Jimmy Darling in AHS Freak Show is based on real-life Grady Stiles Jr., who had ectrodactyly like Lobster Boy. Stiles was a darker figure, addicted to alcohol and abusive, unlike the amiable and protective Jimmy in the show. Evan Peters consulted Jason Black with ectrodactyly for realistic portrayal, showing commitment to accuracy and respect.

This article contains mentions of domestic abuse and violence.

Jimmy Darling, played by Evan Peters, is one of the main characters in American Horror Story season 4, Freak Show, and he's actually based on a real-life figure with a similar physical condition. The fourth season of American Horror Story, as the title would imply, focuses on the last remaining "freak show", or in current-day terms, "side shows" of the 1950s. This particular traveling carnival is led by Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange) and features many of the usual returning cast members for whom the horror anthology is known,...