American actress Naomi Grossman went through a dramatic transformation to portray the character Pepper in American Horror Story. In real life, Naomi is an attractive woman, but she chose to shave her head and undergo a three-hour daily makeup routine to embody the role.

Pepper is introduced in the show’s second season as a patient in the Briarcliff psychiatric hospital. Though she seems harmless, her character has a disturbing backstory — accused of drowning her sister’s baby and mutilating the body. She also suffers from a condition that causes an abnormally small head and brain.

Pepper’s story continues in the fourth season, where viewers learn more about her past before being institutionalized. Interestingly, her character is based on a real person named Schlitzie, a sideshow performer who traveled with circuses in the 20th century.

Naomi Grossman’s physical and emotional commitment to the role is a powerful example of how far actors are willing to go for their craft. Her transformation was not easy, but it earned her recognition and respect in the industry.