Lionel the Lion-faced Man
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Lionel the Lion-faced Man
Stephan Bibrowski ), better known as Lionel the Lion-faced Man, was a famous sideshow performer. His whole body was covered with long hair that gave him the appearance of a lion; this was likely due to a rare condition called hypertrichosis. Date: early 20th century
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Media ID 14276011
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Bailey Barnum Circus Faced Famed Freak Freakshow Hairy Hypertrichosis Lion Lionel Performer Polish Sideshow Stephan
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases Lionel the Lion-faced Man, born Stephan Bibrowski, a renowned sideshow performer of the early 20th century. Lionel was afflicted with a rare condition called hypertrichosis, which covered his entire body with long, coarse hair, giving him an extraordinary resemblance to a lion. Born in Poland in 1891, Lionel's unique appearance first brought him to public attention in Europe, where he was exhibited as a curiosity in various fairs and circuses. His fame eventually reached the United States, where he became a featured attraction in the famed Barnum & Bailey Circus. Despite the initial shock and awe that Lionel's appearance elicited, he was known for his friendly demeanor and engaging personality. He was a skilled musician, often performing on the accordion, and was fluent in several languages, including English, Polish, and French. This photograph, taken during Lionel's American tour, captures him in a more relaxed moment, sitting next to a dog. The contrast between the man and the dog highlights the remarkable similarity between Lionel's lion-like features and the regal animal. Lionel's life was not without challenges, as the stigma surrounding his condition and the exploitative nature of the sideshow industry took a toll on his health and well-being. However, he continued to perform, captivating audiences with his unique appearance and charm until his death in 1932. Today, Lionel the Lion-faced Man remains an intriguing figure in the history of freak shows and human oddities, a testament to the enduring fascination with the unusual and the extraordinary.
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