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Yes, Tod Browning casted real Freaks in the film. You don't need to feel bad for using the word, as it seems to be a term they've adopted for themselves and are comfortable with.
If you have the DVD, watch the documentary. They talk about each and every one of the performers who were in the movie. Seems that the majority of them didn't feel they were being exploited, and most of them made a lot of money performing and lived above average, comfortable lives.
About the cigarette scene, they said the studio cut it short, but the actor (Prince Randian) apparently also rolled the cigarette himself before he lit it. That would have been something to see.
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