Pictured: Former Playboy model now 60-year-old street beggar

Clear case of "from grace to grass"- Contortionist Christa McKenna was once world famous and had several TV appearances, now she uses her mind-boggling flexibility to plead for spare change
These heartbreaking pictures show a 60-year-old former Playboy model who has resorted to showing off her bendy body in a desperate attempt to raise cash.

Once dubbed the 'Spider Lady' during a spell of 1970's stardom, contortionist Christa McKenna now uses her skills to earn a living on the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In an unfortunate fall from grace, the contortionist begs for change on the corner of Wealthy St. using the flexible limbs that once made her a star.


Christa was well known for her appearance on 'The Gong Show' in 1979, where she wowed audience by tying her body in knots but she also appeared in Playboy magazine.

Since then, the aged entertainer has fallen on tough times - having gone from gracing the pages of Playboy to begging on the streets of Michigan.

Holding a sign saying "60 years old: need a job, God and you - please help me", Christa - who suffers from scoliosis and stenosis - says she is lucky to get $7 a day.

Speaking to MLive, she said: "I just don’t know how I got to be this way.”

The video below shows Christa dazzling crowds by bending her body into impossible shapes at the height of her fame.