Alligator boy

An alligator boy (or girl, man, woman, as appropriate) was a common freak show and dime museum exhibit. While the act was traditionally performed by people with ichthyosis, sideshows sometimes substituted workers whose skin was covered in cracked glue,^[1] optionally supplemented with food dye and sand.^[2] As another alternative, taxidermist Julius S. Hansen advertised stuffed alligator boys for sale in 1887.^[3]

Promotional photo featuring Emmett Bejano (right) as "Alligator Boy"

Like other freakshow performers, alligator boys were often depicted in banners and advertisements as half-human, half-animal hybrids. Their acts sometimes featured interactions with actual reptiles.^[2]

Alligator-skinned performers included:

• Esther Blackmon (1926–2003)^[4]
• William Parnell^[4]
• Emmett Bejano^[5]
• John R. Williams^[5]
• Mildred D. Durks^[5]
• James and Henry Elam^[2]
• Mona Osanbaugh^[2]
• Christine Doto^[2]