Eddie Carmel

Eddie Carmel was an American actor best known for his role in the photograph “Jewish Giant At Home With His Parents” by Diane Arbus, as well as his appearances in “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” and “50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing).” He stood at an impressive height of 7 feet 6¾ inches due to a medical condition.

Personal and Family Life

Eddie was born Edward Carmeli on March 16, 1935, in Tel Aviv, Palestine. As a teenager, he began to experience abnormal growth due to acromegaly, a condition caused by a pituitary gland tumor. This condition greatly impacted his life, limiting his career options and leading him to embrace his unique stature in show business.

Career

Before becoming known in film, Eddie worked as a professional wrestler and performed as a stand-up comedian in New York with his best friend, Irwin Sherman. He found some fame in the 1960s, performing with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where he was marketed as “The World’s Greatest Giant.” Despite his fame, Eddie desired to be recognized for his talent rather than just his unusual height.

Death and Legacy

Eddie Carmel passed away on July 30, 1972, in The Bronx, New York, from a glandular disease at the age of 37. By the time of his death, he had developed severe kyphoscoliosis, which shortened his height to about 7 feet. His legacy lives on through his notable performances and the iconic photograph that captures his story.

Filmography