Schlitzie the Circus Star: Unraveling the Life and Legacy of This Remarkable Performer

Looking at the person in the photograph, it's clear they evoke a wide range of strong emotions. Some might find themselves smiling at their mischievous expression, others may feel sympathy or pity. Some might burst into laughter, while others might even feel a shiver of discomfort. Regardless of the reaction, it's hard to remain indifferent. That’s why this individual’s story deserves to be told.

Nicknamed “The Last of the Aztecs,” “The Monkey,” and “The Bearded Woman,” this performer captivated audiences under a variety of sensational titles designed to intrigue and excite. These stage personas were carefully crafted by the circus to draw crowds seeking novelty and entertainment. But beneath the facade of the spectacle lay a person—a kind, sincere individual with a life full of challenges and triumphs.

So, who was this man? Let’s explore his remarkable story.

The Real Schlitzi: A Life of Mystery and Performance

The person in the photo was, in fact, a man. Despite often being dressed in feminine clothing with a bow braid as part of his stage persona, his identity was far more nuanced. Much about his early life remains shrouded in mystery. His real name, parents, and exact birthdate are uncertain, though some sources suggest he was named Simon Metz and was born in September 1901.

It’s believed that Simon’s unusual appearance led his parents to abandon him. He found a home in the circus, where he was embraced as part of a surrogate family. While to audiences he was a curiosity, within the circus he was loved and cared for. Simon had a rare condition called microcephaly, which affected his physical proportions and cognitive development, leaving him with the abilities of a three-year-old.

Adopted by animal trainer George Curtis, Simon was given a stable and loving environment. In the circus, he became known as Schlitzi Curtis—a name carefully chosen to complement his feminine stage persona. Standing at just 120 cm (4 feet) tall, with a distinctive appearance shaped by his condition, Schlitzi quickly became a star attraction during the 1920s.

Fame, Controversy, and a Cinematic Legacy

Schlitzi’s fame peaked with his role in the 1932 film Freaks, where he played a version of himself. The film was groundbreaking but polarizing, offering an unflinching portrayal of life in the sideshow world. Though considered controversial and banned for decades, Freaks cemented Schlitzi’s place in entertainment history.

Life After the Spotlight

When George Curtis passed away in 1965, Schlitzi lost his primary caregiver. Struggling to adapt to life outside the circus, he was eventually placed in a psychiatric institution. The confinement caused him to withdraw, but fate intervened when he met Bill Unks, a former circus sword swallower. Unks befriended Schlitzi, eventually taking him out of the institution and caring for him personally. Thanks to Unks, Schlitzi returned to the world of performance, where he thrived once again.

A Legacy of Humanity and Resilience

Schlitzi’s life story is one of resilience and humanity. Beneath the sensationalism of his stage personas was a person who found love and acceptance in the circus community, even as he faced significant challenges. Schlitzi's legacy endures as a reminder of the complex humanity behind the faces we see on stage, in films, or in photographs.