08
Fall
A p r i l 2 , 2 0 1 5
Shelley Beae Biography
Cassidy Spencer
Famous Deaf Person Biography
Shelley Ann Beattie was a professional female bodybuilder and actress. One of
the main characteristics that set Shelley apart from other female bodybuilders and
actresses is that she was deaf. Shelley was born on August 24, 1967, however, she was
not born deaf. At the age of 3 Shelley lost her hearing completely in one ear, and reduced
her ability to hear by 30 percent in the other due to an aspirin overdose. Shelley’s
inability to hear and understand her classmates left her feeling alone and embarrassed.
Shelley strayed away from her peers and focused her attention on sports to help deal with
her anger and lack of social life.
In high school, Shelley started competing in heptathlon’s, cross country, 400 yard
field events, and hurdles. Shelley excelled at each and every one of these competitions,
2
