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- Freak and Novelty Performer Advertising (7)
- The Unknown Performers (2)
- Showmen & Promoters (58)
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- Banners & Banner Painters (41)
- Confections, Snacks and Refreshments (10)
- Fortune Tellers, Psychics, Spirtualists (12)
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Since the 19th Century, freak, novelty, and eccentric performers were hired and used as spokesmen and spokeswomen for commercial products.
Most commonly used were Midget performers. Because their appearance instantly drew attention, and by definition gave attention to the item they were promoting, the domain of little people in advertising was one which persisted until very recently, and even occasionally continues today.
Florida's Hulett Pest Control continues to utilize identical twin dwarf brothers, John Rice (1951 – 2005) and Greg Rice (1951- ), in various commercials and infomercials. Until the death of John Rice on November 5, 2005, the two held the world record for being the shortest living twins, standing only 2 ft 10 in tall. https://www.bugs.com/more/tv-spots.php
See this page for more info: https://showhistory.com/show-type/freak-and-novelty-performer-advertising
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