The Greatest Showman overwhelmed the heart with its colorful cast of characters, each with a unique wait to add together to P.T. Barnum'south (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 await taller, shorter, thinner, or fatter.

The Greatest Showmanfollows the life of PT Barnum and the origin of his world-renowned circus, including his recruitment of individuals to bring together the sideshow. Historically regarded equally 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 concrete skills. The circus brought society's outsiders into the spotlight, highlighting their differences as a means to make a living.

The Greatest Showmanexplores 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 indicate of pride and a way to rebel confronting society'south 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 past Keala Settle in the critically divisive The Greatest Showman, who made her big pause into Hollywood with the piconly is also known for her work on Broadway. Settle's bristles in the film is a dark, realistic-looking piece complete with sideburns and a mustache. Her darkened eyebrows and phase makeup add to the overall effect, and her penchant for brilliant ballgowns creates a dramatic contrast between her feminine and masculine traits. In real life, Settle's beard disappears, of course. She besides has a more mod 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 inThe Greatest Showman.At 4-feet-ii-inches, Humphrey is taller than the existent Tom Pollex, a dwarf, and so he had to walk on his knees during the movie. At nascency, Humphrey was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called acrodysplasia, which can explain his beneath-average top.

Anne Wheeler, Acrobat And Trapeze Artist

Zendaya, now well-known for her role in Spider-Man: Homecoming , played acrobat and trapeze creative person Anne Wheeler inThe Greatest Showman.Her unique advent was mostly characterized by an elaborate pinkish wig and vivid costumes, although her natural hair is on brandish later in the movie during a scene in which she practices her stunts. Zendaya is one of the few members of the circus whose actual appearance is shut to her advent during the testify. Conventionally beautiful, it's Zendaya'southward 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'southward elite.

The Lord of Leeds

As the Lord of Leeds inThe Greatest Showman,thespian Daniel Everidge makes his claim to fame equally the largest homo in the world. Although Everidge is quite hefty in reality, he wore a fat adjust in the moving picture to make him appear larger, a costume piece that is pointed out in the flick itself. When Everidge first auditions for the circus, Barnum exaggerates his already considerable weight with a padded arrange, trying to proceeds attention and fame by embracing his differences to average New Yorkers. This is a theme that'due south present throughout the film, as Barnum takes advantage of the audition'due south natural curiosity.

O'Clancy, The Tallest Human being In The Globe

Also, O'Clancy (Radu Spinghel) already cut an imposing figure at his natural height in The Greatest Showmanbefore Barnum put him in stilts to brand him even taller. Spinghel, a erstwhile MMA fighter and Hollywood bodyguard, stands at vi-anxiety-11-inches in the real world, tall enough to make anyone feel small.

Domestic dog Boy

The Greatest Showman'southwardDomestic dog Boy is portrayed past Luciano Acuna Jr., who achieved success in Los Angeles as a stunt man. I-time participant inAmerican Ninja Warrior,Acuna Jr. is also known for his long hair. He sometimes wears a beard and mustache but often appears make clean-shaven. In the moving-picture show, hair was added to his face and hands to turn him into a true circus act.

The Tattooed Human being

Dancer Shannon Holtzapffel plays the Tattooed Man inThe Greatest Showman, bringing unique body modifications into the circus tent. During Holtzapffel's appearances on TV and on tour, he doesn't announced to have any upper-body tattoos, a desperate departure from the ink that covers him from head to toe inThe Greatest Showman.The audience'due south fascination with his grapheme comes non from an intrinsic physical advent, but from what was so a rare artistic add-on to bodies. Although tattoos are more mutual today, fascination with them also continues, with Rick Genest, or "Zombie Boy," having accomplished notoriety and a Guinness World Record for his full-body tattoos.

Jenny Lind, The Swedish Nightingale

World-renowned vocalist Jenny Lind isn't a member of P.T. Barnum's circus inThe Greatest Showman, and it shows. Portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, the talented singer doesn't rely on flashy costumes or an unusual appearance to achieve fame, but her cute voice. As a member of society'south upper classes, Jenny is ofttimes seen in beautiful, subdued dresses and basic makeup, putting an accent on her natural dazzler. Barnum's yearning to join the ranks of the aristocracy is demonstrated by his thirst to produce her testify, rather than the circus.

P.T. Barnum, The Ringmaster

P.T. Barnum, played past Hugh Jackman, is a unique character inThe Greatest Showman.Barnum spends about of the movie torn between his desire to become accepted past society and his beloved of testify business and the circus. As the ringmaster, Barnum'southward signature advent 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, all the same, Barnum embraces his unique position in New York by donning a loftier-course tux and making his entrance to his girl'south ballet recital on an elephant.

Phillip Carlyle, The Business Partner

Phillip Carlyle, P.T. Barnum's business partner in The Greatest Showmanis a contrast to Barnum in that he was born into the ranks of the upper course. Barnum tempts Carlyle, portrayed past Zac Efron, into joining the circus by offering an escape from the boredom of loftier guild and the strictures of the elite. Carlyle is also conflicted most his involvement in the circus, just dons Barnum's ringmaster costume at the end of the moving picture, publicly adjustment himself with the circus freaks he makes money from.

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About The Author

Jasmine Gallup (115 Articles Published)

Jasmine Gallup is a writer for ScreenRant, covering fantasy, science fiction and superheroes. She's worked as a freelance reporter since 2018. By day, Jasmine writes for a small North Carolina newspaper most her hometown of Cary. By dark, she explores the depths of moving-picture show and goggle box alongside her twin sister.

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