We all know the feeling, right? You spend your entire life dreaming your mother is a psychedelic rock star – only to find she’s actually the world’s most famous bearded hermaphrodite.

Touching: Richard Lorenc with ‘bearded lady’ mother Vivian Wheeler. Picture: Rex

Robert Lorenc was snatched away from his family home by his father –who abandoned him in a motel, aged just three.

Now the 33-year-old has finally tracked down his mother – after his home state of Kansas revealed her identity to him – and also that she had hypertrichosis, known as werewolf syndrome.

‘Growing up, I thought my mum was Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane,’ he said. ‘But that was fantasy. This is better.’




Mr Lorenc found 62-year-old Vivian Wheeler, who has a Guinness world record for her 28cm (11-inch) beard, with help from mutual friend, George ‘The Giant’ McArthur, the world’s tallest sword swallower.

‘I knew it was her as soon as I saw the picture online,’ said Mr Lorenc.

Ms Wheeler, born with both male and female reproductive organs, was forced by her father to work in travelling sideshows as a child. She would send her earnings home to her family in Bakersfield, California.

‘Whatever happens, I want to be there with her,’ said Mr Lorenc.

‘It’s a great adventure. It’s an unbelievable story, and I just want to be there for the ride and spend time with her.’

The pair have recently taken DNA tests – and plan to reveal the results on US TV’s ‘The Maury Show’.