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Josephine Joseph

Birthday: July 04, 1891 (75 years) Died: July 1, 1966 (58 years Ago in Wilmington)

HomeTown: Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Josephine Joseph was an American actress, best known for her unique appearance in the film “Freaks” in 1932. She was a prominent figure in sideshow performances and carnivals during the early 20th century. Josephine Joseph was born on July 04, 1891 in Vienna, Austria. Josephine Joseph died on July 1, 1966 at the age of 75 years in Wilmington. Discover below for comprehensive details about Josephine Joseph, including the biography, wiki profile, age, date of birth, family background, relationship status, interesting facts, photographs, lesser-known facts, and more.


Josephine Joseph Wiki Table

Stage NameJosephine Joseph
Real NameJosephine Joseph
Profession(s)Actress,
BirthdayJuly 04, 1891
Zodiac SignCancer
DeathDied on July 1, 1966 (58 years ago) (Age: 75 years) in Wilmington
GenderFemale
BirthplaceVienna, Austria
HometownVienna, Vienna, Austria
NationalityAustrian

Josephine Joseph Family and Personal Life

  1. Josephine Joseph was born in Vienna, Austria.
  2. Josephine Joseph’s birth sign is Cancer.
  3. Josephine Joseph was married to George Waas, who also served as her manager.
  4. Details concerning her birth name, exact date of birth and death, and other personal information remain uncertain. However, it’s believed that she was born around 1896 or 1897.
  5. Josephine Joseph died on July 11, 1966, in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

Photo Gallery

Josephine Joseph Photo 1 Josephine Joseph Photo 2 Josephine Joseph Photo 3 Josephine Joseph Photo 4
Josephine Joseph Photo 1

Josephine Joseph Biography and Facts

  1. Who is Josephine Joseph?: Josephine Joseph was an American actress, most recognized for her striking appearance in Tod Browning’s 1932 pre-code picture, “Freaks”.
  2. One side of her body presented as feminine, the other as masculine. She claimed to be an intersex person (or “genuine hermaphrodite” according to period terminology).
  3. Josephine underwent two sexual reassignment surgeries in 1937 and subsequently identified as a woman.
  4. In performances, she exhibited a “half and half” trick, whereby one side of her body was made to look feminine, and the other side, masculine. This illusion was created through different exercise routines, hair treatments, and tanning methods for each side of her body.
  5. In 1930, Joseph and her husband were prosecuted in the UK for false pretenses and conspiracy due to their “Half Woman-Half Man” circus show. To avoid a jury trial, they pleaded guilty. George, her manager, was fined, while Josephine was acquitted.
  6. Apart from her single film role, Josephine is also remembered for her work in circus sideshows and on carnival circuits throughout the early 20th century.

Josephine Joseph Official Sites