Schlitzie American circus performer and actor Date of Birth: 10.09.1901 Country: USA

Biography of Schlitzie

Schlitzie, also known as Schlitzie Surtees, was an American actor and circus performer. He gained fame for his role in the renowned 1932 film 'Freaks'. Born with microcephaly, a condition characterized by a small, underdeveloped brain and skull, Schlitzie's physical appearance and mental disabilities made him stand out from a young age.

While his exact date and place of birth remain unclear, some sources suggest he was born in 1901 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, while others believe it was Yucatán, Mexico. Throughout his childhood, Schlitzie experienced multiple adoptions and worked under various aliases, making it difficult to establish accurate details about his early life.

Despite his physical and cognitive challenges, Schlitzie possessed remarkable intelligence and quick reactions, contrary to popular assumptions about his mental capabilities. He had a cheerful and jovial demeanor, always sporting a wide grin that reinforced the perception of his "otherness."

Schlitzie's life revolved around the world of circuses, carnivals, and sideshows. From an early age, he was exposed to the attention of spectators, as his unique appearance attracted crowds. Over the years, he worked with several circus troupes, including 'Ringling Bros.', 'Barnum & Bailey Circus', 'Clyde Beatty Circus', 'Tom Mix Circus', 'Crafts 20 Big Shows', and 'Foley & Burke Carnival'. In 1928, he joined 'The Sideshow', and his true fame came in 1932 with the release of the iconic film 'Freaks'. Schlitzie played himself, a microcephalic, and his performance captivated audiences, making him a renowned actor.

During the mid-1930s, Schlitzie became part of 'Tom Mix Circus', where he was officially adopted by George Surtees, who became his legal guardian. George cared for Schlitzie as if he were his own son until his death in 1965. Following George's passing, Schlitzie's guardians, who were unrelated to show business, placed him in a psychiatric hospital, where he suffered greatly. His life, previously a grand carnival, now consisted of sterile walls and institutional silence, leading to his depression.

Fortunately, Schlitzie's life took another carnival-like turn when sword swallower Bill Unks convinced the hospital authorities to release him into his care. Schlitzie was once again free to perform and returned to the familiar atmosphere of fairs and circuses.

Schlitzie continued his career as an artist until his death at the age of 70 from pneumonia on September 24, 1971. He was buried under his legal name, Schlitzie Surtees, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights. A proper memorial was erected on his grave much later, in 2009.

Schlitzie's extraordinary life and career left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, challenging societal norms and perceptions of disability. He will always be remembered as an exceptional performer who brought joy and astonishment to audiences around the world.