Jacob “Jake” Erlich: El Paso’s Gentle Giant

From Hollywood to the Circus Ring, the Remarkable Life of the Tallest Man in El Paso

The Life of Jake Erlich – Caleb Lara, Elevate El Paso

which caused his body to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone, making him what medical professionals’ term a “pathological giant.”

The medical understanding of gigantism was limited in the early 1900s. At that time, many in the medical world did not know that the pituitary gland secreted the growth hormone and in Jack’s case, the tumor had increased production of the growth hormone, causing him to be a pathological giant. This condition would shape every aspect of Jake’s life, from his career opportunities to his daily challenges and ultimately his artistic expression.

In 1912, when Jake was six years old, the Erlich family made a pivotal decision that would change the trajectory of their son’s life forever. They moved from Denver to El Paso, Texas, seeking new opportunities and perhaps a fresh start. El Paso, a bustling border town with a growing population and expanding economy, would become Jake’s true home and the place where he would always return, no matter how far his extraordinary life would take him.

As Jake continued to grow at an unprecedented rate, the El Paso community began to take notice. His height became legendary in the local area, and he earned the affectionate nickname “Pecos Bill” – a reference to the mythical cowboy figure known for his larger-than-life adventures and impossible feats. This nickname reflected not just his physical stature but also the sense of wonder and admiration that Jake inspired in those around him.

Despite his unusual height, Jake was described by those who knew him as remarkably gentle and kind-hearted. His physical presence was imposing, but his personality was the opposite – soft-spoken, thoughtful, and genuinely caring about others. This contrast between his intimidating appearance and his gentle nature would become one of his most defining characteristics and would serve him well in his various careers.

Jake attended El Paso High School, where he stood out not just for his height but also for his intelligence and artistic inclinations. Photographs from his school years show him towering over his classmates, yet his expression is always gentle and slightly shy. His teachers and classmates remembered him as a thoughtful student who, despite the attention his height brought, remained humble and focused on his studies.

The challenges of his condition were numerous. Jack Earle Texas Giant had to have special suits made, modified cars, beds, sheets and towels, golf clubs, and wore a size 22 shoe. Every aspect of daily life required adaptation and accommodation. Finding clothes that fit, navigating through doorways, sitting in regular chairs, and sleeping in standard beds were all daily challenges that Jake faced with characteristic grace and humor.

The Hollywood Years: From El Paso to Silent Film Stardom

Jake’s extraordinary height, which had been both a blessing and a burden in his everyday life, would soon become his ticket to an entirely different world. At the age of 13, in 1919, Jake and his father made a life-changing trip to Los Angeles. The entertainment industry was in its golden age, and physical uniqueness was often seen as a marketable commodity in the world of vaudeville, theater, and the emerging medium of silent films.

Century Comedies offered him a role due to his height, and thus began Jake’s transformation from a shy El Paso teenager into Jack Earle, silent film star. The decision to adopt the stage name “Jack Earle” was both practical and symbolic – it was easier to pronounce and remember than “Jake Erlich,” and it marked his entry into a world where reinvention and spectacle were the norm.

From the age of 13 to 17 he appeared in nearly 50 silent movies. This prolific output was remarkable for someone so young, and it demonstrated both Jake’s natural aptitude for performance and the industry’s eagerness to capitalize on his unique physical presence. His film career spanned some of the most important years in silent cinema history, from 1919 to 1924.

Among his most notable film appearances were starring roles in classic fairy tale adaptations. He starred in numerous silent features – including Hansel and Gretel (1923) and Jack and the Beanstalk (1924). These roles were particularly fitting given his height – who better to play the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk” than someone who was genuinely giant-sized? His performances in these films demonstrated that he was more than just a novelty act; he brought genuine acting ability and a natural screen presence to his roles.

The silent film era was uniquely suited to Jake’s talents. Without dialogue to worry about, physical presence and expressive acting were paramount, and Jake’s imposing stature combined with his gentle facial expressions created a unique screen persona. He specialized in playing characters that were physically intimidating but ultimately kind-hearted – a reflection of his own personality.

During a 1920s film shoot he fell from a collapsing scaffolding, breaking his nose and triggering a sudden loss of sight. This accident would prove to be a turning point in Jake’s life and career. The fall was serious enough to cause immediate blindness, a terrifying development for someone whose livelihood depended on his physical abilities.

Advertisement for the American comedy short film Hit ’em Hard (1924) with Jack Earle and Harry McCoy, on page 38 of the March 29, 1924 Universal Weekly.

At age 17, Jack Earle decided it was time to go back home and be Jake Erlich. The transition from Hollywood stardom back to civilian life in El Paso must have been jarring for a teenager who had spent his formative years in the spotlight. During his Hollywood years, Jake had to balance his burgeoning film career with his education.

Despite the demands of acting and the excitement of the entertainment industry, he remained committed to his studies, demonstrating the strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that his parents had instilled in him. This dedication to education would serve him well in his later careers and artistic pursuits. The experience in Hollywood was formative in many ways beyond just his professional development. It exposed Jake to a world of creativity and artistic expression that would influence his later work as a visual artist and poet. The collaborative nature of filmmaking, the importance of storytelling, and the power of visual imagery all became part of his artistic vocabulary.

The Circus Years: Ringling Bros. and the World’s Tallest Man

After returning to El Paso and recovering from his film career’s abrupt end, Jake spent several years readjusting to civilian life. However, his extraordinary height continued to attract attention wherever he went, and it was inevitable that someone would recognize the commercial potential of his unique stature.

In 1925 Erlich attended a Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey circus in El Paso and was quickly spotted as taller than the circus’s current giant. This chance encounter would launch the next and perhaps most famous phase of Jake’s career. The circus representatives immediately saw the potential in someone of Jake’s stature, and negotiations began almost immediately. He signed on as a sideshow performer and was officially billed as the “World’s Tallest Man,” advertised at 8 feet 6 inches (in reality he stood closer to 7 feet 7 inches). The discrepancy between his actual height and his advertised height was typical of circus promotion, where hyperbole and spectacle were essential elements of the entertainment value.

For the next 14 years, from 1925 to 1939, Jake toured with Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus under his stage name Jack Earle. Over the next 14 years he toured the country and the world with Ringling Bros. This period represented the height of the American circus tradition, when traveling circuses were major cultural events that brought wonder and excitement to towns and cities across the nation and around the world.

Jake’s attitude toward his circus career was complex and revealed much about his character. “I didn’t want to be a sideshow freak,” he later explained, “but I did want to earn a living”. This quote encapsulates the dignity with which Jake approached what could have been a demeaning situation.

Rather than seeing himself as a victim of exploitation, he viewed his circus career as a legitimate form of employment that allowed him to support himself while sharing his unique presence with audiences around the world.

During his circus years, Jake became part of a unique community of performers who understood the challenges and rewards of life on the road. He met other famous giants and performers, forming friendships and professional relationships that would last throughout his life. The circus community was known for its acceptance of those who were different, and Jake found a sense of belonging among people who, like him, had turned their unique characteristics into careers in entertainment.

The daily life of a circus performer was demanding. The constant travel, the need to perform multiple shows per day, and the physical challenges of living in temporary accommodations while being nearly eight feet tall required tremendous stamina and adaptability. Jake’s gentle nature and professional attitude made him popular with both audiences and fellow performers.

One of the most notable aspects of Jake’s circus career was how he maintained his dignity and humanity while being exhibited as a curiosity. Unlike some sideshow performers who adopted exaggerated personas or played up the freakish aspects of their conditions, Jake remained fundamentally himself – gentle, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in connecting with the people who came to see him.

By 1940 he was tired of life under the big-top and decided to retire from the circus, laying to rest his “Pecos Bill” persona. After 14 years of constant travel and performance, Jake was ready for a different kind of life. The decision to retire from the circus marked another significant transition in his life, as he once again reinvented himself and sought new ways to make a living and express his creativity.

During his circus years, Jake had encounters with many notable figures of the time. Photo: Jake Erlich, world’s tallest man at 8’6″ and Elliott Roosevelt at El Paso’s Hussman/Cortez Hotel. 1937. Elliott was on his way to Arizona to hunt. Such meetings with prominent individuals demonstrate that Jake’s fame extended beyond the circus world and that he was recognized as a notable figure in his own right.

Life After the Circus: Salesman and Artist

The transition from circus performer back to civilian life presented new challenges and opportunities for Jake. After spending his teenage years in Hollywood and his twenties and early thirties traveling the world with the circus, he needed to find a way to support himself in a more conventional career while dealing with the ongoing challenges of his extraordinary height.

He became a traveling salesman (at one point advertised as the “Tallest Traveling Salesman”) for a wine company. This career choice was both practical and inspired. The traveling aspect allowed Jake to use his experience with constant movement and adaptation, while his fame and memorable appearance undoubtedly made him an effective salesman. Who could forget meeting the tallest traveling salesman in the world?

Retired Sales Executive – Schenley Industries indicates that Jake worked for Schenley Industries, a major American distillery and wine company. His role as a sales executive suggests that he was successful in this career and may have risen to a position of some responsibility within the company.

The practical challenges of being a traveling salesman at his height were considerable. Jack Earle Texas Giant had to have special suits made, modified cars, beds, sheets and towels, golf clubs, and wore a size 22 shoe. These accommodations were necessary for his daily life but would have been particularly challenging while traveling for business.

However, it was during this period that Jake’s artistic talents truly flourished. He also devoted himself to the arts. Erlich was a talented painter, sculptor, photographer and poet. This artistic renaissance was perhaps inevitable for someone with Jake’s creative sensibilities and life experiences. Having spent years in the entertainment industry and seen much of the world through his circus travels, he had accumulated a wealth of experiences and observations that demanded creative expression.

Jake’s artistic work was not merely a hobby but achieved genuine recognition. His niece wrote that he was a “multi-faceted” artist whose work – from paintings to photographs – was even collected by the New York Museum of Natural History. He would earn renown as a painter, poet, photographer and sculptor whose works can be found in the permanent collection of the Museum of Natural History in New York. This institutional recognition speaks to the quality and significance of Jake’s artistic output.

Literary Achievement: “The Long Shadows” and Poetic Expression

Perhaps Jake’s most significant artistic achievement was his venture into poetry and literature. In fact, in 1952 he published a book of his poetry titled The Long Shadows. This publication represented the culmination of years of creative work and personal reflection, transforming Jake’s unique life experiences into literary art.

The title “The Long Shadows” is particularly poignant and meaningful. It can be interpreted both literally – as a reference to the long shadows that someone of Jake’s height would cast – and metaphorically, as a reflection on the lasting impact of his experiences and the shadows that his extraordinary life cast on those around him.

Jake finds a creative outlet for his lifelong struggle with depression, turning his pain into poetry with the 1952 publication of his book of poems, The Long Shadows. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to Jake’s poetry. Despite his public success and the admiration of audiences around the world, Jake struggled with depression – perhaps related to the challenges of his condition, the isolation that his height sometimes created, or the difficulty of finding his place in a world not designed for someone of his stature.

The transformation of personal pain into artistic expression is one of the most powerful aspects of human creativity, and Jake’s ability to channel his struggles into poetry demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence and artistic courage. His poetry was not just an intellectual exercise but a genuine attempt to process and share his deepest experiences.

The publication of “The Long Shadows” in 1952, the year of Jake’s death, suggests that this work represented a kind of capstone to his life’s experiences. The timing indicates that Jake was working on this project during his final years, perhaps driven by a sense that he had something important to say about his unique journey through life.

Personal Life and Character

Throughout his various careers and public appearances, Jake maintained certain constants in his personal character that endeared him to those who knew him. Despite never marrying Never married, Jake maintained close family relationships and was particularly beloved by his nieces and nephews, who remembered him as a gentle and caring uncle.

Home at death: 1503 North Kansas Street, El Paso indicates that Jake remained connected to his adopted hometown throughout his life. Despite his travels and various career opportunities, El Paso remained his anchor and the place he considered home.

Jake’s character was consistently described as gentle and thoughtful. The nickname “El Paso’s Gentle Giant” captured this essential aspect of his personality – despite his imposing physical presence, he was known for his kindness, humility, and genuine interest in others. This gentleness was not weakness but rather strength of character, demonstrating his ability to remain true to his essential nature despite the many challenges and opportunities that his unique stature presented.

The fact that Jake maintained his dignity and humanity throughout careers in entertainment industries known for exploitation and sensationalism speaks volumes about his strength of character. He found ways to earn a living from his unique characteristics without compromising his essential self or allowing himself to be dehumanized.

He would overcome crippling shyness, depression, temporary blindness and the physical challenges of a giant’s frame. This summary of Jake’s challenges reveals the multiple obstacles he faced throughout his life. The mention of “crippling shyness” adds another dimension to understanding Jake’s character – despite his public careers, he was naturally introverted and found social situations challenging.

Final Years and Legacy

Jake’s final years were spent in El Paso, where he continued his work as a sales executive while pursuing his artistic interests. Died in Hotel Dieu Hospital on July 18, 1952, at age 46. His relatively young age at death was likely related to the medical conditions associated with gigantism, which often put tremendous strain on the cardiovascular system and other organs.

Buried on July 20, 1952, Jake’s funeral was attended by many from the El Paso community who had known and loved him throughout his life. His burial in his adopted hometown demonstrated the deep roots he had established there despite his years of traveling.

His parents were Isadore Erlich (Died in 1963) & Dora Slominiski (Died in 1967). (Both were born in Poland.) The fact that both of his parents outlived him adds a tragic dimension to his story. For immigrant parents who had worked so hard to establish themselves in America, losing their son at such a relatively young age must have been devastating.

Cultural Impact and Modern Recognition

Jake’s story has continued to resonate long after his death, inspiring artists and writers to explore themes of difference, dignity, and the human capacity for creativity in the face of adversity. He is referenced in Tom Waits’s song “Get Behind The Mule”, demonstrating how Jake’s story has entered the broader cultural consciousness and continues to inspire contemporary artists.

The most significant modern tribute to Jake’s memory is the biographical novel written by his nephew, Dr. Andrew Erlich. Dr. Andrew Erlich is a prominent clinical psychologist, author and nationally-known speaker. His newest book, The Long Shadows, is a true-life novel about the remarkable life of his beloved uncle, Jake Erlich. Dr. Erlich spent ten years researching and writing the book.

The Long Shadows: The Story of Jake Erlich includes numerous photographs of Jake and his milieu, images of his striking artworks and memorabilia from his diverse careers as film star, circus performer, artist and poet. It is an evocative and touching real-life novel that provides a fascinating glimpse of a bygone era through the unique lens of Jake’s extraordinary experiences.

The fact that Dr. Erlich spent ten years researching and writing this book demonstrates the complexity and richness of Jake’s life story, as well as the deep affection and respect that his family continues to hold for his memory. Andy to use the same title for his moving true-life novel about his beloved uncle shows how Jake’s own artistic expression continues to inspire creative work in the next generation.

Historical Significance and Cultural Context

Jake’s life spanned some of the most significant cultural periods in American entertainment history. His silent film career coincided with the golden age of that medium, when physical comedy and visual storytelling were at their peak. His circus years occurred during the height of the American circus tradition, when traveling circuses were among the most popular forms of entertainment in the country.

The medical understanding of gigantism and growth disorders was primitive during Jake’s lifetime, making his challenges even more difficult to navigate. His ability to thrive despite these medical challenges, and to find ways to turn his condition into opportunities for artistic and professional success, demonstrates remarkable resilience and creativity.

Jake’s story also reflects broader themes in American culture, including the treatment of those who are different, the evolution of the entertainment industry, and the ongoing tension between exploitation and empowerment in show business. His ability to maintain his dignity while working in industries that often dehumanized their performers speaks to his strength of character and his understanding of his own worth.

Artistic Legacy and Creative Vision

Jake’s artistic work, spanning multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and poetry, represents a unique body of creative expression informed by his extraordinary life experiences. His work was not created despite his condition but rather because of the unique perspective that his height and experiences provided.

The recognition of his work by institutions like the Museum of Natural History suggests that Jake’s art transcended novelty or curiosity value to achieve genuine artistic merit. His ability to transform personal challenge into creative expression demonstrates the power of art to process and communicate human experience.

His poetry collection “The Long Shadows” stands as perhaps his most personal and profound artistic statement. The transformation of lifelong struggle with depression and the challenges of his physical condition into poetic expression represents one of the highest achievements of human creativity – the alchemical transformation of suffering into beauty and meaning.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legend of El Paso’s Gentle Giant

Jacob “Jake” Erlich’s life story is ultimately one of triumph – not over his physical condition, but rather through it. Rather than being defined or limited by his extraordinary height, Jake found ways to transform what could have been seen as a disability into a series of opportunities for creative and professional achievement. His journey from a fragile infant in Denver to a celebrated artist and performer in El Paso demonstrates the power of human resilience, creativity, and dignity.

In his short life he achieved more than many do: he was a Hollywood film actor, a world-famous circus performer, a successful salesman and an accomplished artist. This remarkable range of achievements speaks not only to Jake’s adaptability and talent but also to his fundamental humanity – his ability to connect with audiences and colleagues across very different fields and contexts.

Jake’s story continues to inspire because it speaks to universal human experiences despite the uniqueness of his physical condition. His struggles with shyness, depression, and finding his place in the world are challenges that many people face, regardless of their height or circumstances. His success in overcoming these challenges while maintaining his essential kindness and dignity provides a model for how to live with grace in the face of adversity.

The nickname “El Paso’s Gentle Giant” captures the essential paradox and beauty of Jake’s character – someone whose physical presence was imposing but whose spirit was gentle and generous. This combination of strength and tenderness, of public success and private struggle, of entertainment value and genuine artistic achievement, makes Jake Erlich a truly unique figure in American cultural history.

Today he is remembered as one of El Paso’s most remarkable figures – the gentle giant who turned adversity into creativity and left behind a legacy of artistry and inspiration. His story reminds us that greatness can take many forms, and that the most lasting achievements often come not from what makes us different from others, but from what we share with them – our common humanity, our capacity for creativity, and our ability to touch the lives of others through our presence and our art.

The long shadows that Jake cast during his lifetime continue to extend into the present, inspiring new generations of artists, entertainers, and anyone who has ever felt different or struggled to find their place in the world. His legacy is not just in his artistic works or his entertainment achievements, but in his demonstration that it is possible to live a life of dignity, creativity, and contribution regardless of the challenges we face. In this way, Jake Erlich truly stands as a giant among men – not because of his height, but because of the size of his heart and the depth of his artistic vision.

References and Sources

• References and Sources
• Online Resources and Digital Archives
• digie.org – Digital archives containing biographical information and historical records of Jake Erlich’s early life in El Paso
• Wikipedia – Jack Earle – Wikipedia entries on Jack Earle containing filmography, biographical details, and career information
• All That’s Interesting – Articles about Jake’s circus career and his billing as “World’s Tallest Man”
• Utne Reader – Features on Jake’s artistic legacy and recognition by cultural institutions
• Museums and Cultural Institutions
• American Museum of Natural History – New York Museum of Natural History permanent collection includes Jake Erlich’s paintings, photographs, and sculptural works
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Silent film archives including Jake’s filmography
• El Paso Museum of History – Local historical records and photographs
• Circus World Museum – Documentation of American circus history and performers
• Historical and Educational Organizations
• El Paso Historical Society – Local historical records and photographs
• Pituitary Foundation – Medical information about gigantism and pituitary tumors
• Library of Congress – Historical film and entertainment archives
• Texas State Historical Association – Texas historical documentation and records
• Entertainment Industry Archives
• Internet Movie Database (IMDb) – Comprehensive filmography and career information
• Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Historical circus archives and performer records
• Silent Film Archive – Documentation of silent era performers and films
• Variety Magazine Archives – Entertainment industry coverage of his film and circus careers
• Academic and Research Resources
• Circus Historical Society – Documentation of American circus history and performers
• National Library of Medicine – Medical research on gigantism and pituitary conditions
• University of Texas at El Paso Library – Local history and regional archives
• Smithsonian Institution – Cultural and historical documentation
• Published Works and Books
• Amazon – The Long Shadows by Andrew Erlich – Biographical novel by Jake’s nephew, Dr. Andrew Erlich
• WorldCat – Library catalog for locating Jake’s original poetry book “The Long Shadows” (1952)
• Google Books – Digital access to historical books and publications
• Archive.org – Internet Archive with historical documents and publications
• Newspapers and Periodicals
• Newspapers.com – Historical newspaper archives including El Paso Times obituary and coverage
• NewspaperArchive.com – Additional historical newspaper coverage
• El Paso Times – Local newspaper with historical archives
• Billboard Magazine Archives – Circus and entertainment industry coverage
• Music and Cultural References
• Tom Waits Official Site – Information about “Get Behind The Mule” song referencing Jake Erlich
• AllMusic – Music database with song references and cultural connections
• Discogs – Music database and cultural reference archive
• Genealogy and Family History
• FamilySearch – Genealogical records and family history documentation
• Ancestry.com – Family trees and historical records
• Find a Grave – Cemetery records and burial information
• Ellis Island Records – Immigration records for Jake’s parents
• Medical and Scientific Resources
• National Institute of Health – Medical research on growth disorders and gigantism
• Mayo Clinic – Medical information about pituitary disorders
• Rare Disease Database – Information on rare growth conditions
• PubMed – Medical literature and research papers
• El Paso Museum of History, “Jake Erlich – El Paso, Texas”digie.org.
• El Paso County Historical Society, “Jake Erlich – Tallest Man in the World”digie.orgdigie.org.
• Wikipedia, Jack Earleen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.
• Kaleena Fraga, “Who Were The Tallest People Ever? Meet 11 Of The Tallest Men And Women Of All Time,” AllThat’sInteresting.comallthatsinteresting.comallthatsinteresting.com.
• Andrew Erlich, “The Long Shadows: Story of Jack Earle,” Utne (2012)utne.com.