Schlitzie, also spelled Schlitze or Shlitze, was a renowned American sideshow performer who captured the hearts of many. Born on September 10, 1901, his true birth name, location, and parents remain a mystery. While some sources suggest he was born in The Bronx, New York, others claim Santa Fe, New Mexico, although the latter is likely a result of his imaginative billing as “Maggie, last of the Aztec Children.” Schlitzie’s early life was marked by a series of informal guardianships as he ventured through various carnivals.

Schlitzie was born with microcephaly, a condition that resulted in an unusually small brain and skull, along with a diminutive stature of around 4 feet (120 cm). He also experienced myopia and severe intellectual disability, possibly related to Seckel syndrome. With the cognitive abilities of a three-year-old, Schlitzie relied on others for his care and could only communicate using monosyllabic words and basic phrases. Despite these limitations, he possessed the capacity to perform simple tasks and demonstrated an impressive ability to understand and mimic what was said to him.

Described by those who knew him as affectionate, exuberant, and sociable, Schlitzie had a passion for dancing, singing, and being the center of attention. He thrived on performing for anyone who would stop and engage with him, leaving a lasting impression on all who encountered him. Schlitzie’s extraordinary career spanned numerous outdoor entertainment circuits, including prominent appearances with Barnum & Bailey. His unforgettable role in the 1932 film Freaks solidified his status as a beloved cultural icon.

Schlitzie’s journey came to an end on September 24, 1971. While many details of his life may forever remain shrouded in mystery, his legacy as a remarkable and cherished performer endures.

Within the sideshow realm, individuals with microcephaly were often promoted using derogatory terms such as “pinheads” or “missing links.” Schlitzie, too, was subject to such labeling and was billed under various titles, including “The Last of the Aztecs,” “The Monkey Girl,” and “What Is It?”. At times, he was paired with another performer with microcephaly for added spectacle, although specific references for this claim are currently unavailable.

To enhance the intrigue surrounding his unique appearance, Schlitzie would typically be dressed in a muumuu, and his gender presentation varied between being portrayed as either female or androgynous. Those familiar with him would alternate between using masculine and feminine pronouns. Wearing dresses served a practical purpose as Schlitzie experienced urinary incontinence and required the use of diapers for his care. It is worth noting that this condition may have developed later in his life and could be attributed to aging rather than being present from birth.

Schlitzie found tremendous success on the sideshow circuit, working with esteemed circuses such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Clyde Beatty Circus, Tom Mix Circus, Crafts 20 Big Shows, and Foley & Burke Carnival throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In 1928, he made his film debut in The Sideshow, a drama that featured a cast of genuine sideshow performers set in a circus environment.

Following the passing of George Surtees, Schlitzie’s caregiver, in 1965, he continued his sideshow performances under the care of Surtees’ daughter, who had no involvement in show business. Eventually, Schlitzie was committed to a hospital in Los Angeles County for his ongoing care.

After an extended period of hospitalization, Schlitzie’s fortunes took a turn when he was recognized by Bill “Frenchy” Unks, a skilled sword swallower who happened to be working at the hospital during its off-season. Unks noticed Schlitzie’s longing for the carnival life and witnessed the toll that isolation had taken on his spirits. Recognizing the need for a change, the hospital authorities decided that the best course of care for Schlitzie would be to place him under the guardianship of Sam Alexander, a showman, and return him to the sideshow. Thus, in 1968, Schlitzie resumed his place in the sideshow world under Alexander’s care.

During his later years, Schlitzie resided in Los Angeles and continued to perform in various sideshow circuits, both locally and internationally. He made frequent appearances in places like Hawaii and London, captivating audiences with his unique presence. One of his notable performances took place in 1968 at the Dobritch International Circus held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Additionally, Schlitzie became a recognizable attraction on the streets of Hollywood, accompanied by his caretakers who sold souvenir pictures from his carnival days. In his final days, he often spent time on Santa Monica Boulevard, particularly enjoying visits to MacArthur Park on Alvarado Street and Wilshire Boulevard. There, he would delight in feeding the pigeons and ducks, while also entertaining passersby with his endearing performances.

On September 24, 1971, at the age of seventy, Schlitzie passed away at Fountain View Convalescent Home. His official name on the death certificate was recorded as “Shlitze Surtees,” and his birthdate was listed as 1901. Schlitzie found his final resting place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights.