Henry Behrens
Henry Behrens (born c. 1895 – 1961), also known as Colonel Peewee, was a British performer known for being recognized during his lifetime as the smallest man in the world. Standing at approximately 30 inches (76 cm) tall,[1] he traveled extensively across various countries and was promoted as the world's smallest man. [2] [3]
Life
[edit]Details about Henry Behrens's early life, including his exact birth date, place of birth, and family background, are not widely documented. He was reportedly born in Brazil from German parents, although later lived and worked in the United Kingdom.[4][5][2] His parents were of normal stature.[3]
Behrens spoke four languages fluently.[2] He was discovered by Burton Lester, a talent scout for midgets, who signed him up for his show.[3]
He died in 1961 at the age of 66.[2]
Personal Life
[edit]Behrens was married to a woman named Emmie, who was 40 inch tall and from Leeds. The couple married in 1932 and resided in Worthing, West Sussex, England.[2][5][4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Smallest Man". British Pathé. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ a b c d e "The World's Smallest Man set up home in Worthing with his wife and pet cat". SussexWorld. 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ a b c "Smallest Man" (PDF). The Sunday Star Magazine. 3 February 1957. p. 18.
- ^ a b "Mystery midget request?". The Argus. Archived from the original on 2023-12-10. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ a b "Henry Behrens the Smallest Man in the World Proves Size Doesn't Matter - History In Memes". 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2025-05-21.