American Horror Story: Freak Show is loosely inspired by the true stories of the American freak shows of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which were popular forms of entertainment that featured people with unusual physical deformities or disabilities. These shows were often exploitative and demeaning, but they also provided a sense of community and belonging for the performers, many of whom were ostracized from mainstream society.
Some of the specific historical figures who are believed to have inspired characters on Freak Show include:
Joseph Merrick, the "Elephant Man": Merrick was a severely deformed man who was put on display in a London freak show in the 1880s. He was the subject of a famous book and movie, both titled The Elephant Man.
Grace McDaniel, the "Lobster Girl": McDaniel was born with a rare condition called ectrodactyly, which caused her hands and feet to grow in the shape of lobster claws. She was put on display in a freak show at the age of 10 and performed for many years.
Grady Stiles, "the Lobster Boy": Stiles was born with ectrodactyly and put on display in a freak show at a young age. He achieved fame as a performer and toured with the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Frances O'Connor, the "Bearded Lady": O'Connor was born with a condition called hypertrichosis, which caused her to grow excessive hair all over her body. She was put on display in a freak show at a young age and performed for many years.
These are just a few of the many real-life performers who inspired the characters on American Horror Story: Freak Show. These individuals endured hardship and discrimination, but their stories also shed light on the resilience of the human spirit.