The TRAGIC Giant - dead at 22. Robert Wadlow almost 9 FEET Tall

Robert Pershing Wadlow
The TALLEST HUMAN BEING EVER in the WORLD!
His tragic death at 22.
"Scott Michaels knows where the bodies are buried!" - LA Times
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Hi I'm Scott Michaels.
Scott Michaels - the owner of Dearly Departed Tours in Hollywood and the original "Celebrity Death Guy." Originally behind the helm of the infamous Grave Line Tours, I owned and operated Dearly Departed Tours on the streets of Hollywood for 16 years.
I coined the term Death Hag on my webpage, www.Findadeath... has entertained people for over 25 years. My collection of one-of-a-kind death related (Tragical) Artifacts include the legendary Jayne Mansfield Death Car and Mae West's teeth. Yes.
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#dearlydepartedtours #robertwadlow #giant #gentlegiant

[@kmeccat]

He looked older, because of the glasses, but at 22 he's not much more than a big kid. Seems like a wonderful, down to earth and considerate boy. May he RIP.

[@ramencurry6672]

True. Basically a slightly older teenager

[@kaymad143]

He sounds like he was a kind man, such a short and difficult life. Tragic ending to his life. Thank you for sharing his story, I had never heard it before, RIP to this Gentle Giant.

[@kb8939]

Scott, you're always so kind and respectful of the people you don't sensationalize or exploit, but rather educate us about. Thank you for sharing your interests and travels, but mostly your generosity of spirit.❤

[@Rutabaga64]

You could just tell from his photos that he was a kind young man. Thank you for honoring his extraordinary life. ❤️

[@bearyhot]

Your professionalism, when telling a story, is exemplary. I believe that videos like yours help to educate many people who may have never heard about Robert. You are also able to speak to the younger crowd, who may not be familiar with Robert's life. Your collection shows your dedication to this fascinating young man, who's life was cut far too short. Thank you for all that you do. I'll be sharing this video with my friends, and I encourage others to do the same! Much respect from AZ, beary, Zeke 🦜 and BeBe 🦜 the giant macaws

[@TinCupChalice40]

I was going to express the same sentiment but you said it so eloquently I couldn’t have done any better.

[@markjastrzebski2065]

Traveling today can be a pain for taller person. Image how difficult for someone 9 feet tall in the 1939s.

[@graverob871]

There was a slide behind the school that was 8 ft tall 10 ft long sheet metal. I use to play on that slide when I was a child I lived 2 blocks behind the school. There is a pbs documentary that shows Robert playing on the slide. Growing up in the 70s, in Alton, I knew people that knew Robert.

[@eharris6347]

@ graver That’s so cool !

[@paboersma]

Thanks for this interesting video! Can you imagine being over 6 feet tall at just 8 years old? And to die so young. Very sad.

[@harrykadaras9459]

He was exceedingly strong, even as a kid. As an adult, he probably was stronger that anyone else on the planet.

[@denisedarnell1641]

Think of how he felt daily and how he was treated by some people ..maybe thats why he made sure to be as kind as possible to everyone .. He deserved a longer life thats for sure ...I have always been amazed whenever I hear of his life and what he endured .. Rest in peace kind sir and may everyone who remembers you , does so with grace and dignity Love ya Scott , from a Detroiter native now living my whole life in suburbs of Detroit. Love when you mention your old stomping grounds !!!

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

Thank you, Denise!

[@pmcguigan2151]

Bob Homme (The Friendly Giant) is buried in a little country cemetary near here. As a Canadian it was one of my favourite shows. Rest easy Robert Wadlow and Bob Homme

[@saucermcfly]

An absolute staple for Canadian kids! Loved The Friendly Giant!!

[@ilanarhian]

Grew up with that one too!

[@Canadiana71]

He was a must watch on Canadian television. "Look up. WAAYY UP!"

[@ilanamillion8942]

@@saucermcfly Remember Chez Helene and Mr Dressup? So many Canadian classics.

[@saucermcfly]

​@@ilanamillion8942 The Friendly Giant and Mr. Dressup were my absolute favourites. I watched The Polkadot Door too!

[@jillgross6232]

Scott, It must have been surreal even standing next to his statues! He was so very young to pass away. He suffered from Nueropathy. Which all diabetics eventually know all to well, including myself. I'm grateful for the medications we have available today for Nueropathy. I can assure you Robert's pain was immense and for him to have such a kind, friendly manner speaks volumes about his integrity and soul. RIP Robert 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@beckymcclure6943]

Scott, my father grew up in Alton, Ill, and knew Robert. Dad told me that when Robert went up or down stairs, he had to do it sideways. According to dad, yes, he was a really nice guy. May he rest in peace.

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

Thanks. That makes sense. His feet would be too big to use the stairs safely.

[@shoquan9434]

Dude is lying man, your dad knew him?? So you’re in your 80s on KZbin huh ?

[@beckymcclure6943]

@@shoquan9434 I'm 76, my dad was born in 1921 and you're rude.

[@lotstodo]

What a strange life. Thanks for your compassionate telling of his story.

[@chadmiller2224]

I've saw many videos about Robert Wadlow , but this was by far the best and most informative. I almost didn't watch it because I have seen so many , but I'm glad I did! Good work Scott!

[@elaineford39]

See, our parents lied. Coffee doesn't stunt your growth at all. I thank him, posthumously for giving the crowds of people who came to see him a thrill. He was someone you would always remember just how he looked. Bless him in Heaven.

[@DMfilmfan]

12:50 for what it's worth, some websites state the average cost of shoes in the 30's was anywhere from $3.85 to $10.00 - depending on if they're "fancy" women's shoes etc. So the shoe-company deal must've been a Godsend employment-wise, especially during the Depression.

[@JasonL77]

I wish I owned a painting business in Alton because if I did, I would donate my time and materials to repaint Robert’s house to make sure that it looks as good as Robert himself seemed to be.

[@laradeaton5001]

I had no idea that Robert and I share the same birthday and that he was only 22 when he passed away. God love him. What a precious man.

[@ckotcher1]

Poor Robert. What a kind soul and a gentle giant. He did the best with what God Gave him 🙏🏼 Thanks for all your hard work Scott! ❤

[@mda037]

Scott, you have a pleasant voice to listen to. Really nice to know Robert had the psychology to take his condition more in stride rather than in the opposite way. It is great to know that people knew him as a really nice person.

[@steve5674]

Beautifully done, Scott.

[@railroad9929]

My dad had an encounter with Wadlow in Ohio when he was traveling with the circus. As was covered in this video, Wadlow was very tired of the question that my dad asked him. My dad was a teenager and his friends dared him. He went up to Wadlow and asked "How's the weather up there?" Wadlow spit on top of his head, and said "Raining you little bastard."

[@shoquan9434]

Bullshit

[@Johnaxl666]

"Look up, look WAAAAAY up, and I'll call Rusty" ❤🇨🇦 I suggest you learn the story of Edouard Beauprè, the Willow Bunch Giant. He was a Métis, born in Saskatchewan, who was a giant and had his body stolen, mummified and put on display without his family knowing

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

There is video of the “Alton Giant” on the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building. Even the world’s tallest building, which it was for many years, looked just a little shorter when the tallest medically confirmed human in history was visiting.

[@badapple65]

Being tall has never been much of advantage for me. At 6ft 5in I worked heavy jobs up until my mid 30’s. Specifically Pepsi route-man. 5 back surgeries probably more to come. Pushing 60 yrs old now. Lucky I fell into sales. Leg room in cars and planes always an issue.

[@ilanamillion8942]

The Friendly Giant was a very much loved and special show for all of us who were children in Canada in that era.

[@chadmears136]

RIP Gentle Giant 😢❤ Awesome Story but soo sad 22 years old. Thanks Scott, you show alot of respect to people who have passed as always. Nice statue to honor him. ❤

[@sarahb7440]

Seems like he was such a sweet person. RIP Robert ❤

[@moonchildluvsbobcrane]

Fascinating I remember seeing his photo in the Guinness book of world records in the school library.

[@juliepowell1715]

What a very sad ending for this wonderful young man! Thank you for sharing his story with care and sensitivity.

[@MollyHelfgott]

I have visited Alton, IL several times. I used to live about 30 minutes or so south of Alton. Neat little place. John Goodman is from there too!

[@karenleemallonee684]

The term "Gentle Giant" fits this young man. So very sad. 💔

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

Thank you for this video, I too am fascinated with people like this, would love to see more videos like this. You really captured this man's life.

[@Theaddora]

It is sad that his hometown doesn't maintain the museum. People are still fascinated by Robert Wadlow. It is a shame he didn't live long.

[@CandidCorndog]

The building had problems. We LOVE Robert around here. We have a life size statue of him that Scott missed

[@CD-ql9hz]

Thank you for your sensitive presentation about his life! You have a beautiful voice for narrating documentaries!

[@ClementineJustice]

Beautifully Done. Thank You for this trip of honoring a sweet young man.

[@donaldduncan7095]

Awesome & amazing, you didn't walk in his shoes, but you did walk in his footsteps.

[@patriciablackmon8991]

Hi Scott just wanted to express how much I love and appreciate your videos ❤ and even though I have never met you and probably never will I really admire and love you too❤it's like we're friends you do such great videos your work is like fine Art Thanks Again for making my Day alittle bit better😊

[@jerryhamer]

Gentle giant. Rip Big guy. Imagine Robert looking down on Andre the giant. He actually was a head and a half taller than Andre! Unbelievable

[@Cardsncoinsmagicman]

andres real height was 6ft 10, so robert would have been almost 26 inches taller than him, Making him 2 heads and a couple of inches taller

[@BeautyIsMyLife]

Great video. If a shoe store is going to be closed one day a week, Saturday is not a good day.

[@Justintime619]

What a great video! The things I learn from this channel is amazing…Thanks! 🙏

[@RaceFan73]

I used to work at the Maine Classic Car Museum and they have one of his shoes amongst the memorabilia they have displayed. From what I'm told, it is actually one of his personal shoes but who knows??

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

You can tell if there are scuff marks on the bottom

[@becky438]

I live in Illinois. Just came across ur video. I have heard and believe I have been to that town. I live more in the central part of this crappy state. Just started to watch ur video. It's a shame at 22 dying. I have 2 sons and my youngest Just turned 23. I can't imagine losing either of my sons. Had to be bc of his height I am assuming. It's a shame if it's that and it lead to health issues. I guess I will find out by finishing watching this. I just heard Alton Illinois so had to comment. So young 😢

[@reginamay2767]

He was born same yr as my mother was 1918. nice history. of him. he looked to be a kind man, shame he past so soon.

[@shoquan9434]

How old are you

[@MandaMalice]

I always appreciate how respectful and informative you are with these videos. You are able to satisfy curiosity without being disrespectful. It’s definitely a gift. My oldest child was over six feet tall by the time they were 13 years old. We are tall in our family but not abnormally so and still it was hard on my child physically and sometimes emotionally. It says a lot about Robert Wadlow’s character that everyone spoke highly of him. It’s definitely not easy to deal with at times.

[@honestlyyours1069]

I just loved the fact that the narrator of this video started it by talking about one of my favorite children's show:. "The Friendly Giant". I remember watching that show every weekday morning, starting in the early 1960's. My weekday T.V. schedule would always consist of "The Friendly Giant", "Chez Helene", and "Mr. Dressup". They were all Canadian shows shown on CBC and my mother, who was a grade 1-3 teacher, said that these programs were very well suited to small children, as they were slow-paced, and the main characters were warm, friendly, grandfatherly-type people. I really believe that those characters taught me, and other small children, to trust and talk to adults. Life then was so much simpler and the world was a kinder, gentler place.❤

[@marcbolan1818]

Scott, I worked in automotive in Detroit and was in a cube late (5:30PM) and noticed two men towering way above the cube (6 foot cubes) walking together down the hall. I could not even believe what I was seeing. We watched them walk down the stairs and peered out the second floor window as they walked to their cars and one got in his jeep. This had to be the Lanier Twins @ 7Ft 7 inches. It was just startling to see people towering above cubes that never allowed you to see people walking by.

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

wow! that would have been something to see.

[@Cardsncoinsmagicman]

they were never that tall, and one was an inch or 2 taller than the other

[@marcbolan1818]

@@Cardsncoinsmagicman I worked with them and saw them everyday. How ‘bout you? 7’ 7”

[@Cardsncoinsmagicman]

right so if you worked with them then you will know one is slightly taller than the other and so they both cant be the same height. Also guinness listed them as the tallest twins at 7ft 4@@marcbolan1818

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

Just got to the end of the video and saw the excellent finale that made my earlier comment about Lindy superfluous. Once again, excellent ending!

[@Zilla23]

I like watching your Magical History Tours . You do your research . Thanks for you effort .🍺

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

Thank you!

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

Robert’s height record may never be broken because doctors can perform surgery to drastically impede or even stop someone from continuing to grow when their pituitary gland is out of whack. The current official world’s tallest man had medical help to halt his growth. This help was not available in Robert’s time.

[@chadmiller2224]

The only way I see it ever happening again is in an under developed country somewhere with no access to good modern health care.

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

@@chadmiller2224 Exactly.

[@hiagucopsgod54]

Or in other planet

[@KarasuCosplay]

Not availlable? I read thats availlable but its more than risky in the 30's and not garanteed to sucess so his parents decided to let the nature follow his course 😢

[@leetherockjohnson5376]

Epic vlog, I really enjoyed the video. Locations, photos, and footage were amazing to see.More of these Scott, please.

[@collinreesejones5525]

Fantastic Tribute....Thanks for honoring him with class!!

[@gaipontiff2]

Great video, Scott. It's always awesome to see you back in the D.

[@joestocking]

I live 3 min from The Colony. I also loved Friendly Giant😊. Do you remember Sir Graves Ghastly? Thanks for the great story you did on Mr Wadlow.

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

Yes I do! Lawson Deming! I got a great autograph from him. I'll do a story on him one day. Rita Bell too!

[@nikkibest5010]

That was a beautiful tribute. ❤

[@conniephillips8217]

This is so fun, interesting and informative video! It seems that you were able to capture his whole absence of kindness. It amazes me that he appears to have been so proportionate in his height that in itself is amazing. Thanks for a great video!

[@demah8655]

My husband is 6'8". Its hard to buy clothes & shoes for him. When in any store people are always getting to get something off the top shelf.

[@Katinahat293]

My fiance is 6’7 and we have this same life experience. It’s funny sometimes but I worry about his heart. God bless y’all I wish you both the best!

[@demah8655]

@@Katinahat293 You too!

[@Dave-bj3pq]

😂😂😂

[@CarlSubUrban]

Scott is the best!

[@sylviamiller9047]

Thank you for the video and story and for remembering this young man!❤

[@cindyhenning7832]

What a amazing young man! This was a very interesting video thank you so much for taking us along with you! The history of this young man was the light of my day

[@MrZola1234]

Some of those spots you visited are such great historical spots on their own. I love that he fought not to be seen as a freak. I wonder if medicine has made advancements to help with similar pituitary gland diseases.

[@kimberlywhite4340]

Wow another great video, I always learn something new and fastinating..keep them coming

[@salsingleton6175]

After reading all of the lovely comments I am at a loss for words. I will say that I think you are one of the kindest people I’ve listened to on You Tube. Thank you for your dedication and wonderful video.

[@grumpycricket]

Fascinating documentary! Thanks Scott!

[@whatsupwithrichard]

This is a fascinating story. We were just in the Manistee area. I didn't realize all this occurred there. Thanks for sharing and next time we are up there, it will be something to look for. A "non-touristy" experience so to speak.

[@rustybryant9218]

This is my Grandpas cousin Robert P. Wadlow. We are all from Alton Illinois. I have the same deformities is my legs and feet as Robert had. I would love to talk to you about this. I am a fan of yours! ❤

[@sg2823]

Fantastic job Scott!

[@Jenny-of3vb]

Alton one of the most haunted cities in U.S.A. Alao a wonderful winery just north in Grafton, IL.

[@sallykohorst8803]

Oh my god that must have been tough and unfair to being that tall. May he RIP. Thanks for his story.

[@lostinspace699]

Life is not fair

[@tricia-k21]

Wow, so fascinating… What a great guy😊. Another awesome and honorable video Scott! Thank you❤

[@darrin990]

Thank you Scott

[@nadiac6042]

Thank you sir, really interesting dialogue, great video 👍🏻👍🏻continued success 🙏🏼Rest in peace Robert 🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@MrShortWhiteGuy]

I did the same thing you did, but I did it 30 years ago. Robert died long before I was born, but in the mid 1990s, I went to Alton and got to meet many people who knew him. Most of them are likely dead now as they would be over 100 years old by now. Robert had 2 homes in Alton. I got to go inside the 2nd home and see the staircase where he would often get photographed from. I got to go inside the museum. It was nice. The Alton Telegraph gave me some memorabilia.

[@natalieangelo54]

I remember the friendly Giant , omg , what a great throw back , WHAT A TRAGIC STORY , SO SO YOUNG , WHAT a great tribute to ROBERT WADLOW , MAY HE RIP THIS GENTLE GIANT 🙏😢💔

[@user-vw6pq5vf4k]

Hey Scott, just want you to know how much your videos are appreciated. You do a fantastic job sharing very interesting content!

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

I appreciate that thank you ❤️

[@WesG2502]

This, right here is what I love about the Internet. I saw his name on Facebook and didn't believe it at first. Just amazing. Very interesting, well done video! Never heard of him till today. My first thought when I read about him and how he passed away at only 22, is how tall he would have grown. I can't even imagine. Make you really think. Thank you very much !

[@acelarson1872]

Great video thanks

[@trent3872]

Imagine him trying to take a commercial flight somewhere. He would have to sit on the very back seat while his feet where in the cockpit. Not to seem disrespectful he seemed like a very kind man.

[@carolspeedy3607]

My mom and i went to Ripley believe it or not in gatlainberg tenn. They had him there. He was really tall. My mom was only 5'2 and was absolutely dwarfed by him!

[@debbiehamilton9771]

I stumbled across your channel and heard a tidbit referring to Pt. Huron. This one about the giant sounded interesting so I clicked on it and wow I was excited to see a blast from my past. The Colony Tower was on one side and the gate house on the other of the entrance of Colony Drive in Algonac, Michigan. I spent many of my teenage days at the gate house when a friend lived there.

[@nancymelvin19]

Thank you for sharing this video ❤❤

[@rinnypink]

The only person "act your age and not your shoe size" didn't apply to.

[@melaniehoward6084]

Scott- I’m an educator and am fascinated by “little known history”, like stories about great people like Robert. I think you should put together videos about historical figures that could be used in the classroom. Your ability to tell the truth of a story in a professional way is second to none. Thank you for continuing to do such good stuff.

[@brendataylor7524]

Nice video ❤❤

[@dougsmith7083]

"Look up! Look WAYYYYYYY up! Hey, here's Rusty and Jerome!!" Growing up in Michigan you must've been watching a CBC feed via Windsor (or, somewhere close to Windsor). The Friendly Giant....whoah! What about Mr Dressup?

[@denisedarnell1641]

Yes it came from Canada broadcasting I believe on channel 56 or PBS channel...??? I am 58 yrs old and remember the show very well ..the opening was the Giant rocking the chair in a dollhouse type castle room ?? And the Gant was looking down into the room. ??? I think that's what I remember

[@dougsmith7083]

@@denisedarnell1641 I'm 58 also. I was a fan. I grew up in Burnaby (suburb of Vancouver) The Friendly Giant was a CBC production. The CBC is our national public television network!! Cheers

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

Chez Helene!

[@dougsmith7083]

@DearlyDepartedTours You know it!!! The Francophone "Patty" (Helene) in the middle of the two fine gentlemen and their puppet sidekicks. PS - I should've given a shout out to Casey and Finnigan...

[@steponick]

May he continue to rest in peace.

[@ericacedo9590]

Scott if you know anybody in the entertainment business, could you throw the idea to them to make a movie based on Robert Wadlow?

[@richardpackerandlindapacke503]

Where would they find an actor anywhere near his height?

[@madisonrembert2024]

@@richardpackerandlindapacke503 They would probably have to go for the average 6’5 male actor and for the rest maybe edit it with AI, CGI, etc. to over exaggerate the rest of his height for the film it would be a lot but I’m sure if someone really wanted to it could be done because movies now have a lot of tech involved for unique scenery’s!

[@lisad476]

I have always been interested in little people. There was a fellow who lived down the street from my Grandma who was a door to door salesman in the 60s. I used to see him after he got off the bus. Thanks Scott

[@sabrinahulsey1782]

This makes me wanna go exploring this interesting

[@dankilkenny3380]

I'm so sorry that he passed away so young, he was a very nice man. Wish I could have met him.

[@margannaful]

aww, Scott, this one brought tears to my eyes. Rest in Peace, Robert Wadlow.

[@robinscarborough6969]

My son Payton wanted to be the tallest man alive, he worked on it at 6' 5" !!

[@kodywilbur9939]

My dad lives outside Manistee

[@TheFreddo12]

I"ve pretty much read all of Find A Death website, excellent i might add, and i could swear you have pics of that theater on the website somewhere Scott? Great video, keep up the fantastic probing of celebrity deaths!

[@PointlessNostalgia]

It's amazing how truly tall he was. Even with average height growing so substantially, he was still a giant in every way.

[@Anonymous-dg2fx]

My grandfather actually lived in St. Louis a while. He was a dishwasher at a restaurant and met Robert Waldow. I'm not sure where, I just remember him telling us. Also saw the Three Stooges from the little window that led to the kitchen. He said they were dancing, putting on an act. Stepping on the ladies toes, dresses.

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

That's outrageously cool!

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

Good for you for correctly stating Robert’s precise height at 8’11.1”. Overall, you did an excellent job. I would give you an A-.

[@kennethclaar922]

You really know how to do a Video . Great job Brother

[@michellescrimpsher5690]

I have a picture of my mom (RIP) in the Wadlow chair. It’s one of my favorites. My dad met Mr. Wadlow not too long before he died at the Illinois State Fair. Dad was just a kid but he remembers shaking his hand & seeing him hold a regular-sized tea cup & saucer in his hands. It looked like a child’s tea set. Did you at least make it to Fast Eddie’s while you were in town?

[@caroleeeubanks9286]

Why would anyone want to go to Fast Eddie's? What a dreadful and ugly place. I don't understand the hype and I never will.

[@ronaldpoddig6188]

Another interesting thing about the Statler Hotel is there is a bench that was around that area with an advertisement for the hotel that the country music quartet The Statler Brothers took the name from. So I've heard.

[@aprillisa5950]

Very interesting video.