The story of Billy and Benny McCrary—better known as the “fat twins on motorcycles”—is one of remarkable determination, tragic loss, and an enduring legacy that continues to captivate audiences decades after their deaths. These identical twins from Hendersonville, North Carolina, transformed what could have been a devastating medical condition into international fame, becoming household names in the wrestling world and pop culture icons whose image still resonates today.
The Medical Mystery Behind Their Size
Born prematurely on December 7, 1946, Billy and Benny McCrary each weighed just 5 pounds at birth. Their extraordinary weight gain began at age four when they contracted rubella (German measles), which severely damaged their pituitary glands—the part of the brain that regulates growth and metabolism. Despite their parents’ desperate efforts, including restricting their diet to just 1,000 calories per day and purchasing a farm to increase their physical activity, the twins continued gaining weight uncontrollably.
By age 10, each twin weighed 200 pounds, and by 16, they had reached 600 pounds each. At their peak, Billy weighed 743 pounds, and Benny reached 723 pounds, earning them recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s heaviest twins.
From Motorcycles to Stardom
The twins’ path to fame began with a simple photograph. In 1969, Life magazine photographer John Page captured the iconic image of the massive twins riding Honda minibikes during an appearance in Greensboro, North Carolina. This single photo would change their lives forever, launching them into the spotlight and leading to numerous business opportunities.
Their biggest break came through a promotional deal with Honda and Holiday Inn, where they rode minibikes 3,000 miles from New York to Los Angeles over 30 days. The cross-country journey made them celebrities, leading to multiple appearances on The Tonight Show and other mainstream media.
Wrestling Career and International Fame
During their Honda publicity tour, fate intervened in El Paso, Texas, where they met legendary wrestling trainer Gory Guerrero, father of future WWE champion Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero trained the twins for two months in Juarez, Mexico, transforming them into professional wrestlers. They adopted the stage name “McGuire Twins” because foreign announcers struggled to pronounce “McCrary.”
The McGuire Twins developed signature wrestling moves, including the devastating “Tupelo Splash”—where one twin would dive belly-first onto a prone opponent—followed by “The Steamroller,” where they would roll back and forth over their victim. They maintained an impressive 14-year undefeated streak as tag team champions, wrestling internationally from 1971 to 1979.
Tragedy Strikes
The twins’ remarkable story took a tragic turn on July 14, 1979, when Billy died at age 32 from complications following a motorcycle accident during a stunt performance en route to Niagara Falls. After Billy’s death, Benny attempted to continue wrestling with partners, including André the Giant, but never recaptured their original success.
Benny eventually retired from wrestling and returned to North Carolina, where he operated a pawn shop and later worked with the Christian Golfers’ Ministry. He became increasingly immobilized when his knee cartilage deteriorated, and he died of heart failure on March 26, 2001, at age 54.
Their Lasting Legacy
Today, the McCrary twins rest side by side beneath a 13-foot-wide granite headstone in Crab Creek Baptist Church Cemetery—itself a Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest gravestone. The monument, engraved with Honda minibikes and inscribed “World Record Holders,” has become a popular roadside attraction.
Their cultural impact endures through animated references on The Simpsons and Family Guy, ensuring that new generations continue to discover their remarkable story. The twins proved that extraordinary circumstances when met with determination and humor, can create a legacy that transcends tragedy and inspires others to make the most of any situation.
