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Daisy and Violet HiltonConjoined twins
Date of Birth: 05.02.1908
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Daisy and Violet Hilton
- Early Life
- Early Career
- The Hilton Sisters
- Freedom and Revue
- Life After Showbiz
- Tragic Ending
Biography of Daisy and Violet Hilton
Daisy and Violet Hilton were conjoined twin sisters who actively performed in the United States in the 1930s with traveling circus troupes and vaudeville shows.
Early Life
Daisy and Violet Hilton were born in 1908 in Brighton, England. Their mother, Kate Skinner, was unmarried and worked at a pub. The girls were born conjoined at the hips and buttocks, sharing a circulatory system but not any vital organs. Mary Hilton, Kate's supervisor at the pub, saw the commercial potential in the sisters and bought them from their mother. They were then raised by Mary and her husband.
Early Career
From a young age, Daisy and Violet began earning money by performing music and dance. They honed their acting skills on fairgrounds and carnivals. Raised in strict conditions, they experienced harsh punishments for even the slightest misbehavior. Local doctors discussed the possibility of separating the conjoined twins, but it was deemed too risky, as one would likely not survive the operation.
The Hilton Sisters
As they grew older, Daisy and Violet became popular performers, showcasing their talents in dancing and singing. They attracted large audiences and their guardians profited from their shows. When Mary Hilton passed away, her daughter continued to manage the sisters. By the early 1930s, Daisy and Violet had earned enough money to purchase a house in San Antonio, Texas.
Freedom and Revue
In 1931, Daisy and Violet had the courage to go to court and demand their freedom from their managers. They were awarded $100,000 in damages and gained their independence. They immediately left their fairground performances behind and opened their own vaudeville show called "The Hilton Sisters' Revue." Daisy changed her hair color to blonde, and both sisters started dressing differently to feel like individuals.
Life After Showbiz
Daisy and Violet had several romantic relationships, and their personal lives became more fulfilling after gaining their freedom. They appeared in the films "Freaks" in 1932 and "Chained for Life" in 1951, which portrayed their real-life story. They continued to perform in concerts and shows throughout their lives, with their final appearance being in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1961.
Tragic Ending
In January 1969, Daisy and Violet Hilton were found dead in their apartment. The cause of death was officially attributed to the Hong Kong flu, with Daisy dying first and Violet surviving for another 2 to 4 days. It is unimaginable what those last days were like for Violet. They were buried at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. A Broadway musical called "Side Show" was later inspired by their lives and received four Tony Award nominations. In their hometown of Brighton, an autobus was named after them, route number 708.
