Willie Camper
Guicel "Willie" Camper was an American giant who was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is notable for being one of 23 known people in medical history to have confirmed to have reached a height of 8 feet. By the time of his death at the age of 18, he reached a billed height of 8 ft 7 in.[1] He also wore size 32 shoes.[1] He is the 4th tallest verified man and the 2nd tallest recorded African-American.[2][3]
Willie Camper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1 October 1924 |
| Died | 30 April 1943 (aged 18) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | The Giant, Big Willie, Willie |
| Occupation | Performer |
| Known for | 4th tallest verified man and 2nd tallest African-American in history |
| Height | 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m) |
Camper was born in Memphis, Tennessee and his abnormal growth started around the age of nine. As he grew older, Camper worked as a performer. His unusual growth is caused by gigantism and problems with his thyroid. Up until his death, he was said to have never stopped growing. [3]
He died of a heart attack in 1943 while performing at a sideshow in Martinez, California. He was buried in Mendenhall, Mississippi in a coffin that was 9 feet tall.
See also
References
- Marc Hartzman. "American Sideshow". Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- 20 Tallest People In The World (Alive & Dead). Engineerine.com. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- Boy Giant Born 1923 Still Growing Strong. PIX, Vol. 5 No. 15 (13 April 1940). Retrieved 3 March 2023.