The incredible story of the world's largest hairy family!
Did you know that Guinness World Records is full of... hairy records? 🧔🏻
Well, the Gomez family definitely holds one of the most impressive records out there!
They are among GWR's most ‘iconic’ records because of their extraordinary condition and genetic rarity, becoming the world's largest hairy family.
Originally from Mexico, Victor “Larry” Gomez, Gabriel “Danny” Ramos Gomez, Luisa Lilia De Lira Aceves and Jesus Manuel Fajardo Aceves belong to the same family of 19, a very close family that spans 5 generations!
What is truly unique about the Gomez family is that 4 of its members were born with a rare genetic condition called congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH).
The most noticeable symptom of this condition is excessive hair on the face and chest - and is truly, extremely rare. According to a 2009 report, fewer than 100 cases were documented around the world. 🤯
So what does a person with CGH look like? Well, as you can see in the pictures, it's kind of like having a beard that extends to the rest of your face!
In the case of the Gomez family, women are covered with a light-to-medium coat of hair, while the men of the family have thick hair on approximately 98% of their bodies, apart from their palms and soles. 🤲🏻👣
Of course, their condition didn’t make their life easy...
Larry, also known as “The Wolf Man”, has often spoken about his condition and life with 98% of his body covered in thick, black fur.
Larry has learned to love himself and be comfortable in his skin. After all, being different is a superpower - what makes us unique is what makes us extraordinary! 💪
"Being one of the hairiest guys in the world makes me special and I’m famous too,” he told us.
In fact, the Wolf Man is a man of many talents: he is a skilled acrobat, trapeze artist and juggler, and he's even known in Hollywood! 🤹
He has appeared in the movie success Water for Elephants and on the YouTube channel The Wizard of Odd.
“Some people ask me if it’s itchy, and I say no. This is my normal life and I’m used to having it.”
But how does one take care of all that hair?
“I cut my hair once a month,” Larry told us, explaining that it grows out really quickly.
People ask me how do I live with this. And I reply that, you know, I have to live with this… because I have it. - Larry
Larry's brother, Gabriel, is just as hairy.
Their thick hair, covering almost every inch of their bodies, sets them apart from the ordinary and makes them stand out!
We hope you learn to love your own uniqueness as well as celebrate other people's special qualities. Our world is better when it's filled with love, kindness, and acceptance. 🙏