Johnny Eck
American freak show performer and actor
| Name | Johnny Eck |
| Birth name | |
| Birth date | August
27, 1911 |
| Birth place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Death date | January 5, 1991 (aged 79) |
| Death place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Freak show performer, actor, artist, magician |
| Years active | 1932–1980 |
| Organization | |
| Known for | Role in Freaks |
| Notable works | |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Website | |
Johnny Eck (born John Eckhardt Jr.; August 27, 1911 – January 5, 1991) was an American freak show performer, actor, artist, and magician. He is best known for his role in the 1932 cult classic film Freaks directed by Tod Browning.
Early life[edit | edit source]
Johnny Eck was born in Baltimore, Maryland, with a condition known as amelia, which left him with no lower half of his body. Despite his physical condition, Eck led an active childhood and developed a keen interest in the arts and performance.
Career[edit | edit source]
Eck's career began in the early 1930s when he was discovered by Tod Browning and cast in the film Freaks. His performance in the film brought him significant attention and led to further opportunities in the entertainment industry. He performed in various freak shows and sideshows, often billed as "The Amazing Half-Boy."
In addition to his work in freak shows, Eck was also a talented artist and magician. He painted, carved wood, and performed magic tricks, showcasing his diverse talents beyond his physical appearance.
Later life and death[edit | edit source]
After retiring from performing, Eck returned to his hometown of Baltimore where he lived with his twin brother, Robert. He continued to engage in artistic pursuits and remained a beloved figure in his community. Johnny Eck passed away on January 5, 1991, at the age of 79.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Johnny Eck's life and career have left a lasting impact on the world of freak shows and sideshows. His story is a testament to overcoming physical limitations and achieving success through talent and determination. He remains a significant figure in the history of American entertainment.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
