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119: Eye of the Beholder pt.2: Whiskers on Women


Love looks different for everyone, and for some men and women it can be a bit hairy. This week, Maia shares the fascinating history of "bearded ladies". Women born with an unusually large amount of facial and body hair - specifically Annie Jones (the inspiration for The Greatest Showman's Lettie Lutz) and Percilla Bejano. They captivated audiences while touring the country in traveling circuses and these women often found fame and love thanks to the... Whiskers on Women. This week, on Well, I Laughed!


Chapters

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:35 Whiskers on Women

00:36:24 Annie Jones

00:41:04 The Kidnapping

00:51:14 Growing Up

01:01:57 Legacy

01:14:09 Women in the Circus

01:17:14 The Science

01:27:32 Other Bearded Ladies

01:40:08 Percilla Bejano

01:47:48 Further Research

01:48:41 'Esau Lady" and Final Thoughts


Photos Referenced


Further Research


Current Bearded Ladies Performing (as of recording in Aug 2025)


Sources


Misc


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