Creating Pepper

Whilst researching the makeup artists of American Horror Story, I came across a video showing how the character of Pepper was created using prosthetic pieces. 

I found this video very interesting, as initially I believed the hair was a wig, but I found out that the actress, Naomi Grossman, actually shaved her head for charity when she was cast as 'Pepper'. Pepper is a 'pinhead', suffering from microcephaly, a deformity that also affects intellect, explaining her child-like demeanour. The character of Pepper is based on a real person, Schlitzie The Pinhead, born Simon Wetz in 1901.

Shlitzie (Simon Wetz) 1901-1971
http://www.thehumanmarvels.com/schlitzie-the-pinhead/

 His parents remain unknown, but it is believed he was sold to a circus or freakshow for display. He had the intellect of a four year old, and was percieved as truly innocent. 'Pinheads' were believed to be the last of the Aztec race, or even alien species. Through his displays, he managed to create a massive fan base, as his childlike exuberance made others happy. Schlitzie, like Pepper in American Horror Story, was institutionalised at Los Angeles County Hospital, after his legal guardian passed away. Schlitzie was found by another showman, and went back to the sideshow, where he lived his last years happily. 

I found it interesting that the characters from American Horror Story were based on real people, and the resemblance that Pepper makes to Schlitzie is impressive. The prosthetic pieces that are used to create the nose and angled cranium changes Grossman into a Schlitzie look-alike instantly. 

Pepper, American Horror Story
http://www.examiner.com/list/who-s-who-ahs-freak-show

Pednaud, T. J. (2014) American Horror Story: Was Pepper Real? - Circus Freaks and Human Oddites. Available at: http://www.thehumanmarvels.com/american-horror-story-pepper-real/ (Accessed: 4 May 2015)

Who’s who in AHS Freak Show: the ultimate season 4 cast guide (2014) Available at: http://www.examiner.com/list/who-s-who-ahs-freak-show (Accessed: 4 May 2015)