Big Ed Opens Up About Rare Disorder & Neck Appearance

90 Day Fiancé franchise star "Big Ed" Brown has become a viral meme. The reality star opened up about KFS, the rare syndrome that affects his neck.

Few, if any, reality stars have skyrocketed to fame as quickly as "Big Ed" Brown did. The 90 Day Fiancé franchise star became a viral meme overnight after appearing on the spin-off show 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days. Though many viewers were angry about the way he spoke to his ex-girlfriend Rosemarie Vega, the reality star became famous largely due to his unusual appearance. Big Ed opened up about the rare syndrome he has that alters the appearance of his neck.

Since becoming famous, Big Ed has dealt with many body-shaming viewers who don't understand his condition. However, the 55-year-old is used to drawing stares and criticism. While some 90 Day Fiancé stars lash out at their critics, Big Ed has been known to roll with the punches. In fact, he tends to embrace criticism by playing into fan ridicule. The reality star has learned to capitalize off of his image, earning over $100K making humorous videos on Cameo dancing in various costumes. Big Ed shared that he has learned to accept his disorder and sbrig off negativity, and he hopes that his attitude can inspire others.

"I grew up with the condition called KFS - Klippel-Feil syndrome-  where it looks like I actually don’t have a neck," Big Ed explained. "But I do. I have 3 vertebrates that are the size of 2 when most normal humans from this world have 7. And I have a bigger than normal chest cavity so I’ve been bullied all my life.” While some viewers have been cruel about Big Ed's appearance, he is used to receiving criticism and standing out. “I learned at a young age I can either let this condition define who I am or I can accept that God made me this way," he said. 

Though he has learned to cope with being different, things were challenging when he first became famous. "All of the bad memories came back to life when the show first came out," Big Ed explained about his rapid rise to fame. Though it became difficult to get out of bed due to the hate, the reality star rapidly started receiving letters from fans who were inspired by his condition. One man in particular also had KFS, A fan named Abe wrote in after seeing Big Ed on TV. Ed described the man as very depressed and somewhat suicidal.

Big Ed shared that the man was incredulous after seeing Big Ed on a dating show. He asked him, "How do you rub mayonnaise on your hair on national TV where do you get that confidence?" Big Ed explained that the key to confidence is accepting oneself. "You can love who you are. There is nothing you can change about yourself. Accept that and you’ll be fine," he said. He added that Abe and him still e-mail and talk. Receiving letters from fans lIke Abe has made Big Ed fond of the exposure and platform he now has. "What started out as a reality show turned out to be a platform where I can really help people get through the bullying side of life which is not good," he said.

While many fans criticize Big Ed and his approach to dating and women, the reality star stated that he wants to use his platform to help other people and connect with his fans. He emphasized that he would never turn down a fan photo or conversation and he described his fans as normal people. Big Ed is continuing his journey in the 90 Day Fiancé franchise with the Discovery+ show 90 Day: The Single Life on Sunday nights.

Next: 90 Day Fiancé: Most Successful Cast Members Still Associated With TLC

90 Day Fiancé airs Sundays at 8pm EST on TLC.