Mary Ann Bevan, born Mary Ann Webster in 1874, faced a challenging life after her husband’s death in 1914. Diagnosed with acromegaly, her appearance changed drastically. Unable to secure steady employment due to her condition, Bevan took an unconventional path. Encouraged by a farmer, she entered and won a “Homeliest Woman” contest, leading to a sideshow career.
Responding to a circus ad seeking the “Ugliest woman,” Bevan became a featured attraction at Coney Island’s Dreamland. Despite the degrading treatment, she sold postcards of herself, ensuring financial stability for her children. By the 1930s, she joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, earning substantial income.
In 1933, Bevan passed away at 59, having left her mark on sideshow history. Although briefly mocked in the early 2000s, her legacy endures, highlighting her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
