Carrie Akers

The Dwarf Fat Lady

from Gerald Drewicz:

Many early freak exhibitors tried to combine their unique qualities with other talents or abilities in an effort to double their appeal and make themselves a better draw.

Circassian snake charmers, Albino mind readers, singing midgets etc., were not uncommon.

Carrie Akers however, didn’t need to sing, dance, play an instrument or fabricate some exotic story concerning her condition. She was one of the few true double freaks.

At a height of only 34 inches, she was unusual. Add to that the fact that she weighed slightly over 300 pounds and you have a very odd looking little lady. Unfortunately, Miss Akers didn’t seem to fit the typical fat person stereotype. A close look at any of her photos clearly shows that there doesn’t seem to be anything "Jolly" or "Happy" about her.

Reports indicate that actually, Carrie had a rather crabby disposition, even being nicknamed "Quarrelsome Carrie". Perhaps that is why there seems to be few photos of her available. Who would want a picture to remind them of such an unpleasant person?