Robert Pershing Wadlow (February 22, 1918 – July 15, 1940) was the tallest person in history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. Wadlow is sometimes known as the Alton Giant or Giant of Illinois because of his upbringing in Alton, Illinois.
Wadlow reached 8 ft 11.1 in (2.72 m) in height and 
weighed 485 lb (220 kg) at his death at age 22.
His great size and his continued growth in adulthood was due to hypertrophy of his pituitary gland which results in an abnormally high level of human growth hormone. He showed no indication of an end to his growth even at the time of his death.
Wadlow’s shoe size was 37AA or 18.5 in. and his hands measured 12.75 inches from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. His arm span was 9 ft. 5.75 in. and his peak daily food consumption was around 8,000 calories according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
A Normal Life
Robert did his best to maintain a normal life. He enjoyed collecting stamps and took an avid interest in photography. He participated in many of the same activities as his brothers and friends, like joining the Boy Scouts and at the age of 13 he became the world’s tallest Boy Scout at seven feet, four inches.
Eventually, Wadlow’s size required him to wear leg braces to walk, and he had very little feeling in his legs and feet.
On July 4, 1940, when making an appearance at the National Forest Festival, a faulty brace irritated his ankle, causing a blister and infection. Sadly, his condition worsened and on July 15, 1940, he died in his sleep
Growing Fame
Robert Wadlow was well-known during his lifetime due to his 1936 U.S. tour with the Ringling Brothers Circus and his 1938 promotional tour as a goodwill ambassador for the International Shoe Company. He continued participating in tours and public appearances through the last quarter of his life. After his death he gained extra fame from his annual listing as the world’s tallest man in the Guinness Book of World Records and of course his fame endures on the Internet as the world’s tallest human ever.
His gentle, friendly manner in the face of constant public attention earned him the name “Gentle Giant.” When asked in a rare radio interview if he minded having people stare at him while walking out on the street, Robert revealed his good-natured attitude while replying, “No, I just overlook them.”
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