In modern society, height is often considered a significant factor. However, many of the shortest women in history, who are shorter than average have managed to become successful and accomplished great things.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the world’s shortest women and highlight how their height has not hindered them from reaching their goals.
10. Nicole Polizzi – 142 cm (4ft 8)
Nicole Polizzi, a well-known American television personality, holds the title for the shortest female celebrity, standing at just 142 cm (56 in). Other noteworthy celebrities who are also on the shorter side include Neha Kakkar (148 cm/58 in), and Rebel Wilson (158 cm/60 in).
9. Susanna Bokoyni – 101.5 cm (3ft 3)
Susanna Bokoyni lived an extraordinary life, born in Hungary in 1879 and living until the remarkable age of 105 until her death in 1984. She was a circus performer and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-lived dwarf on record, a testament to her remarkable resilience and determination.
Despite her diminutive size, Bokoyni lived a full and prosperous life, becoming an inspiration to all who knew her.
8. Katyucia Hoshino – 91.1 cm (3ft) (Shortest Married Couple)
At just 91.13 cm tall, Katyucia Hoshino, a Brazilian beauty salon owner, is ranked 8th on our list of shortest women in the world. Her husband, civil servant Paulo Gabriel Barros, is almost the same height at 90.3 cm (35.6 in).
In 2016, the Guinness World Records recognized Paulo and Katyucia as the Shortest Married Couple. What’s even more remarkable than their height difference is that the couple holds other records as well.
Despite their small stature, the Hoshinos have not allowed their height difference to affect their love and relationship. They hope that their record-breaking achievement will inspire other couples to celebrate their unique differences.
7. Elif Kocaman – 72.6 cm (2.4ft)
Elif Kocaman, a Turkish woman, was known for being the world’s smallest woman from 2009 to 2011, as recognized by Guinness World Records. She measured just 72.6 cm (28.58 in) in height. Unfortunately, Kocaman passed away at the young age of 33 in 2021.
6. Stacey Herald – 72.4 cm ( 2.4) (world’s smallest mother)
Stacey Herald, a woman from the United States, achieved the Guinness World Record for being the smallest mother in the world. She stood at 2 feet and 5 inches (74.60 cm) tall. Herald had a rare genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which caused her to have a small stature. Despite this, she gave birth to three children whom she referred to as “miracles.” Sadly, Herald passed away in 2018 at the age of 44 due to complications related to her condition.
5. Bridgette Jordan – 69 cm (2.3ft)
Bridgette Jordan is a professional American basketball player who has been playing since 2008. She is currently signed with the Harlem Globetrotters and is considered one of the world’s shortest female basketball players. Jordan has also played for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
4. Lucia Zarate – 68 cm (2.2ft)
Lucia Zarate, born in Mexico in 1864, holds the record for being the lightest documented human in history. She had a rare form of dwarfism called microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II. Sadly, Zarate passed away at the young age of 26 in 1890.
3. Madge Bester – 65 cm (2.2ft)
Madge Bester, born in South Africa in 1963, suffered from primordial dwarfism and held the title of the world’s smallest living woman for much of her life. She measured 65 cm (2 ft 1.5 in) in height. Despite her small stature, Bester lived a full life and inspired many people. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 54.
2. Jyoti Amge – 62.8 cm (2.1)
Jyoti Amge, an Indian actress and model, holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s shortest living woman. She gained fame for her role in the American horror TV series, American Horror Story: Freak Show. Despite her small height, she has been a successful actress and has received awards for her work.
1. Pauline Musters – 61 cm (24ft )
Born in the Netherlands in 1878, Pauline Musters was the world’s shortest woman during her lifetime, attaining a certain level of notoriety due to her diminutive stature. She even toured with the circus. However, her life was brief, and she passed away in 1895 at the age of just 19.