The Tallest Human Who Ever Lived — Robert Wadlow, 1936

Added: 2026-05-15

Robert Wadlow, born in Alton, Illinois in 1918, holds the verified record as the tallest person in human history, reaching 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72 meters) at the time of his death in 1940. His extraordinary height was caused by hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, resulting in abnormally high growth hormone levels throughout his life. Despite his condition, Wadlow was known for his gentle personality and was beloved in his hometown. He required leg braces to walk and had little sensation in his feet, which ultimately led to his death at age 22 from an infected brace. He never stopped growing and was affectionately known as the 'Giant of Illinois.'