In 1935, he was studied by Knud Krabbe in Copenhagen, who recorded his height at 2.205 metres (7 ft 2.8 in) and his weight at 135 kilograms (298 lb) but doubted that he had acromegaly as his body was proportional and there was no sign of hypogonadism.

[4] Due to his physical ailments, Jóhann was unable to find normal employment and instead toured Europe's vaudeville theatres, doing so until the outbreak of World War II.

The tallest Icelandic man on record, his home, living trailer, vehicles, furniture, and clothing were all custom-made.

[8] Early on in his career, he often wore a suit and top hat, but with the Ringling brothers he dressed as a stereotypical Viking, sporting a full beard and horned helmet.

His memory is honoured with personal belongings displayed in the Showmen's Museum of the IISA in Gibsonton, Florida.