I am pleased with the strides our civilization has made in 2022, recognizing that progress comes in various forms. While acknowledging that certain aspects of the past were better, it’s crucial to highlight that some elements of bygone eras belong precisely where they are, in the past.
In the 19th century, “freak shows” were a popular attraction, considered a regular part of American society. These mobile circuses showcased individuals deemed “odd”, such as bearded women and Siamese twins. Mary Ann Bevan, labeled the “Ugliest Woman in the World”, emerged as one of these attractions, and her poignant life story emphasizes the need to remember and learn from such historical missteps.
While human curiosity about individuals with different ethnicities or physical abilities has existed throughout history, exploiting them for profit is ethically wrong, regardless of the time period. In the 19th century, audiences flocked to witness people with deformities in “freak shows”, an unsettling trend that persisted from the 1840s to the 1940s without widespread moral objection.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story unfolded in this challenging period. Born as Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, she grew up in a working-class household, one of eight children. Unlike her brothers, who found employment when they reached adulthood, Mary Ann pursued education, graduating from medical school and beginning her career as a nurse in 1894.
Her life took a positive turn when she married Thomas Bevan in 1902, and together, they experienced the joys of raising four children. However, tragedy struck after 14 years of marriage when Thomas suffered a stroke and passed away. Left alone with her children, Mary Ann faced additional challenges as she grappled with a rare condition known as acromegaly, which affected her physical appearance.
Acromegaly, characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone, leads to enlarged body tissues and bones. Mary Ann exhibited symptoms around the age of 32, and with limited knowledge about the condition at the time, she struggled to find help. Unlike the typical manifestation of acromegaly after puberty, Mary Ann’s ailment affected her face, altering her features.
Despite her hardships, Mary Ann initially found solace in her family and received support from her husband. However, after Thomas’s death, the disease’s impact worsened, rendering her unemployable due to her changed appearance. Desperate to provide for her children, Mary Ann responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking the “Ugliest woman” for a circus.
Claude Bartram, an agent for Barnum and Bailey, selected Mary Ann based on her photograph and offered her a contract that included a weekly salary, travel expenses, and proceeds from picture postcard sales. Mary Ann’s journey to America in 1920 marked the beginning of her fame as “The Ugliest Woman on Earth”, with appearances at the Coney Island Circus.
Despite objections to the morality of using individuals with physical differences for entertainment, Mary Ann became a sensation, earning significant income. The financial success allowed her to provide her children with education in England, fulfilling her commitment as a devoted mother. Mary Ann’s resilience and sacrifice epitomize true beauty and maternal love.
Returning to France in 1925 for an exhibition, Mary Ann spent the remainder of her life in New York, working at the Coney Island Dreamland Show. She passed away in 1933 from natural causes at the age of 59, fulfilling her dying wish to be buried in her native country, laid to rest at South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is a testament to her unwavering determination to support her family. In a time without modern benefits, she worked tirelessly, embodying the selflessness of a mother who prioritizes her children above all. May Mary Ann rest in peace, a deserving tribute to a woman whose life exemplified sacrifice and maternal love.
Jaclyn Smith’s Journey After Charlie’s Angels Will Leave You Speechless!
Jaclyn Smith became a famous celebrity in the 1970s when she starred in the hit TV show *Charlie’s Angels*. Over the years, the Houston-born actress has also built a successful business and become a role model for millions of people.
While Jaclyn may no longer be at the peak of her fame as Kelly Garrett (the character who won hearts worldwide in the 1970s), she remains an inspiring and interesting figure.
Jaclyn has worked in show business for over 40 years. The award-winning actress and businesswoman has spent decades in the spotlight, and one thing stands out.
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Smith has always stayed true to her kind nature, showing love for her family and helping others through several charities.
Jaclyn Smith had a successful career and was also blessed with a loving family, including children and grandchildren. Today, at age 76, her life is still full of happiness.
Jaclyn Smith was born Jacquelyn Ellen Smith on October 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas. At just three years old, she put on her first pair of dance shoes, dreaming of becoming a professional ballerina.
For Jaclyn, family has always been her top priority, a value taught to her from a young age.
“Growing up in Houston, home was always a happy place for me. The values my parents gave me helped shape who I am today. Family is the foundation of my happiness and success,” she told Medium.
After high school, Jaclyn studied drama at Trinity University. She acted in several plays, including West Side Story and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Jaclyn’s career really began in 1973 when she got a TV job as a shampoo model for Breck. Her face soon became known across the country.
Later, she worked with Max Factor and even launched her own perfume called “Jaclyn Smith’s California” in 1989.
After college, Jaclyn moved to New York City to explore more opportunities. She tried different things, met great people, and found her passion for acting.
Jaclyn appeared in smaller roles on TV shows and movies in the early 1970s. However, everything changed in 1976 when she landed the role of Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels.
Although she didn’t think she’d get the part, the producers saw great chemistry between Jaclyn and her co-stars, making her perfect for the role.
Charlie’s Angels was a huge hit, running for five seasons. Jaclyn became a household name, and by the time she left, she was earning nearly $40,000 per episode.
Even after Charlie’s Angels, Jaclyn’s career flourished. She was praised for her role as Jacqueline Kennedy in a TV movie and was called the “Queen of Mini-Series” for her roles in several popular mini-series.
Beyond acting, Jaclyn also started her own clothing line, which was very successful. She became a role model for many women, both in Hollywood and beyond.
In her personal life, Jaclyn married cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond in 1981. They had two children, Gaston and Spencer. Though they divorced in 1989, Jaclyn remained dedicated to her children.
After the divorce, Jaclyn moved with her kids to a beautiful mansion in Los Angeles. She loved the house and made it a cozy home for her family.
Now, Jaclyn is a proud grandmother. Her daughter Spencer welcomed her first child, Bea, in 2016, and her son Gaston had a daughter, Olivia Rose, last year.
Jaclyn often posts pictures of her family on Instagram, showing how much she cherishes her time with her grandchildren.
Jaclyn’s family keeps her feeling young, and she enjoys spending time with them, often having tea parties with her grandchildren in her backyard.
Though Charlie’s Angels ended in the 1970s, Jaclyn’s character Kelly Garrett has remained iconic. Jaclyn even appeared briefly in the 2003 movie Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle and hopes to watch her old episodes with her grandchildren one day.
In 2003, Jaclyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early, and after treatment, she fully recovered. Now, she supports several causes, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the American Heart Association.
At 76 years old, Jaclyn looks amazing and continues to inspire many people with her positive outlook on life.
Jaclyn Smith has had a wonderful career and family life, and we’re glad to see her enjoying every moment.
Please share this story with friends and family if you love Jaclyn Smith!
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