Robert Earl Hughes

Robert Earl Hughes (June 4, 1926 – July 10, 1958) was an American man who was, during his lifetime, the heaviest human being recorded, weighing . He remains the heaviest human in the world able to walk without the need of assistance.

Early life and family Robert Hughes was born on June 4, 1926, and was a "fairly average-size baby until he contracted whooping cough at about five months old."

The family moved to Fishhook, Illinois, when Robert was six months old. he joined a traveling roadshow, often accompanied by some of his family.

In 1957, traveling with his brother Guy and Guy's wife Lillian, Hughes had bookings throughout the country. Walking, even with his massive cane, had started to be difficult for the 31-year-old. While at a carnival, word reached Hughes that his father had died at age 79 back in Illinois. Guy and Lillian returned to Illinois for the funeral, but Robert stayed on, believing it was his duty to honor his commitments. At season's end, he returned to Guy's farm, unable to walk more than without the assistance of family members, who would follow closely, lugging a wide, steel-reinforced chair in case of exhaustion. About 2,000 people attended the funeral.