Origins & Early Life

Schlitzie (alternatively spelled Schlitze or Shlitze; September 10, 1901 – September 24, 1971), possibly born Simon Metz and legally Schlitze Surtees, was an American sideshow performer. He also appeared in a few films, and is best known for his role in the 1932 movie Freaks. His lifelong career on the outdoor entertainment circuit as a major sideshow attraction with Barnum & Bailey, among others, made him a popular cultural icon. Schlitzie's true birth date, name, location and parents are unknown.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Information on his death certificate and gravesite indicate he was born on September 10, 1901, in The Bronx, New York, though some sources have claimed he was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Claims he was born in Yucatán, Mexico, are mistaken reflections of Schlitzie's occasional fanciful billing as "Maggie, last of the Aztec Children". Information about Schlitzie's identity at birth may never be known, the information having been lost as he was handed off to various carnivals in a long line of mostly informal guardianships throughout his career. Those who knew Schlitzie described him as an affectionate, exuberant, sociable person who loved dancing, singing, and being the center...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Contemporary (Died in 1901) (1901): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
• Alberto Giacometti — Contemporary (Born in 1901) (1901): Swiss master of existential sculpture, known for elongated, fragile human figures.
• Alexandre Alexeieff — Contemporary (Born in 1901) (1901): Russian-born artist, filmmaker, and illustrator known for inventing the pinscreen technique.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Adriano Giannini — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Italian actor known for dubbing and roles in film and television.
• Alison Krauss — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Esteemed American bluegrass singer and musician known for her vibrant career.
• Agostinho Neto — Shared historical date (09-10 · Died) (1979): Angolan communist revolutionary, poet, and first President of Angola.
• Alonso de Guzmán y Sotomayor, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia — Shared historical date (09-10 · Born) (1550): Spanish aristocrat and patron, famed for his role in the 1588 Spanish Armada.
• Alaungpaya — Shared historical date (09-24 · Born) (1714): Founder of the Konbaung Dynasty, unifying Burma through military prowess.
• Albrecht von Wallenstein — Shared historical date (09-24 · Born) (1583): Bohemian military leader and statesman, key figure in the Thirty Years' War.
• 1901 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1901
• September 10 (09-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 10
• 1971 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1971
• September 24 (09-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 24