Betty Broadbent

Betty Broadbent (November 1, 1909 – March 28, 1983), also known as the "Tattooed Venus," is regarded as the most photographed tattooed lady of the 20th century. She also worked as a tattoo artist. In 1981, she was the first person to be inducted into the Tattoo Hall of Fame.

Early life leftBetty Broadbent was born Sue Lillian Brown on November 1, 1909, in Zellwood, Florida. Her parents were originally from North Carolina before moving the family to Philadelphia, where Broadbent spent much of her childhood.

At the age of 14, Broadbent moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to work as a nanny. While there, she met the tattooed performer Jack Redcloud, who introduced her to tattoo artist Charlie Wagner. According to Broadbent, seeing a tattooed man on the Atlantic City boardwalk inspired her to become tattooed herself. Over the next two years, Wagner, together with tattoo artists Tony Rhineagear, Joe Van Hart, and Red Gibbons, the husband of fellow tattooed performer Artoria Gibbons, created a bodysuit of more than 565 tattoos on Broadbent.

International tours In 1937, she began to work internationally. She spent time working for independent circuses in both New Zealand and Australia. After her return home to the United States and until her retirement in 1967, she continued to perform and travel with a sideshow.

1939 New York World's Fair While appearing in showman John Hix's Strange As It Seems exhibition at the 1939 New York World's Fair in New York City, she entered the world's first televised beauty contest, the Fairest of the Fair competition. Although she did not win, her appearance challenged conventional ideas of beauty by placing a heavily tattooed circus performer alongside contestants who represented the era's traditional standards of femininity. Wearing the same costume she used in her circus act, Broadbent revealed her tattoos by opening a long cape before the judges and audience. She worked in shops across the country, including in Montreal, San Francisco, and New York.

Death

Broadbent died in her sleep while living in Florida on March 28, 1983.