I wrote this piece for The Phoenix, which was published on March 30, 2007....
Tackling the Little Person Stereotype in Hollywood
Hollywood is standing a little taller these days, thanks in large part by some short actors.
Meredith Eaton-Gilan is considered a “little person,” (short-statured actors and dwarves are also
considered acceptable descriptions) standing at only 4’3”. She won acclaim on TV for a role in
the program “Family Law,” but then disappeared from the scene when the series was canceled.
She found it hard to come by good scripts and roles for short people, so, at age 32, she left
Hollywood and earned her Master’s degree in clinical psychology.
But now she is back on the tube, stronger than ever, in a recurring part on “Boston Legal.”
There are roughly 125 short-statured actors who are members of the Screen Actors Guild. They
have felt for many years they have been pigeonholed by producers, directors and writers because
of their height (or lack of).
But things are getting better, thanks in part to a wonderful actor named Peter Dinklage, who won
worldwide acclaim in 2003 for his role in the movie “The Station Agent.” Peter is a little person
too, but that didn’t stop him from fulfilling his dream of acting - even being considered a sex
symbol. He is still working, currently filming a movie with the Oscar winning actress Reese
Witherspoon.
Verne Troyer, better known as Mini-Me in two of the Austin Powers films, still finds work in
commercials. Charla Faddoul became a reality TV star in the program “The Amazing Race.”
And the Learning Channel is preparing new episodes of its series called “Little People, Big
World,” a reality show involving a married couple who happen to be short-statured.
“We’re getting more positive exposure and that’s going to help people of short stature
(to be) treated as regular people,” says Gary Arnold, spokesman for the Little People of America
advocacy group.
Still, prejudice exists - both on and off the silver screen.
Short-statured actors are realistic to the fact that their careers may always be somewhat limited.
“People may be a little more open nowadays,” states a veteran short actor who has made a 25-
year career of playing everything from elves, munchkins and aliens to Star Wars Ewoks.
“But they don’t want me for a part opposite Sharon Stone.”
Many short actors often end up playing comedic foils, Christmas elves or stand-in for child
actors, just because the parts aren’t there.
However recently, some films have made height a counterpoint to its central theme - the
idolization of physical perfection. Hence, one sees more short-statured actors in so-called
“regular” roles with able-bodied acting peers.
“Obviously, everything needs to move forward a bit in Hollywood,” said Dinklage, 37. “It’s a lot
better, but it’s two steps forward and one step back. There’s still a lot of [idiocy] out there.”
Danny Woodburn is a small person who played a sidekick for many years on “Seinfeld.” He
prefers to wait for better roles now, rather than fit into the stereotypical role which Hollywood
has perpetuated over the years.
“Any role that I can get where I can diminish these perceptions, that’s a breakthrough,” he says
.
It is a tough decision for a struggling actor - accept a stereotypical role to work, one which may
make the prejudice even worse - or not work?
Many of the shorter actors, Dinklage included, are developing their own film and TV projects,
with hopes of erasing this prejudice which exists in Hollywood, and ultimately, will help anyone
who happens to have a disability - actor or not.
• • •
The annual Iditarod dogsled race has recently been going on in rugged Alaska. It is a grueling
test of endurance, going 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome. It has been called “The Last
Great Race on Earth.”
Angelo Suriano was in a car accident in 1986 which left him paralyzed. The 43- year-old man
from Stockholm, N.Y., was left a paraplegic from the crash, but has since regained some feeling
and motion in his legs.
Several years ago he adopted a Siberian huskie dog named Ivory. The dog used to help him with
everyday tasks, such as pulling Angelo around in his wheelchair.
Then Angelo had an idea.
He moved from New Jersey to upstate New York to be closer to Clarkson University, which has
been renowned in its rehabilitation advocacy for the disabled. Angelo acquired several more
huskies, and decided to train to become the first disabled “musher” to run the famous Iditarod
race.
Angelo needed a total of 16 dogs to run the race, and Clarkson U., along with community
support and sponsorships, helped Angelo with expenses and buying the gear (especially fitting
him with a special sled) that he would need for the race
.
In return, Angelo helped the schools’ physical therapy students learn about spinal cord injuries
and how to motivate those who are disabled.
Clarkson U. has since continued its emphasis on rehabilitation engineering, meeting real-life
challenges. Some of the projects which students have tackled have been building a wheelchair
which will navigate along rough, wooded terrain; creating computer software which helps
mentally disabled individuals with memory problems; and constructing a motorized scooter,
especially for children with severe disabilities, to experience more independent mobility.
By the way, Angelo did compete in the Iditarod. He didn’t win, but he finished the race - which
was far more important than winning first place
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