Jolly Irene (1880 – 1940)
Jolly Irene got her name when she reached her twenties and gained nearly 700 pounds. This was an oddity back in the day as obesity was something rare. She put herself on display as she could not find any other jobs, and the Ringling Brothers took her in. She was so popular, she even needed around-the-clock security! She lived well into her 50’s and died of weight-related illnesses.