The Sad Life Of Schlitzie, The Sideshow "Pinhead"

Schlitzie had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old even in his adulthood. He could only speak in short sentences and phrases. Dressed as a girl, he performed in various sideshows throughout his life. Schlitzie had a rare condition called microcephaly. It causes deformation of a brain, skull, and body. The disease can lead to epilepsy, learning disabilities, and issues with hearing and vision. Most sources agree that Schlitzie was born in 1901. But many argue about his real name. It could be Simon Metz or Shlitze Surtees. It is believed that Schlitzie was born in a wealthy family but he was abandoned. Then, he changed many foster parents. In circuses, Schlitzie was billed as “The Monkey Girl” and “The Last of the Aztecs”. He performed as a female wearing dresses on stage. Dresses made it easier for his handlers to take care of him as he suffered from incontinence. Schlitzie’s fame skyrocketed in 1932 when he appeared in the film Freaks. This movie was about love and betrayal in a circus. It is well-known for featuring a number of real sideshow freaks, like Schlitzie. The movie was highly criticized for its grotesque horror involving the freaks. The Hollywood Reporter called it an outrageous onslaught upon the feelings, the senses, the brains and the stomachs of an audience. One woman wanted to sue MGM claiming that the movie caused a miscarriage. Despite all the negativity around the film, Schlitzie became a star. He was cute and innocent always charming people around him. In 1936, a chimp trainer George Surtees adopted Schlitzie. Surtees loved Schlitzie and took care of him until Surtees’ death in 1965. Surtees’ daughter sent Schlitzie to a mental hospital in Los Angeles. He stayed there for three years. Schlitzie missed circus life and his health began to decline. A sword swallower Bill Unks recognized Schlitzie during his performance in the hospital. Unks lobbied the hospital to make him Schlitzie’s caregiver. The hospital allowed Schlitzie to return to sideshows. He performed a few times with the Dobritch International Circus. Schlitzie retired in Los Angeles. Despite his fame, he didn’t have a home or a fortune. In retirement Schlitzie still entertained people by feeding pigeons and ducks at the park. He died in 1971, at the age of 70. Schlitzie was buried in a simple unmarked grave. But in 2007, a fan raised money to install a proper headstone.

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