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John Trunley

1898 – 1944

British sideshow performer

Circus performer Music hall
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About John Trunley

Lived 1898 – 1944 (aged 45). John Trunley was a British circus performer and music hall.

John Thomas Trunley (14 October 1898 – 30 September 1944) was a British music hall and sideshow performer, widely known as The Fat Boy of Peckham.

Early life Trunley was born in Camberwell, London. He gained weight rapidly during infancy and reportedly weighed at seven months old. By the age of four, he weighed approximately . He was examined by surgeon Sir Frederick Treves, who is also known for treating Joseph Merrick, the "Elephant Man".

Career Trunley made his music hall debut in December 1903 at the Yarmouth Hippodrome, and later performed at venues including the Royal Theatre in Holborn.

He became a popular novelty act and toured across England under showmen such as Fred Karno and Buffalo Bill Cody.

Despite his early stage success, he was later required to attend school in Peckham. Reports from the period noted that he had a chest measurement of and a waist measurement of during childhood.

After the First World War, Trunley reportedly secured minor roles in early film productions.

Personal life Trunley married Florence Weeden (born 1899), and the couple had one child, also named John.

Death Trunley died on 30 September 1944 from pulmonary tuberculosis. He was buried at Camberwell New Cemetery.

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Important facts

People in John Trunley's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Trunley's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Trunley?

British sideshow performer

When was John Trunley born?

John Trunley was born on 14 October 1898 in Camberwell.

When did John Trunley die?

John Trunley died on 30 September 1944.

What was John Trunley's occupation?

John Trunley was a circus performer and music hall.

What nationality was John Trunley?

John Trunley was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Trunley

· Wikidata: Q6261333

· DBpedia: John Trunley

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Trunley. https://biography.guide/john-trunley/

MLA: "John Trunley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-trunley/.

Chicago: "John Trunley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-trunley/.

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