Amazing People Hard To Believe Exist
The world around us is filled with endless wonders, some of which are so mind-boggling that they leave us lost for words. But have you ever come across people with unique physical features? Brace yourself as we introduce you to a few amazing folks you wouldn't believe exist!
We are all special in our own queer ways, and our distinct features help us stand out from the crowd. Our uniqueness can be defined by a myriad of factors, from our physical characteristics to the attributes that constitute our personality. However, you'll be surprised that some people can be a different kind of unique.
It's a long list of individuals from different parts of the world, including the real-life Blue Man, the world's Tallest Man and Shortest Woman, the world's Hairiest Man, and a youngster with gigantic hands! Now that we have your attention, let's look at eight people who continue to stun with their mind-blowing features.
1. The Real-Life Blue Man
Paul Karason talks exclusively with NBC News' "Today" about turning permanently blue after using colloidal silver on January 7, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
At some point, we've all felt a little blue, and maybe, we still do. But imagine living with blue-colored skin for real, without any makeup or facade!
Paul Karason, from Madera, California, knew how it felt because his skin took on the hue—completely and permanently. But he wasn't always that way.
Born in 1970, Garry grew up feeling different in his own skin and had to learn to live with it.
Paul Karason talks with NBC News' "Today" about turning permanently blue after using colloidal silver on NBC News' "Today" on February 6, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Paul had a fair complexion with freckles and a head full of reddish-blonde hair. But things took an odd turn when he began ingesting silver to treat dermatitis on his face after watching an advertisement that promised renewed health and vitality.
He was in his late 40s then and resorted to using colloidal silver on a daily basis. Paul said he dissolved silver particles in water and downed almost ten ounces of the concoction daily. The California man didn't even notice he had turned blue until his friend brought it to his attention one day.
Continued use of the silver suspension turned Paul's skin permanently blue, and he developed a rare condition called argyria, which was deemed irreversible.
Paul Karason talks exclusively with NBC News' "Today" co-anchor Matt Lauer about turning permanently blue after using colloidal silver on January 7, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
According to Paul, the homemade silver solution not only cured his dermatitis but also helped him with arthritis and rectified his acid reflux issues. Sadly, he failed to realize that the silver had done him more damage than good and was even absorbed into his bloodstream.
He went on to earn the nickname "Papa Smurf" from both elders and youngsters alike. According to his estranged wife, Paul passed away at 62 from a heart attack after contracting pneumonia and being treated for it in the hospital. He had also suffered a severe stroke previously.
2. A Young Boy with Gigantic Hands
Tarik shows his gigantic hands. | Source: facebook.com/100015318133073
Tarik, a young boy from Uttar Pradesh, India, was born with enormous hands, growing in size with time. In fact, when he turned 12, they looked similar to elephant feet and measured a whopping 12 inches in length.
His family was concerned, but they tried to provide him with love, care, and support. When Tarik's father passed away, his older brother, Hargyan, began looking after him, helping him with daily tasks, such as showering, putting on clothes, and eating. The brothers worked together on a tea stall.
Tarik is pictured in a pharmacy. | Source: facebook.com/100015318133073
Although Tarik's family was supportive and empathetic of his condition, he didn't receive the same treatment from others. People from his village were so appalled that they thought it best to avoid him.
Hargyan said his baby brother was refused admission to schools, and children avoided him. A heartbroken Tarik told Barcroft Media:
"Everybody is scared of me."
The Indian boy Tarik | Source: facebook.com/100015318133073
Tarik's loved ones took him to local doctors, but none of them were able to diagnose his condition. Something tugged at their heartstrings when their beloved boy was dubbed "devil," and community members shouted belittling remarks at him. Some even thought he was cursed, which was deeply upsetting for the young boy.
Although his queer condition was similar to Elephant Foot disease, the mystery behind it remains and could perhaps be solved with proper research. Despite the challenging circumstances and constant mocking, Tarik is hopeful for a cure so he can live a normal life like other children his age.
3. The World's Shortest Woman
Actress Jyoti Amge attends the premiere screening of FX's "American Horror Story: Freak Show" at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 5, 2014 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jyoti Amge was born in Nagpur, India, on December 16, 1993. She was diagnosed with a rare short-limbed dwarfism, Achondroplasia, and failed to grow beyond a certain height. In 2009, she became the world's shortest teenager, measuring only 2 feet; two years later, she measured 2 feet, 0.72 inches.
She has been a Guinness World Record holder for over a decade, becoming the shortest woman alive (mobile) in December 2011. Although Jyoti had a supportive family system, her life wasn't always easy. At school, she had to have a customized table and chair to enjoy the same experience as other kids.
Actors Jyoti Amge and Erika Ervin arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "American Horror Story: Freak Show" at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on October 5, 2014 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
As she grew up, her small stature made her the center of attention, but Jyoti's larger-than-life personality quickly captivated hearts. The ambitious Indian completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and took dance and acting classes. Jyoti aspired to travel the world and star in movies and TV shows.
After her association with the GWR fraternity, she realized her dream of traveling the world and saw mesmerizing cities such as London, New York, and Paris. Besides her guest appearances on television in her home country, she also became the shortest actress after starring as Ma Petite in "American Horror Story: Freak Show."
Jyoti Amge visits the Empire State Building on September 12, 2013 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Since her skyrocketing fame, Jyoti has also met the World's Tallest Living Man, Sultan Kösen, whom she calls a dear friend. In 2010, she met the then World's Shortest Man, Khagendra Thapa Magar, who died in 2010.
Because of her tiny size, she requires assistance with everyday tasks, but her family's support gives her the strength to keep going. A tin of soda appears enormous in her hand, and so does an iPhone. Jyoti is even smaller in height than an average two-year-old baby and thinks pigeons are large birds.
Jyoti needs both hands to lift coffee mugs and plates and sits at the front on motorbikes. But her true beauty lies in her bubbly personality, cheerful demeanor, unwavering determination, and warm smile. In Jyoti's words, "If you keep trying, you will definitely achieve all your dreams."
4. The Real-Life Hair Boy
China's hairiest man Yu Zhenhuan is seen at an airport on June 13, 2017 in Beijing, China. | Source: Getty Images
Yu Zhenhuan was born in Shenyang in the northeastern province of Liaoning, China. When he turned 2, he was diagnosed with a rare condition called "atavism," characterized by pitch-black hair covering significant parts of his body, albeit the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands.
Initially, he was considered the hairiest man in his country, but in 2002, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized him as the world's hairiest man. Owing to his affinity toward music and entertainment, Yu starred in a film, "a hairy child's adventure," when he was only six years old.
China's hairiest man Yu Zhenhuan is seen on April 19, 2017 in Jinan, Shandong Province of China. His hair covers 96 percent of his body. | Source: Getty Images
Mops of black hair were said to have covered 96% of Yu's body, and he had a rough start in life. The Chinese man said he was called names by people, including "caveman," and it traumatized him as a child. But as he grew up, Yu admitted he learned how to respond to criticism better.
In 2007, Yu started a campaign, wanting to become the torch bearer for the Beijing Olympic Games. Having dubbed himself "King Kong" and "hair boy," he sought refuge in rock and roll and became China's rock star. He also underwent multiple procedures to fix his gums and had ear hair removed to prevent hearing impairment.
Yu Zhenhuan, who suffers from a rare condition with hair covering 96 percent of his body, gets a check up at a hospital in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province on September 16, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Yu aspired to further his music career and write his songs, taking inspiration from Chinese and Taiwanese musicians. He also wished to release an album and tackle his critics by relying on his own strength and abilities.
A part of him longed to have been born much earlier when people didn't look down on hairy folks but deemed them more masculine. Nonetheless, he had come to see his distinct feature as a symbol of pride and never loathed it.
5. The World's Tallest Man
The shortest man ever, Chandra Bahadur Dangi meets the worlds tallest man, Sultan Kosen for the very first time on November 13, 2014 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Sultan Kösen was born on December 10, 1982 in Mardin, Turkey. Although his parents and siblings had average heights, he experienced a sudden surge in growth when he turned 10. As he grew older, he became so tall that it stunned everyone, and many wondered what was causing it.
Later, he was diagnosed with pituitary gigantism, which meant his growth hormone was being produced in excess. Sultan continued to grow and became so massive that in 2009, he was declared the tallest man alive by Guinness World Records, measuring 8 feet, 1 inch.
Sultan Kosen, the World's Tallest Living Man and Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum owner Tej Sundher (R) at the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum on May 14, 2013 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
By 2011, Sultan's height had increased to 8 feet, 2.8 inches. Because of his tall stature, the Turkish man could not attend school and had to give up his dream of playing basketball. He had difficulty finding shoes and clothing of his size, as well as walking and fitting into average-sized places, especially vehicles.
On the contrary, Sultan could help his family hang blinds, change bulbs, and reach the farthest nooks and corners of the house. He also held records for the largest feet and hands on a living person, with measurements of 1 foot, 2 inches, and 11.22 inches, respectively.
Sultan Kosen (R), world's tallest living male at 2.51 meters, poses with his wife, Merve Dibo (L), on their wedding anniversary in Mardin, Turkey, on November 9, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
After entering the GWR family, Sultan fulfilled many of his dreams. He traveled to more than 120 countries, became a globally recognized figure, earned his place in a 2016 Hollywood movie, "Achieving the Impossible," and tied the knot with a Syrian woman in 2013.
Although his marriage ended in 2021, becoming a record holder changed his life for the better. In 2010, he underwent free surgery to stop his growth spurt and continued to gain worldwide fame. He celebrated his 40th birthday in December 2022 in the U.S. and posed next to the statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man to have ever existed!
Despite a Ghanaian man claiming to be 9 ft, 6 inches, Sultan, a part-time farmer, still holds the record of the tallest man (living) at 8 feet, 3 inches. The former's claims were refuted after a BBC journalist took his measurements, and he appeared only 7 feet, 4 inches tall.
6. The Incredible Story of Conjoined Twins
Abby and Brittany Hensel were born in Minnesota on March 7, 1990, and finished high school in 2008. After graduating from college in 2012, they were ready to enter adulthood but knew their condition would subject them to unnecessary attention and widespread speculation.
They were fused at the torsos, and each twin controlled one leg and one arm. Everyday activities such as walking, running, and driving required immense coordination and cooperation—something they had mastered over time. Furthermore, they also shared vital organs, including the reproductive systems, bladder, and liver.
It was reported that their parents decided not to have them separated at birth because it could be life-threatening. The Hensel twins gained worldwide attention after appearing on Oprah Winfrey's show in the 1990s, followed by their own reality TV series running on TLC for one season.
Despite sharing a combined Instagram account, Abby and Brittany have posted nothing after 2015. They have also steered clear of the spotlight and dished no details on their private life, especially dating. Per sources, the twins wish to marry and embrace motherhood someday but refuse to discuss the complex dynamics openly.
Since being out of the limelight, the conjoined twins have taught fourth and fifth-grade students in a Minnesota school. Although they reportedly share their salaries, they might call for separate paychecks in the future, given their varied expertise in education.
7. A Woman with Enormous Legs
Mandy Sellars, from Lancashire, U.K., was born with a strange condition where the lower half of her body appeared much more gigantic. Although she could walk and play her favorite sports in childhood, life became cumbersome as her legs grew in size.
Eventually, her bottom half became so enormous that her legs weighed 17 stones (238 pounds), and she suffered various health complications. Both her legs were of different sizes and varied in proportions.
In 2010, Mandy took her doctor's advice and had her left leg amputated after it was infected with septicemia. Much to her dismay, her limb grew back after the amputation, which she had never expected.
Mandy Sellars outside the door of a salon | Source: YouTube.com/Discovery UK
Despite her unusual condition, Mandy had supportive parents and left home as a teenager to earn an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
Later, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Proteus Syndrome, characterized by overgrowth of the skin, bones, and tissues. Her life became a little manageable when she took a trial drug, after which she reportedly lost six stones (84 pounds), and her limbs began shrinking.
Mandy Sellars pictured inside a salon | Source: YouTube.com/Discovery UK
Although her balloon legs made daily chores cumbersome, Mandy lived independently and used a special car to drive around. She used a wheelchair to move around the house and managed cooking, washing, and other chores on her own.
Mandy didn't let her diagnosis affect her life and maintained a positive outlook. She admitted to having two serious relationships in the past and didn't see any limitations hampering her future life.
8. The Man with the Stretchiest Skin in the World
Garry "Stretch" Turner from the U.K. was only three to four years old when he noticed something strange about himself—his skin was unusually stretchy. At the time, he said his uncles had fun showing him to their friends.
Born in 1970, Garry grew up feeling different in his own skin and had to learn to live with it. In 1999, he was recognized by the Guinness World Records with the stretchiest skin in the world and shot to fame soon afterward.
Garry can perform various stunts, from stretching the skin on his chest and stomach farther away from his body to using his tummy as a table for holding three pints of beer.
Garry Stretch, who holds the Guinness World Record for having the stretchiest skin, performs before the judges during the auditions for the Circus of Horrors at Fairfield Halls on October 7, 2005 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Also known as "The Elastic Man," Garry suffers from a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, characterized by defects in the skin's collagen levels. Resultantly, his skin lacks elasticity, and his joints have hypermobility. In severe cases, this syndrome can also lead to rupturing of blood vessels.
Since his diagnosis as a 13-year-old boy, Garry had to wave goodbye to football and even lost his job in a construction company. But after his association with GWR, he became a sideshow performer and even starred in the 2014 Hollywood film, "He Took His Skin Off for Me."
Holder of the Guiness Book of World Records record for the stretchiest skin, Garry Stretch, performs before the judges at the auditions for the Circus of Horrors at Fairfield Halls on October 7, 2005 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Although stretching his skin doesn't hurt, Garry has experienced joint pains, bruises, and slowed healing because of his diagnosis. He can stretch his skin as far as 15.8 centimeters and previously worked in the Circus of Horrors team.
He has held the record for the stretchiest skin for over two decades and is known for his shocking Batman impressions and for using large bulldog clips to pull away his drooping skin. Garry was also a part of the group that auditioned for "Britain's GOT Talent" in 2011.
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