She was born in London, England in 1921. Ditched by her parents, she was on the streets at 14, before joining a traveling fair and learning the trades of the strong man. She quickly took on and started building towards that profession. (This is her posing in 1951).

Joan Rhodes bending a iron bar with her hands and teeth in 1955.

Larger-than-life Ewart Potgieter balances on strong woman Jean Rhodes in 1955.

(Joan Rhodes lifting a worker up with ease to every ones amazement in 1958). She started in the 1950s when she began do cabaret performances often showing her grace then surprising the audience with her immense strength. She did this through London as she grew in popularity. She even lifted giant Ted Evans who reportedly weighed 480 pounds.

Joan Rhodes bending another iron bar.

Ripping a phone book in half in 1954.

She started doing UK and US television shows, gaining a larger audience. She never grew too large in size, which made her immense strength a true surprise to most of her audiences throughout her career. She even began touring with Bob Hope and appeared in USO shows.

Just doing chores around the house, 1955.

Moving a table with her mouth, 1956.

She did appearances right up into the 1970s. Often she would pick up large men randomly even as she got older, surprising people with her continued strength. She did some stunt work in her career as well, but mostly was a show woman. She retired quietly, and died in 2010.