her an older-than-actual air of refinement. She truly radiated grace and elegance; she was a young woman in every sense of the word.
A Satisfied Father’s Remark
Danny Moder could not control his pride as he spent the entire evening by Hazel’s side. The father-daughter duo was so loving and devoted that the atmosphere was one of excitement and happiness. It was amazing to witness their friendship and the joy they shared.
Building Grounding and Humility
In a culture when being famous often means losing one’s privacy, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder have made a conscious effort to keep their children out of the spotlight. Despite having a huge career and wealth, Roberts stays grounded and modest. This perspective includes her children as well.
Roberts admitted in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that her children first struggled to comprehend her fame. As parents, Roberts and Moder acknowledge that they have no idea what it’s like to grow up in today’s world. When their children ask questions, Roberts honestly admits that she doesn’t know enough about their generation, but she makes a commitment to research it and discover the answers. Seeing parents who are willing to learn with their children and humble in their guidance is heartening.
A Ordinary Life Outside of Hollywood’s Glamour and Glamor
Their reasonable and grounded parents keep Hazel and her siblings out of the spotlight. Ensuring their well-being and providing them with an opportunity to lead normal lives away from the glitz and glitter of Hollywood are top priorities for Roberts and Moder. Hazel and her siblings get to experience the beauty and simplicity of an ordinary childhood instead of being thrust into the fast-paced and usually superficial world of the entertainment industry.
The fact that Julia Roberts and Danny Moder prioritize their children’s happiness and health above all else in a culture that sometimes places an excessive importance on celebrity and wealth is heartening. By keeping their children out of the spotlight, they are teaching their children the value of having humble and grounded lives. Furthermore, it’s evident from what we saw of Hazel Moder at the Cannes Film Festival that she is an exceptional young woman ready to take on the world with style and grace thanks to her parents’ love and care.
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