Horace Ridler (1892–1969) was a professional freak and sideshow performer, a tattooed man exhibiting himself as The Great Omi or The Zebra Man.
born rich -> large inheritance -> Oxford/Cambridge or party & gambling ->
war -> demobilized -> sideshow
At some point between 1927 and 1934, while living in Mitcham, a few miles south of London, Ridler took steps to improve his career as a sideshow act. Contacting tattooist George Burchett, he inquired about having himself "tattooed all over". Burchett performed more than 150 hours of tattooing on Ridler with a pattern of curved black stripes, often described as zebra-like, masking the earlier tattoos. He later claimed he spent $10,000 for the procedure, although Burchett said it was only $3,000 and that he was never paid in full.
Omi concocted an elaborate back story to explain his appearance and claimed he had been forcibly tattooed by New Guinea savages. The story really boosted his popularity and he soon became one of the highest paid circus performers of his time.
Omi donated his services, giving free performances to troops and charity organizations. He also supported the Allied effort by promoting the sales of war bonds.
Last Words: “Underneath it all, I’m just an ordinary man.”
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