The Tragic Story of The 'Elephant man' Joseph Merrick | Well, I Never 

How beautiful it is that despite the unimaginable cruelty he suffered from his father, his step siblings/ stepmother, society, and his manager who abandoned him abroad, Joseph was able to maintain a spirit that didn't become bitter toward the world or life in general. God bless the doctor who brought him to the hospital and made his last few years of life relatively happy and peaceful for him.

His skull looked like it had barnacles. It's bad enough he suffered such physical pain, but the psychological abuse Joseph had to endure is unimaginable. Poor man.

Thank you so much for the mention, it really means a lot. After finding Joseph's grave, I make an effort to visit on his birthday, the anniversary of his death, and Christmas. I also lay flowers at his mum's grave. Many people now visit and pay their respects to Joseph's. May he rest in peace.

How incredibly heartbreaking. It's nice to know some people treated him humanely.

Clicked quickly because I knew YOU would treat his story respectfully.

I remember watching the movie, and honestly, Merrick was perfectly portrayed as this unknown, even chilling "creature" from how he wore a sack over his head and was completely silent when first introduced. But like the doctor, we become educated that he was a normal person dealt a nasty health condition. His story is extraordinary and timeless as much as it is sad.

Joseph’s story always makes me cry. Particularly his childhood after his mother passed away. I wish I could reach back in time, bring him here and take care of the little chap.😢

He was mocked, abandoned, abused, but, ironically, still lived better than many Victorians thanks to the help of a few. It was a brutal era when life was desperately cheap.

I've always danced around stories or documentaries about Joseph Merrick as so many treat him with such intense disrespect and sensationalism. Thank you for covering his story; I knew you would treat this man's memory with respect and a level head. His story is intensely heart-breaking, but I am deeply appreciative to hear about who he was and what he went through. It sounds like Mr. Merrick was a man with a beautiful soul, and I hope if there is an afterlife he is existing in peace and joy.

It's horrible how much he was judged and mistreated. I'm glad that he was still able to experience good things later in his life, and some people managed to look past his appearance and see that he was just a normal guy. His mother sounded very sweet as well.

My uncle had nuerofibromatosis. He lived with so many tumors and eventually became isolated except for his many cyber friends. I don’t remember his appearance so much as I remember his dry sense of humor and him teaching me how to play poker.

He was such a sweet soul. I am happy for him that his last years in the Hospital were filled with kindness and sympathy.

If there a better place to go to when we die, Joseph Merrick deserved to find it. Thank you, Mr Brodie, for relating the story of his life with compassion and understanding.

This story has always made me sad. I'm so glad he had friends at the end. It reminds us that all of us are different in some way, so be kind.

I actually have a similar but more mild condition and trust me it’s really horrible. I’ve got enchondroma- multiple enchondromas which are brittle bone tumours. They can grow anywhere at any time at any rate, but are also in risk of being broken off at any time which kind of course, cause further complications. It’s also extremely painful. Much of my body is held together by mesh, biomesh plates, titanium bars and screws and bone cement, by the time I was 34, I’d had about 14 surgeries including 7 on my chest all connected with my condition They said if my chest brakes one more time (titanium, can’t be that strong if I keep snapping it all the time!) there’s nothing they can do to help me, I basically would only have flesh covering my heart and lungs, which of course is very dangerous! My heart every time I hear the story, but I just wanted to say thank you for covering it so nicely if that’s the right word, as you think of this guy and the way he had it so severely, back in the day, you don’t think that there are actually people out there, suffering similar things right now and being one of them, seeing hurtful comments from people makes me think that they would be the same towards me, so it’s nice when it’s been done sympathetically and people are being kind! I’m pretty lucky that most of the areas I suffer for my condition isn’t noticeable, so a lot of people I meet just feel like I have an oversized twisted nose, it’s about all you can physically notice, but actually it’s full of tumours twisting making my top jaw smaller, I can’t push my jaw to one side and it clicks every single time I eat or chew, but like I said most of it isn’t noticeable- it must’ve been a nightmare for this guy to never be able to hide it.

I watched The Elephant Man so many times as a child and it broke my heart. I cried my eyes out for the treatment he received. The world is a cruel place but you should at least find love and safely in your family. So sad

He was such a loving and gentle soul. I hope he found happiness wherever he is.

This is probably the most personal and human retelling of Joseph's story that I've seen.

Joseph’s story was made into a stage play as well as the movie. I worked in a community theater that had some exceptionally talented performers. When this play was staged, the actor who portrayed Joseph did so without any special makeup or prosthetics. He simply hunched one shoulder one way and moved and talked in the manner Joseph had to. The performance was so realistic that the audience soon forgot the actor had no makeup, and came to see the performer as Joseph was. By doing it this way, the audience was able to better see Joseph’s spirit and intellect, and not be stuck on just his physicalities. Poor Joseph. Even though his remains are not buried together, I hope the dear man in resting in peace. ❤

You really have to ask yourself how such an amount of totally undeserved illness and cruelty can be endured by just one innocent and - despite everything - lovable being. This story is truly heartbreaking....

As sad as it is that he was treated so horribly, I'm heartened by the amount of people that came out to support him

I've always thought that the story of Merrick lives on due to it's built-in messages about the human condition in all respects... the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's [the story] as if it were a parable, but in this case, it's a story about a human who lived among the rest of us, suffering the injustices of societal misconduct, and then finally being recognized for the suffering human that he was. Every time I hear it being retold, it forces me to re-evaluate myself and how I conduct my life and interact with others. Thanks for putting this out.

I've known of "the elephant man" for many years, but you shared new information. I had no idea that he finally found kindness toward the end of his life. God bless people who reach out to those in pain.

It doesn't matter what he looked like, Joseph was truly beautiful. Bless his sweet soul.

Hearing how gracious he was at experiencing the bare minimum of kindness and how he took so much delight in the smallest things, it puts the rest of us in an unfavorable light. Shame on us for our selfishness and entitlement

A reminder to always be kind. John suffered terribly, not just from his own afflictions but at the hands of the opinion/reaction of others. His life could, and should, have been so different. A sad story beautifully and respectfully told. Thanks Paul.

Joseph had a horrible and painful childhood, but he still remained a strong individual, something that I greatly admire. His story is proof that no matter what, always try to be kind and compassionate towards others.

The doctor's kindness was life changing ✨️

Such a sad story. I remember when I was a boy at boarding school in the 1980's and we had movies in the assembly hall on Saturday nights. Some master decided it would be a good idea to put on the 1980 movie The Elephant Man. The hall was completely silent which was very unusual, and after which we all walked back to our boarding houses and barely said a word before we all went to bed. A lot different effect on 400 boys from when say they put on Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon, after which we were all Kung Fu Fighting on our way back to our boarding houses. I'm not sure I've got the stomach to watch The Elephant Man again.

What a tragic story. Makes me feel silly for complaining about things in my life that haven't gone well. 🥺

A lesson to all of us. The most attractive people can have the most corrupt souls. Mr. Merrick shows us that “not judging a book by its cover” was never more true in his case. God bless and RIP.

the poem he wrote brought tears to my eyes lm so glad he spent his last years safe and happy l can only imagine how awful his life must have been until the doctor helped him RIP Joseph

It seems Mr. Merrick was not a bitter man, despite nearly the whole world recoiling in horror at his appearance. Commendable.

So sad 😞 I'm glad his final years were a bit better for him.

Really a sad story. The ignorance of people can get to the point of extreme cruelty. It was really touching with the picture of the woman that smiled at him at 13:45. Thanks a lot for the story.

Merrick was such a beautiful spirit, being able to suffer incredible pain and indignities while not harboring bitterness or resentments. He is an inspiration and positive example to us all.

he could write such a beautiful poem after he had experienced such trauma and negativity off people, so pleased he did have the love of his mum to show him the way in life, such dignity and pure soul God Bless that man

I love that you spent so much time on his time at the hospital and on his happiness. I'd heard about the standard parts of the story before, the parts every other documentary or youtuber uses, but it's the little things we would take for granted like him getting to go and see a panto and being absolutely thrilled about it that I'd never heard before and that just break the heart a little more. That's what makes your channel so good

I watched the film many years ago and cried my eyes out through most of it .This dear man suffered so much in his life , if there is life after death I hope he is having a wonderful time and no longer in pain or disfigured. Xxx

No one does this format better! Don't change a thing!

I have heard the story of Joseph Merrick many, many times. I am so thankful to the people who were with him at the end of his life, and that he was able to know kindness and friendship before his death. He didn’t deserve to be treated the way he was by society at large. I hope wherever he is now (depending on what you believe, I guess) that he is happy! Thank you so much for this video, and for doing it in such a gentle and compassionate way. ❤

My father showed me the film version of this when I was between four and six. I wasn't frightened, just devastated. He loves telling the story of me asking, "Why were they so mean to him?" I just want to sit with him and talk to him, to this day. I think I would've been a wonderful friend to him.

Many viewed him as a monster because of his appearance but the real monsters were those that mistreated this unfortunate man.

Thank you for such a touching telling of Joseph's life. My grandparents loved the movie of his life starring John Hurt and after seeing it I have long been fascinated by his acceptance of his condition and his kindness. I'm so happy he found comfort and friendship in his final years. His art was so incredibly beautiful. He was an extraordinary man and someone I would very much have enjoyed knowing. ❤

Joseph really is one of the most heartbreaking medical cases in history.

He had so much sadness in his life yet he always strived to better himself. Never unkind, brave and full of love. He should be a role model. I thank the people who worked and took care of him. RIP kind soul.

Thank you, sir. You have honoured Joseph Merrick.

I think I saw a plaster cast or skeleton replica or both at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. It was two decades ago now so I don't fully remember all of what we saw there but I'm so glad to hear he had some happiness in his life. He sounds like a real trooper and it seemed he always kept his kind heart. The part where he said Layla was the first woman to ever smile at him and shake his hand, I lost it. It seemed that things mostly got better from there and that warms my heart. He had such a rough start and did nothing to deserve it. Thank you for all of this history on one of the world's most famous men!

He gained the respect he deserved in life after his death. Undoubtedly Joseph Merrick has left a lasting impression on the world.

Very interesting… and pleased to hear that his final four years were RELATIVELY happy. I’m also glad that so many stepped up to help him. For example, though she’s mentioned but not really “credited”, I’m sure the Lady whose box Merrick was in for the Christmas theater show was aware that her box would be used for this… and she approved it. Many caring people seemed to reach out to help him. Overall, his story is a tragic one. But the fact that his final years were his best years does make it somewhat less horrific. I’m glad he was able to find some comfort and happiness in the end.

Thank you for the fascinating live stream, Paul. Really enjoyed it.. 👍👏 Greetings to all from Italy 🇮🇹🙋🏻‍♀️

Thank you for focusing on his life and mental health and for the level of respect you show.

Well, I never can get over how cruel people can be to a good human being that is deformed.

I admire him so much. Seriously certain people show us what TRUE STRENGTH IS and genuine good hearted character. Despite having every right to be mad at the world/ He fully lived his life instead. I admire the heck out of him and anyone else who struggles yet powers on and finds ways to enjoy the little things in life. Finding that perspective and internal feeling is something not everyone finds but if they do, it's blessing that let's you cherish the moment, where others might overlook, take for granted, or maybe not of even have engaged in it in the first place. So I appreciate anyone who finds this unique way of Life ❤️

I’m glad the hospital and others tried to give him a decent last few years of life.

I have always heard of Mr Marrick & his deformities, but never heard his whole story until now. Thank you Paul for giving us an insight to this man and to once more prove that you can’t judge people by their outward appearances. Blessings to you! ❤️✝️

I remember hearing and watching the documentary on Joesph Merrick, and crying at certain points, from the horrible things he had to go though. I'm glad that you explained everything clearly of his gentle man...thank you for doing this video on him.

John Merrick's story has always made me cry, it is so heartbreaking. God bless the individuals who helped him. Shame on the hospital for treating his corpse with basic human dignity. They could easily make a replica.

You handled the life of Joseph Merrick in your normal truly respectful manner. You are a wonder. It does make you ponder the fact that while ‘society’ would have little or nothing to do with him, he was a well spoken & educated man.

I'm familiar with his story. So glad you covered it with the dignity you always present. Always warms my heart to know his last few years he was treated well and lived a relatively "normal" life.

Poor Joseph, what a miserable life he lived. In pain with no home and being laughed at by so many. NO one should live that life. RIP Joseph Merrick.

As a child born with a left hand deformity, I can somewhat understand his plight. The stares, the callous bullying children and even the mean adults. I have empathy for him and what he had endured. I am glad that he experienced some happiness and peace in the remainder of his life.

look not at ones outward appearance, but what lies within oneself. he was truly a kind soul. so loving and not filled with hate. may he always be remembered for his caring soul.

It must be agonizing for parents to know that the child you adore will face pain and ridicule from his or her peers. Breaks my heart to think of what little ones go thru simply because they’re different

As always, a touching and compassion filled retelling that brought both a lump to my throat and a smile to my face. Again, I salute you, sir.

As usual, you tell his story in such a classy way. Such a sad story of such a sweet, intelligent man.

What a roller coaster of emotions I have for Joseph! I'm crushed by the way he was abused, relieved he had a kind Dr take a compassionate interest in his case, happy that he got to experience some fun and adventurous times, saddened by his pain (both physical, mental) and untimely death. What a brave and beautiful soul he must have had.

My heart and soul felt so much better for Joseph for the dignity shown to him in his later years. What a remarkable man he was. Finding joy in so much. Far too many today whine over this and that but have the truly suffered such as Joseph and the likes of him? May Joseph rest in peace, in God’s arms and with his mum. Thank you for doing such a brilliant job on Joseph’s life story.

Sometimes, the greatest of us are hidden. Rest In Peace Mr. Merrick. You EARNED it.

Simultaneously "The Elephant Man" film is a favourite & also very difficult for me to watch!. From what I've read he seemed very intelligent, friendly, & polite. It's strange, he seems like a national treasure in the U.K & a lot of people feel for him.

The way he was treated by his family is almost neglectful. It breaks my heart that his life was awful and everybody at that time should of treated him better. I'm extremely glad that he got to have a normal life at the very end. May you rest in pace Joseph Merrick.

It's hard to imagine a person getting a worse hand dealt to them by life than Joesph Merrick. He had known, apart from his mother, nothing but brutality, shame and humiliation. Then Dr. Treves gave him a chance to live a life that, while sheltered and separated, was also filled with dignity and warmth. I'm always shocked to see the little church he fashioned. It's so lovely and intricate it's hard to believe the young man who could no longer roll cigars could have made it. Also, one of the things Joseph wanted was a gentleman's dressing bag, complete with clothes brushes, bottles for after shave lotion and other necessities a gentleman would find indispensable. Someone, Dr. Treves probably, did get him one and he prized it. Joseph had known such little happiness that any gesture that was gentle and thoughtful would render him speechless. He seems an altogether gentle and loving man. It's a shame his life was cut short, but he died in a comfortable room provided by friends rather than in some grimy alleyway. Thank you for telling his story with the same dignity and thoughtfulness.

I admire so much this poor man's outlook despite the cruelty and sadness he experienced! He was strong in that he didn't commit suicide and many "normal" people do because they can't cope with trivial, sometimes silly problems. May his beautiful soul rest in the eternal peace he now has, free from the problems he had almost all his life🎗️

Wonderfully narrated, as always! I remember when I first (and last..) watched The Elephant Man, sobbed uncontrollably! He was such a beautiful soul born in such an unforgiving and cruel time in the world.. Showing such grace and humanity even after being thrown around and betrayed by those he put his trust in. Without holding resentment or ill will towards anyone.. His story is absolutely one which should be known to all for science sake, but more importantly to learn something deeper within ourselves.

Poor man. Such a tragic story.

You made a kind and gentle rendition of the sad story of Joseph. It is so good that so many people gave much of their time and resources to make this young man's later life as enjoyable as possible. I will be pleased to meet Joseph in heaven where he is enjoying his transformation.

Joseph Merrick was an amazing and intelligent human being. His love of poetry and living a life as normal as possible but to the rebuke of Victorian, England. I'm pleased his easing towards the end of his amazing life was filled with joy of somewhat, by the doctor that brought him to hospital to give him security and acceptance. We should never judge a book by it's cover. One of my Desert Island Disks requests would be, to have met and had a conversation with this wonderful man.

This is another heartbreaking story, but I'm glad Merrick found happiness in his later years. Thank you for the awesome video, as always. I love how you always tell the stories objectively and with full of respect. Keep up the good work!

He endured more pain and suffering than anyone and he still made the most of his life and remained a great man, so much respect

I watched and read about him as a child. He was the reason I knew I would be in the medical field.

Perhaps this man visited our world for the purpose of teaching compassion, and human understanding. We could have learned so much from him. He was an exceptional man.

As someone with chronic pain, this story always broke my heart. Disabled folk often have to deal with psychological trauma from the stigma and harassment the general public and medical professionals give, but often times people SEVERELY underestimated the added psychological toll of never-ceasing agony. It’s easy to say emotional pain is worse than physical, until you’re CONSTANTLY in physical pain and realize that that suffering comes right along with psychological hurt.

I saw the movie many years ago, and I remember the scene where he declared "I am not an animal!" He set down his Bible and lay his head down on the bed. I believe the man is in Heaven, and fully healed of his affliction.

He seemed like a very gentle and kind soul. I would have loved to meet him. He deserved a better social life, with how shortlived it was.

As someone who is insanely interested in the human body and mental health of people, this is such an interesting story and I'm glad you were respectful towards this man who lived his whole life having people stare at him in disbelief or awe. It's a bit rough to go this long in the afterlife still being continued to be stared at and gawked at, I think the hospital should just give the remains up. There's not much more to look at or figure out, I don't think he'd want this for himself. Of course, it'd be interesting to come across a case like this again, maybe his remains could SOMEHOW help, but with the way medicine has come I don't think Joseph would be needed anymore. He should be laid to rest and have people stop looking at him, it's quite sad to see. Even though I love learning about medical phenomena, it should be at the consent of the deceased right before they passed.

A compassionate review of this man's life, well done!

This story has always been close to my heart. As always I'm in tears hearing his story again.

Thanks for this wonderful episode. You told Joseph's story with such compassion and respect. I thought it was a lovely tribute to him ♥️

Beautifully and sensitively handled, Paul. Such a tragic life of a man with a beautiful soul and mind. One wonders which of the causes mentioned might've been responsible...and how it would have been handled today. May he rest well, and may his memory be a blessing.

WOW, Thank you. I grew up reading through many Guinness books in the 80s. This video put some soul and personal touches to a real person vs statistic oddity , thank you for that. My heart truly goes out to him. I wonder what doctors today would have done for him? Surgery wise I am thinking he would have a lot more mobility, dexterity and a longer life, full and active. As far as his remains go, atleast a part of him was interred with some dignity

This poor man. His depth of suffering is unimaginable!!

He left such a positive legacy. That’s admirable 😊

Joseph was truly a intelligent, eloquent, and creative man. The only true failing of his short painful life is that he did not have more friends that saw the man and not the condition. May this amazing man rest in peace.

Over the years I have read all I could find on Joseph!.., Also have seen the movie many times..., I think he was the Gentlest and kind human being I have ever researched in my life!.., I know he read the bible every day and Loved the LORD dearly!.., When I die, I wish to meet Joseph in heaven so I can give him a kiss and a hug for his most kindness and gentleness he lived by!.., God Bless Treves!

Paul I'm sorry I missed the q&a but I'm so glad to see another amazing video I enjoy your videos you and your team do amazing job I have heard about this story you guys may have alot more information sensational job as always keep up the sensational job you guys

He was a beautiful man. Imo RIP God bless you

Although it's a bit outdated now, there was a good film made about Joseph Merrick, starring John Hurt (the elephant man) and Anthony Hopkins (the doctor). It's worth watching, as it's an extraordinary story in so many ways, especially because it was at a time when life was very harsh during the Victorian period. RIP, Joseph Merrick🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Yes, a short and tragic life, but the treatment he received at the London Hospital was as kind as anyone would be treated. How lovely of the doctor to have made arrangements for Joseph to make excursions to the theater and other places in such a way that he would be protected from stares and comments.

For years i've been always curious about Joseph Merrick.... I'm really happy to hear about the History of such a wonderful person...

I'm thirty five, I remember hearing about Joseph's story when I was eight years old and how it broke my heart as a child who struggles with chronic pain - still do - yet kid-me wished if I had a time machine, I would have used it to be his friend. Even as an adult, I'd still wish he'd had a chance for more love and kindness in his life.