Robert Pershing Wadlow, also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, was an American man who was the tallest person in recorded history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. He was born and raised in Alton, Illinois, a small city near St. Louis, Missouri. Wadlow reached 8 ft 11.1 in in height and weighed 439 lb at his death at age 22. His great size and his continued growth in adulthood were due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, which results in an abnormally high level of human growth hormone. Even by the time of his death, there was no indication that his growth had ended.
| Born: | Robert Pershing Wadlow, February 22, 1918, Alton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died: | July 15, 1940, Manistee, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality: | American |
| Other names: | The Gentle Giant, The tallest man who ever lived, The Gentleman Giant, The Boy Giant, The Alton Giant, The Illinois Giant |
| Known for: | tallest verified human |
| IMDb: | Robert Wadlow's IMDb |
About Robert Wadlow
At 8'11", he became the tallest man and had his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. He was casually known as the Giant of Illinois.
Before Fame
Due to his size, they made him a specialized desk to use during elementary school.
Achievement
He wasn't just tall, he also weighed over 400 pounds.
Family Life
His parents were named Addie Johnson and Harold Wadlow.
Associations
He and Andre the Giant were both known for their towering heights.
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