| Birth date | 1 October 1924 |
|---|---|
| Birth place | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Death date | 30 April 1943 (aged 18) |
| Death place | Martinez, California |
| Other names | The Giant, Big Willie, Willie |
| Occupation | Performer |
| Known for | 4th tallest verified man and 2nd tallest African-American in history |
| Height | 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m)[1] |
Guicel "Willie" Camper was an American giant who was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is notable for being one of 29 known people in medical history to have verifiably reached a height of 8 feet (240 cm) or more. At the time of his death at the age of 18, his death cirtificate reached the height of 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) which disputes his 8'7 claim.[2] He also wore size 32 shoes.[2] He is the 2nd tallest recorded African-American, though likely being the tallest person from the time after Robert Wadlow's death. Robert was 8'11, making him roughly 9 inches taller than Willie.[3][4][5]
Life
Camper was born in Memphis, Tennessee and his abnormal growth started around the age of nine. As he grew older, Camper worked as a performer. His unusual growth was caused by gigantism and problems with his thyroid. Up until his death, he was said to have never stopped growing.[4]
He died of a heart attack in 1943 while performing at a sideshow in Martinez, California. He was buried in Mendenhall, Mississippi in a coffin that was 9 ft (2.7 m) long. His burial location remains largely unknown.
See also
References
- ^ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13191704/guicel-camper/photo#view-photo=298261712
- ^ Marc Hartzman. "American Sideshow". Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ 20 Tallest People In The World (Alive & Dead). Engineerine.com. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ Boy Giant Born 1923 Still Growing Strong. PIX, Vol. 5 No. 15 (13 April 1940). Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13191704/guicel-camper/photo#view-photo=298261712