Johnny Eck, born John Eckhardt, Jr. was born in 1911 without legs along with a normal twin brother, Rob. Despite the doctor’s fears that he wouldn’t survive the week, Johnny did live and was walking on his hands by his first birthday. He began making public appearances at age fourteen with traveling shows. He often appeared with his twin, and the two were famous for a trick in which Rob was sawed in half, producing a half-boy, Johnny.
Eck appeared in several movies, including Tarzan and Freaks. He made miniatures of the circus where he was exhibited.