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Mary Ann Bevan, likely desperate to feed her family, considered the insult as more of a suggestion, and pursued it. She then entered a “Homeliest Woman” Contest. Beating out 250 other competitors, she’d found her meal ticket, a solution to providing for her children. Her career took off as an “entertainer” and she got a full-time job traveling with a fair all over the British Isles.

A few years later, in 1920, Mary Ann Bevan answered a Wanted ad in the London Newspaper. The ad stated, “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”

Amazingly, the ad was for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. Not long after sending in her photo, she was offered a job at Dreamland Amusement Park in Coney Island. She and other well-known performers capitalized on their newfound “freakshow” fame. By the 1920’s Mary Ann Bevan had grown to be a 5′ 7″ woman weighing 154 pounds, with size 25 hands and size 11 feet. Her international fame became a bittersweet culmination of humiliation and the ability to feed her family. In fact, she handled the gawking crowds with such innovation that she also began selling post cards of herself to audiences.

From Bad Luck to Fame and Fortune

With her business savvy, she wasn’t just able to provide for her children. She was also able to ensure they got an education, as well as provide for herself. Mary Ann Bevan spent 2 years performing, earning around $2 million in today’s economy. During that time, she not only found fame and fortune, but she also found love. In 1929, she performed at Madison Square Garden and met a giraffe keeper by the name of Andrew. However, by this time she was almost 60, and had been warned by doctors that her condition would eventually cause her untimely death. On December 26, 1933, just 6 days after her 59th birthday, Mary Ann Bevans passed away, and was returned to her homeland for her final resting place.

Mary Ann Bevan has a mystifying life story that until recently few knew about. Little was known about her, other than her sideshow appearances, until the early 2000’s. Her image was used on a greeting card. Ultimately, sparking controversy the image was removed. In contrast, the image that was viewed as mockery sparked interest in her story, shedding light on a loving mother who was fueled by her desire to provide for her family and overcome what life had thrown her way.

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