Julia Gnuse, also known as the “Illustrated Lady”, was an American woman who was recognized as the most tattooed woman in the world. Born in Flint, Michigan on January 18, 1955, Julia developed a condition called porphyria which caused her skin to blister when exposed to sunlight. In order to cover up her skin, she began to get tattoos.
Julia eventually covered 95% of her body with tattoos. Her tattoos were mainly of cartoon characters, including Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, and Sylvester the Cat. She also had several religious symbols and phrases tattooed on her body. Julia was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1996 for being the most tattooed woman in the world.
Julia used her fame to raise awareness about porphyria and to help others who suffered from the condition. She was also a spokesperson for the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Julia passed away on August 11, 2016 at the age of 61. She will be remembered for her courage and her determination to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from porphyria. She will also be remembered for her unique body art which made her the most tattooed woman in the world.