Schlitzie
Sideshow performer and cult film icon from Freaks.
Schlitzie (September 10, 1901 – September 24, 1971), also known as Schlitze or Shlitze, was an American sideshow performer. He may have been born Simon Metz, and his legal name became Schlitze Surtees. He is most famous for appearing in the 1932 film *Freaks*, though he acted in a few other movies as well. For most of his life, he worked as a major attraction on the outdoor entertainment circuit, including with Barnum & Bailey, and became a well-known cultural figure.
No one knows Schlitzie’s true birth date, birthplace, or parents. His death certificate and grave marker say he was born September 10, 1901, in the Bronx, New York, though some claim he was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Stories that he came from Yucatán, Mexico, are incorrect—they stem from his occasional stage billing as “Maggie, last of the Aztec Children.” Because he was passed between carnival operators through a long series of informal guardianships, the details of his early identity were lost. People who knew him described him as warm, lively, and social—he loved to dance, sing, and perform for anyone he could get to stop and talk.
Schlitzie had microcephaly, a condition that gave him an unusually small head and brain. He stood about 4 feet tall, was nearsighted, and had severe intellectual disabilities. Carnival historian Francis Hornberger estimated his mental abilities were like those of a three-year-old. He needed constant supervision, spoke mostly in single words or short phrases, and couldn’t fully care for himself. Still, he could do simple tasks, seemed to understand much of what was said to him, and was quick to react and imitate others. Some have suggested his features matched Seckel syndrome, but no official diagnosis was made while he was alive.
Much of Schlitzie’s early life is unknown, but he likely entered the carnival world as a young child, placed in the care of sideshow operators. Over time, he moved through a series of informal guardianships, which is why so little is known about his birth and family. In 1935, while touring with the Tom Mix Circus, he was legally adopted by George Surtees, a chimpanzee trainer. Surtees became his guardian and looked after him for the next 30 years, during which Schlitzie kept performing. When Surtees died in 1965, his daughter—who wasn’t in show business—placed Schlitzie in a Los Angeles County hospital. He stayed there until sword s
- born
- September 10, 1901 (uncertain; possibly The Bronx, New York, or Santa Fe, New Mexico)
- died
- September 24, 1971
- field
- Sideshow performer, film actor
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Role in the 1932 film Freaks; billed as 'The Last of the Aztecs', 'The Monkey Girl', 'What Is It?'
Lore & Background
Schlitzie was born with microcephaly, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an unusually small head and brain, resulting in a short stature of 4 feet, myopia, and severe intellectual disability. His cognitive abilities were estimated to be comparable to those of a three-year-old; he spoke primarily in single words or short phrases and required lifelong supervision. Despite this, he could perform simple tasks, understood much of what was said to him, and was noted for his quick reactions and ability to imitate others. Those who knew him described him as affectionate, exuberant, and sociable, loving dancing, singing, and being the center of attention.
Much of Schlitzie's early life is unknown, but he is believed to have entered the carnival world as a young child. He passed through a succession of informal guardianships. In 1935, he was legally adopted by George Surtees, a chimpanzee trainer, who became his legal guardian and cared for him over the next three decades. After Surtees died in 1965, Schlitzie was admitted to a Los Angeles County hospital, where he was recognized by sword swallower Bill 'Frenchy' Unks. Hospital authorities then made him a ward of showman Sam Alexander, returning him to the sideshow, where he continued performing until about 1968.
On the sideshow circuit, Schlitzie was often dressed in a muumuu and presented as female or androgynous. He was billed under titles such as 'The Last of the Aztecs', 'The Monkey Girl', and 'What Is It?'. He appeared in several films, including his debut in The Sideshow (1928) and his best-known role in Freaks (1932). He also appeared in Tomorrow's Children (1934) and Meet Boston Blackie (1941). In his later years, he lived in Los Angeles, performing locally and internationally, and spent his final days on Santa Monica Boulevard, visiting MacArthur Park with his guardian.
Reader's Guide
Schlitzie's significance lies in his enduring role as a memorable character in Tod Browning's 1932 horror film Freaks, which was initially a financial failure and banned in the United Kingdom for thirty years. In the 1960s, Freaks was rediscovered and enjoyed a long run as one of the first midnight movies, becoming a cult classic; in 1994, the film was selected by the National Film Registry as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. This film became the public's major exposure to Schlitzie, who remains one of its more memorable characters.
Schlitzie's iconic image has been widely reproduced on products including masks, hats, shirts, models, clocks, snow globes, and dolls. He has been cited as an inspiration for Bill Griffith's comic strip Zippy the Pinhead, and in 2019 Griffith released a graphic novel biography of Schlitzie titled Nobody's Fool. The Ramones song 'Pinhead', from their 1977 album Leave Home, was inspired by him. The 2018 video game Red Dead Redemption 2 features a side-mission character named Bertram whose appearance is modeled on Schlitzie. His career on the outdoor entertainment circuit with major shows like Barnum & Bailey made him a popular cultural icon, and his story highlights the complex history of sideshow performers and their treatment.
Did You Know?
- Schlitzie's true birth date, name, location, and parents are unknown; his death certificate lists his official name as 'Shlitze Surtees'.
- He was born with microcephaly and his cognitive abilities were estimated to be comparable to those of a three-year-old.
- Schlitzie was legally adopted in 1935 by George Surtees, a chimpanzee trainer, who became his legal guardian for three decades.
- The Ramones song 'Pinhead' from the 1977 album Leave Home was inspired by Schlitzie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Schlitzie?
Schlitzie was an American sideshow performer and minor film actor who spent most of his career as a major attraction on the outdoor entertainment circuit, including with Barnum & Bailey. He is best remembered today for his role in the 1932 film Freaks.
What did Schlitzie do in Freaks?
He appeared as a performer in the 1932 movie Freaks, the role that cemented his status as a lasting cult-film icon. He also acted in a handful of other films, but Freaks remains his most recognized screen credit.
What was Schlitzie's sideshow billing?
On the show circuit, he was marketed under intriguing catchphrases such as 'The Last of the Aztecs,' 'The Monkey Girl,' and 'What Is It?' These names were designed to spark curiosity and emphasize the mystery surrounding his appearance.
What is known about Schlitzie's true identity and origins?
His real birth date, birthplace, and parents remain unknown, though his death certificate and grave marker list September 10, 1901, with possible origins in The Bronx or Santa Fe. He may have been born Simon Metz, and his legal name eventually became Schlitze Surtees.
When did Schlitzie die?
Schlitzie passed away on September 24, 1971, after decades as a well-known figure on the outdoor entertainment circuit. He had been a major attraction in shows like Barnum & Bailey before his death.
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