Full Name Aurelio Tomaini Height 7 ft 4 in (224 cm) Cause of death Pituitary tumor Children 2 adopted daughters | Nationality Italian American Name Al Tomaini Occupation Sideshow performer | |
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Spouse(s) Evelyn Jeannie Smith Tomaini (m. 1936–62) Parents Santo Tomaini, Maria Bossone | ||
Board member of Chamber of commerce | ||
Aurelio "Al" Tomaini (February 25, 1912 - August 30, 1962), was once the world's tallest individual. Tomaini claimed a height of 8 feet, 5½ inches; however, he was really 8 feet, 4 inches.
Tomaini was the son of Santo Tomaini and Maria Bossone. At the age of 12, he was taller than his father, who stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall. He had a great-grandfather in Italy who was also of abnormal height. His parents consulted a physician who, through the use of X-rays, discovered the cause of his giantism to be an over-active pituitary gland.
Tomaini was a sideshow performer. He was working in a circus at the Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland in 1943, when he met his future wife, Jeanie. After eloping from the circus, the couple settled in the circus community of Gibsonton, Florida. There he became active in community affairs. He was owner and operator of Giants Cam lodge and Fish Camp, a TV repair shop, and a tourist trailer court. He weighed 357 pounds and wore size 26 shoes. His death was in 1962.
