Johnny Eck known as "The King of the Freaks" for his amazing physical presence, talent and charisma. An early pitchbook, the cover of which is shown in our gallery above, talks about his many talents and qualifications, including "Business College Education, Tight Rope Walker, Dancer, Humorist, Musician, etc., calling him finally "the boy with a million dollar's worth of personality."

from Jeffrey Pratt Gordon: Johnny Eckhardt was born on August 27th 1911 at his parents home in Baltimore, Md. He was one of two twins. The other brother, Robert, was born a normal, healthy child. Johnny, though healthy, was born with no lower half. His body stopped just below the ribs. "Oh my lord, he's a broken doll." cried one of the midwives as Johnny came out.

However, in his 79 years on this earth Johnny Eck (his name was shortened by his first manager) accomplished more than most people with legs. He was a sideshow performer, artist, photographer, magician, Punch and Judy operator, expert model maker, race car driver, swimmer, gymnast, actor, train conductor, traveler and all around Renaissance man.

All that and he only reached a height of 18 inches tall!
He never let his lack of legs prevent him from attempting anything he dreamed up. Someone once asked him if he wished he had legs? "Why would I want those? Then I'd have pants to press." was his reply.

With that healthy attitude and the sunny disposition that everybody loved, it is no wonder why he led such a full and happy life.

Johnny Eck was two things— a shutterbug and a packrat. During his career, Johnny turned his camera onto the world he lived in . Whether it was a group of friends wiling away the hot summer days on the white marble steps of his home in Baltimore or to capturing quiet moments behind the tents on various midways throughout the country Johnny shot it. Not only did he shoot it, he developed and printed his own pictures in the small darkroom he set up in the basement of his house.

Johnny started drawing and painting when he was just two years old. He exercised his hands and his creative mind to their fullest. Not only to paint the banners and props for his shows, but to fill his time in the off season.

Both Johnny and Robert took a job at Ocktavecs Art Shop around the corner from their house. It was there that they honed their skills as painters. Johnny painting screens, Robert as a sign painter and each of them helping the Ocktavecs do church restoration work. Art was an early love for the boys, one that lasted their entire lives.