In Memoriam - Sandy Allen
Guinness World Records was sad to hear the news today that the world's tallest woman, Sandy Allen, has died at her nursing home in Shelbyville, Indiana, USA. She was just 53 years old.
The last time that Guinness World Records measured Sandy, she stood at an impressive 2 m 31.7 cm (7 ft 7.25 in) - although at birth she weighed a regular 3 kg (6.5 lb). By the age of 10, a tumor on her pituitary gland had produced such an over-supply of growth hormone that she was already nearly 2 m (over 6 ft). Various medical treatments halted Sandy's growth, but she retained her Tallest Woman title until her death.
Sandy was always a good friend of Guinness World Records, even working as an employee of the company in the 1980s at the GWR Museum in Niagara Falls.
A striking figure, she was an inspiration to anyone who felt themselves in some way different or unusual from the norm. She accepted the title of Tallest Woman with pride, and became an international figure, appearing as Angelina the Giantess in the Oscar-winning Fellini movie Casanova, and was the subject of countless TV documentaries. She also took a central role in a self-esteem educational video It's OK to be Different.
"You've got to be proud of yourself," said Sandy, "no matter what you are. Be proud of yourselves and make the best of what you've got."
Sandy - who often made her own clothes and wore hand-me-down sneakers donated by baseball stars such as Rick Smits - spent the latter part of her life in discomfort as a result of her size. She took up residence in the same nursing home as another Guinness World Record holder: Edna Parker (born April 20, 1893), the world's oldest woman.
Sandy's warm, gentle personality and positive outlook on life will be much missed by everyone who knew her. She was truly a gentle giant whose immense presence will leave a giant gap in the world.
As for Sandy's successor, Guinness World Records have yet to determine the results of an on-going investigation. An announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
Craig Glenday
Editor-in-Chief
Guinness World Records
13 August 2008