| "The truth about the "Mule-Faced Woman": She was believed to have been afflicted by multiple Tumors. The Progressive Deformity, of her Lips and Mouth in particular, was so severe, that she had difficulty making her words understood. Promoters compared Grace's appearence to that of a Mule. Her reputation was as a Warmhearted Motherly Soul who quite obligingly cooperated in her exploitation. People spoke very tenderly about her Sweet Personality. Her hideous appearence made her one of the Most Profitable Shock-and-Sympathy Exhibits in Sideshow History. Faulty memories combined with poor and shabby pseudo-journalism has spread the "Cindarella"-like legend that the terribly disfigured Grace was eventually Married to a nice young "Prince Charming' who managed to sweep her off her feet. Let's set the record |
| GRACE McDANIELS, the MULE-FACED WOMAN |
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| From the author's collection |
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| (above) This undated news clipping, in the author's collection, shows Grace "at her best" - her face very much resembling that of a mule. As her condition worsened the upper lip became so grossly enlarged that she found it difficult to speak clearly and she no longer resembled her show moniker. As years went by her nose and the area around the eyes became so swollen that only those closest to her were able to "read her face" to know how she was feeling, further isolating her from the human race. She reminds me much of Joe Merrick, the Elephant Man, in this regard. |
| straight! Grace McDaniels, the famous "Mule-Faced Woman", was NEVER, EVER, EVER MARRIED"! What did indeed occur, was a far less romantic scenario. A carnival handyman (allegedly named Johnny or Joey?), who, on one of his regular intoxicated binges, actually managed a one-night stand with Grace. As soon as sobriety returned, the cruel guy ran as far away from her as was possible. This sad encounter resulted in the birth of a son, who luckilly was not stricken with tumors as was his mother. Grace's lot turned out to be a rotten one. Her son grew into an abusive alcoholic who was also addicted to morphine. He lived in a trailer, together with a Stripper who he routinely Pimped out. Poor Grace's nightmare of a son regularly stole from both her and from the Sideshow cash box whenever he was able to get near it. He had also accumulated a series of dangerous gambling debts. Sclerosis of the liver finally did him in. And it was not too long after the death of his mother." |
| from Ari Roussimoff, director "Freaks Uncensored: A Human Sideshow" -- |
| These two photos were apparently taken at the same time (1924). Note that Grace is wearing the same dress and hairstyle and her upper lip is the same size. |
| www.quasi-modo.net |