Who Was Robert Pershing Wadlow?

Robert Pershing Wadlow is believed to have been the world's tallest man. Born in 1918, Wadlow grew to a height of 8 feet 11 inches, and he continued to grow, even into his adulthood. This was due to a pituitary gland tumor. This condition also effected his weight. Shortly before his premature death, Wadlow weighed 390 pounds. His height made him an instant celebrity in the US and he even appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records. Wadlow travelled around the US making appearances before fascinated crowds.


Wadlow died in 1940 at age 22, as his body could no longer handle the pressure of his height and weight, and more specifically, because of a serious infection. Wadlow, also known as the "gentle giant," ended up having great difficulty walking, as his legs could no longer take the weight of his body. Wadlow is commemorated by a bronze statue, located on the campus of Southern Illinois University.

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