Édouard Beaupré

Edouard Beaupre

Édouard Beaupré (January 9, 1881 – July 3, 1904) was a Canadian giant, circus and freak show performer, and strongman. Born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, he began to display an extraordinary growth rate around the age of three. Beaupré eventually reached a height of 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm) and weighed 400 pounds (180 kg) at the time of his death at the age of 23. His remarkable physical stature and strength made him a popular attraction in circuses and freak shows across North America.

Early Life

Édouard Beaupré was the first of 20 children born to Gaspard Beaupré, a French-Canadian of average height, and Florestine Piché, a Métis woman. His growth spurt began unusually early and continued unabated throughout his life. By the age of 9, he was already over 6 feet (183 cm) tall. Despite his size, Beaupré had a gentle nature and was well-liked in his community.

Career

Beaupré's extraordinary size and strength allowed him to perform incredible feats of strength, such as bending iron bars and lifting horses off the ground. He joined the circus at the age of 17, where he was billed as "The Willow Bunch Giant" or "The Tallest Man in the World." His performances included wrestling matches and displays of his strength. Despite his popularity, Beaupré's health began to deteriorate due to his rapid and continuous growth, caused by a pituitary gland tumor that led to his gigantism.

Death and Legacy

Édouard Beaupré died on July 3, 1904, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was performing with the Barnum and Bailey Circus. His cause of death was a pulmonary hemorrhage. After his death, his body faced a series of indignities; it was embalmed and displayed in a window of a funeral home, and later, his remains were used for medical research. It was not until 1990 that his body was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Willow Bunch.

Beaupré's life and legacy continue to be of interest. His story has been the subject of documentaries and books, highlighting not only his physical uniqueness but also his gentle personality and the challenges he faced living with his condition. The Édouard Beaupré School in Willow Bunch serves as a reminder of the town's most famous son.

In Popular Culture

Édouard Beaupré's life has inspired various forms of media, including plays, films, and literature, often focusing on the themes of difference, exploitation, and human dignity.