Henry Behrens, considered the smallest man in the world at the time, was photographed dancing with his pet cat in front of his house in Worthing, United Kingdom, 1956.
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Henry Behrens, considered the smallest man in the world at the time, was photographed dancing with his pet cat in front of his house in Worthing, United Kingdom, 1956.
Standing at just 30 inches tall and weighing 32 pounds, Henry Behrens, also known as "Colonel Peewee," lived a life as extraordinary as his stature. Born in Brazil to German parents, Henry stopped growing at the age of two, a condition that would ultimately lead him to a unique and fascinating career.
Henry became a world traveler, performing as "The World's Smallest Man" in circuses around the globe. His multilingual ability—speaking four languages fluently—added to his charm. It was through the circus that he met Emmie, a woman 10 inches taller than him from Leeds. The couple married in 1932, and their devoted partnership became a cornerstone of Henry's life.
In Worthing, England, Henry embraced the simple joys of daily life. He wore infant-sized shoes, smoked a pipe, and enjoyed a pint of beer. He famously danced with his cat on the doorstep of his home—a moment immortalized in a 1956 photograph. Despite challenges, such as bus steps being too high for him, Henry maintained his independence, often opting for taxis instead.
In 1957, Henry sought British citizenship, cementing his place in the country he called home. He passed away in 1961 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as a man who defied expectations and embraced life to the fullest, one small step at a time.
Henry Behrens, the smallest man in the world dances with his pet cat in the doorway of his Worthing home, 1956.
Henry Behrens, the smallest man in the world, dances with his pet cat in the doorway of his Worthing home. circa. 1956
Photographs of Henry Behrens
Henry Dances with His Cat. By Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler.