The Greatest Showman overwhelmed the eye with its colorful cast of characters, each with a unique look to add to P.T. Barnum’s (Hugh Jackman) circus — but what do the actors and actresses look like in real life? In addition to wearing a rainbow of costumes, many of the cast members wore wigs, makeup and other physical pieces to alter their appearance. In post-production, CGI also played a role in making the cast members look taller, shorter, thinner, or fatter.
The Greatest Showman follows the life of PT Barnum and the origin of his world-renowned circus, including his recruitment of individuals to join the sideshow. Historically regarded as freaks, the real members of the Barnum & Bailey Circus all had something that made them stand out from the crowd, whether it was their “exotic” ethnicity, genetic differences, or physical skills. The circus brought society’s outsiders into the spotlight, highlighting their differences as a means to make a living.
The Greatest Showman explores how participating in the circus changes the lives of people regarded as oddities. As they join the circus and perform for the first time, the shame they feel over their differences becomes a point of pride and a way to rebel against society’s biases. The appearance of the characters is crucial to the storyline, and the transformation they underwent during filming is especially fascinating.
Lettie Lutz, The Bearded Lady
The Bearded Lady, a.k.a. Lettie Lutz, is portrayed by Keala Settle in the critically divisive The Greatest Showman, who made her big break into Hollywood with the film but is also known for her work on Broadway. Settle’s beard in the film is a dark, realistic-looking piece complete with sideburns and a mustache. Her darkened eyebrows and stage makeup add to the overall effect, and her penchant for bright ballgowns creates a dramatic contrast between her feminine and masculine traits. In real life, Settle’s beard disappears, of course. She also has a more modern hair and clothing style that is more gender-neutral, reflecting the lessened divisions between gender stereotypes in the 21st century.
Charles Stratton, General Tom Thumb
Charles Stratton, or as he’s known in the circus, General Tom Thumb, is played by Sam Humphrey in The Greatest Showman. At 4-feet-2-inches, Humphrey is taller than the real Tom Thumb, a dwarf, so he had to walk on his knees during the movie. At birth, Humphrey was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called acrodysplasia, which can explain his below-average height.
Anne Wheeler, Acrobat And Trapeze Artist
Zendaya, now well-known for her role in Spider-Man: Homecoming, played acrobat and trapeze artist Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman. Her unique appearance was mostly characterized by an elaborate pink wig and vivid costumes, although her natural hair is on display later in the film during a scene in which she practices her stunts. Zendaya is one of the few members of the circus whose actual appearance is close to her appearance during the show. Conventionally beautiful, it’s Zendaya’s mixed-race heritage and unusual abilities that complicate her romance with Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron), although he ultimately embraces their relationship in spite of judgment from society’s elite.
The Lord of Leeds
As the Lord of Leeds in The Greatest Showman, actor Daniel Everidge makes his claim to fame as the largest man in the world. Although Everidge is quite hefty in reality, he wore a fat suit in the film to make him appear larger, a costume piece that is pointed out in the film itself. When Everidge first auditions for the circus, Barnum exaggerates his already considerable weight with a padded suit, trying to gain attention and fame by embracing his differences to average New Yorkers. This is a theme that’s present throughout the film, as Barnum takes advantage of the audience’s natural curiosity.
O’Clancy, The Tallest Man In The World
Likewise, O’Clancy (Radu Spinghel) already cut an imposing figure at his natural height in The Greatest Showman before Barnum put him in stilts to make him even taller. Spinghel, a former MMA fighter and Hollywood bodyguard, stands at 6-feet-11-inches in the real world, tall enough to make anyone feel small.
Dog Boy
The Greatest Showman’s Dog Boy is portrayed by Luciano Acuna Jr., who achieved success in Los Angeles as a stunt man. One-time participant in American Ninja Warrior, Acuna Jr. is also known for his long hair. He sometimes wears a beard and mustache but often appears clean-shaven. In the film, hair was added to his face and hands to turn him into a true circus act.
The Tattooed Man
Dancer Shannon Holtzapffel plays the Tattooed Man in The Greatest Showman, bringing unique body modifications into the circus tent. During Holtzapffel’s appearances on TV and on tour, he doesn’t appear to have any upper-body tattoos, a drastic departure from the ink that covers him from head to toe in The Greatest Showman. The audience’s fascination with his character comes not from an intrinsic physical appearance, but from what was then a rare artistic addition to bodies. Although tattoos are more common today, fascination with them also continues, with Rick Genest, or “Zombie Boy,” having achieved notoriety and a Guinness World Record for his full-body tattoos.
Jenny Lind, The Swedish Nightingale
World-renowned singer Jenny Lind isn’t a member of P.T. Barnum’s circus in The Greatest Showman, and it shows. Portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, the talented vocalist doesn’t rely on flashy costumes or an unusual appearance to achieve fame, but her beautiful voice. As a member of society’s upper classes, Jenny is often seen in beautiful, subdued dresses and basic makeup, putting an emphasis on her natural beauty. Barnum’s yearning to join the ranks of the elite is demonstrated by his thirst to produce her show, rather than the circus.
P.T. Barnum, The Ringmaster
P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, is a unique character in The Greatest Showman. Barnum spends most of the movie torn between his desire to become accepted by society and his love of show business and the circus. As the ringmaster, Barnum’s signature appearance is created by a costume he can put on or take off at will, unlike other members of the circus. Toward the end of the movie, however, Barnum embraces his unique position in New York by donning a high-class tux and making his entrance to his daughter’s ballet recital on an elephant.
Phillip Carlyle, The Business Partner
Phillip Carlyle, P.T. Barnum’s business partner in The Greatest Showman is a contrast to Barnum in that he was born into the ranks of the upper class. Barnum tempts Carlyle, portrayed by Zac Efron, into joining the circus by offering an escape from the boredom of high society and the strictures of the elite. Carlyle is also conflicted about his involvement in the circus, but dons Barnum’s ringmaster costume at the end of the film, publicly aligning himself with the circus freaks he makes money from.
