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    People

    Top 10 Legendary Small People

    Katherine WattBy Katherine WattFebruary 27, 2009Updated:April 16, 201924 Comments4 Mins Read
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    Just because they’re lesser in height, it doesn’t mean they’re lesser known. From minuscule movie stars to petite pop stars, here’s a list of famous short people through history.

    10. Edward Carl Gaedel

    File:Gaedel.jpg

    Standing at 3”7, Eddie was the world’s shortest pro-baseball player – albeit briefly. Born in Chicago in 1925, “Eddie” aspired to be a sportsman, and managed to secure his debut with the St. Louis Browns in the summer of 1951. Despite being a publicity stunt, his appearance on the plate lead to 18,369 fans giving him a standing ovation. Unfortunately, Gaedel became a heavy drinker and died of a heart attack after being mugged in 1961.

    9. Bridget the Midget

    Image result for Bridget the Midget

    Twenty-eight-year old Bridget – born Cheryl Marie Murphy – claims her fame in a slightly more risque industry to our other legendary small people. Idaho-born Bridget is an erotic film actress with a difference – she’s just 3”9. She’s now retired from “adult” acting after appearing in over 100 films, and these days favors more traditional acting roles, including a bit part in 8mm.

    8. Danny Woodburn

    Image result for Danny Woodburn

    This 44-year old actor from Philadelphia stands at a mini four foot. However, his height never held back his acting career, and he’s managed to avoid getting pigeonholed in typical “little people” roles either. The star has had parts in Seinfeld, One Tree Hill and CSI, and features in the forthcoming film, Watchmen.

    7. Gary Coleman

    Image result for Gary Coleman

    Gary is most famous for his role as Arnold Jackson in Diff’rent Strokes. The 4”8 actor has since had a few cameos and bit parts on TV series and in films, but is predominantly more famous for his eventful personal life. Such dramas include his televised appearance in a divorce court, a car accident, an assault, and ongoing financial problems.

    6. Dolly Parton

    Image result for Dolly Parton

    Diminutive Dolly may have a big – er – heart, but her height is just five foot. The 62-year old (yes, 62!) became famous for such country ditties as “Jolene” and “I will Always Love You”, and is still singing and song-writing to this day. She is also recognized as a philanthropist, is an accomplished player of the autoharp, banjo, drums, guitar, harmonica and piano, and lest we forget, has her own theme park, Dollywood.


    5. General Tom Thumb

    "Mrs General Tom Thumb in Her Reception Dress" - Feb 1863
    The original famous small person – Charles Sherwood Stratton, adopted the stage name of General Tom Thumb after the fabled English legend, who was no bigger than his father’s thumb. The real life version was born in Connecticut, weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces, but only grew to 2”9. He was snapped up by the traveling circus showman P. T. Barnum, and toured the world, becoming stinking rich and meeting his wife – another small person – on the way. He died of a stroke aged 45 in 1883, and over 10,000 friends, fans and family attended his funeral.

    4. Wee Man

    Image result for wee man jackass

    This Jackass star, whose real name is Jason Bryant Acuña, is just over four foot tall. He was born in Pisa, Italy, to Italian parents, but grew up in Torrance, California. He worked as a subscription manager for a skateboarding magazine after graduating, which saw him become involved with the stunt-crazed Jackass gang. Acuña now does occasional presenting gigs and has appeared on the reality shows Armed and Dangerous and Celebrity Circus.

    3. Prince

    Image result for Prince

    Prince Rogers Nelson, aka His Purple Majesty, aka The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, or sometimes, just a symbol, is only 5”2. The womanizing extrovert, who has had hits with ‘Purple Rain’, ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Beautiful Girl’, is now back in the studio recording his next long-awaited album.

    2. Danny Devito

    This huge movie star stands at just 4”11 tall. He was born in Neptune, New Jersey, to a middle class family, and decided to go into acting at an early age. After getting his big break in Taxi, Devito went on to star in blockbusters such as Other People’s Money, LA Confidential, Batman and Heist. He continues to act, but also branched into producing, with films such as Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich under his belt.

    1. Verne Troyer

    Flickr - csztova - Verne Troyer - TIFF 09'
    This 40-year old actor, famous for playing Mini-Me in Austin Powers, is now just as famous for his private antics as his professional. The self-confessed sex addict was the latest celebrity to fall foul of a sex tape scandal, after private moments between him and his former girlfriend, Ranae Shrider, were leaked. He is no stranger to reality TV however, and is currently doing a stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, where he has been seen getting sozzled on Champagne, flirting with the ladies, and causing havoc on his mobility scooter.

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    24 Comments

    1. Kitten on December 14, 2017 6:02 pm

      I am almost 5 feet 3 if shopping and can reach I just leave it sometimes someone will reach it for me also I looked like little kid to some people especially if with taller people lol

    2. Ambrown on January 4, 2016 8:43 pm

      4’9″ Still have to hem or roll up clothes to get them short enough. Sleeves too long, turn under and hem. Thank God now car seats and steering wheels are adjustable. Plus side mirrors. Shopping for a car is worse than clothes and shoes together.Seeing over and out a back window.yuck..alot to consider for me 4’9. Furniture, huh! Try to find a livingroom chair where I sit with my feet touch floor comfortably is a big hunt. Drs. office/waiting rooms furniture, I can swing legs back & forth.Examining tables, need stools, then your legs dangle, I get down, sit in chair till Dr enters room. My legs tire out. Can sit on edge of chairs also. Hospital beds, need stool there too sometimes, nuisance. Mammograms, ouch, their not made for under 5′. Grocery stores, I think we all ask taller people, I don’t climb shelves no more or freezers. Sometimes I go find something long enough to knock what I want down, unbreakables, plck up and on my way. Cannot always find someone to help.I have always found a way. My height doesn’t stop me. Just get creative. Love it. More unconvenient as you age.??One more weights, watch how much you carry & lift, can damage back and pull muscles.

    3. Farwa khan on August 19, 2015 12:32 pm

      can some one discuss problem of short people?

    4. Karima Sharif on May 13, 2014 9:56 pm

      Good things come in small packages

    5. avi on March 10, 2013 9:08 am

      i also five . four but i hav proud on myself i hav stable my own RO water plant n three other company .

    6. Farhan Sattar on December 1, 2012 3:22 pm

      Where the hell is Peter Dinklage.Emmy and Golden Globe winner and one of the best actor I have seen.

    7. Rustynuts on July 14, 2012 6:54 pm

      I`m tired of all those women who post and say things like “yeah, I`m also short – I`m only 5`3″ and it sucks”. Girls, the average height is 5`4″ and you are normal! Try being well under 5 feet tall. I once went out with a girl who was only 4`3″ and the clothes she wore were made for an 8-year-old.

      • Dia on September 23, 2012 7:31 am

        But I’m lyk 4’10” so..cn u say smthng abt it ?? Nd itz really a short height dude..

    8. BoomDatSheepy on June 19, 2012 6:41 pm

      Where is Tony Cox?! D:

    9. Chris on October 20, 2011 10:45 am

      This list needs to be updated and Emmy award winning peter dinklage needs to be in the number one spot. How awesome was he in Living in Oblivion?

    10. rocky on October 9, 2011 10:13 am

      i am 5’4.
      but i enjoy it

    11. mehboob alam on June 24, 2011 5:48 pm

      wow! fantastic to see little people. they are great

    12. BRUCE on April 18, 2011 5:23 pm

      Billy Barty should be on the list.

    13. Julietta on February 11, 2011 1:34 pm

      I like being short i always have and always will be.My height is just over 4’8 and i am 39.I know what it is as i had to have a physical with a nurse for a job.That was abit daunting has when it came to having my height checked now this nurse was 5’10 or 11 she could reach the top of the height chart to bring the slider down to place on my head.That was when she told me my height i did know before so it wasnt too much of a shock.I then had to lay on the bed it was a good job there was a stool to step on.All throught my life i have had to use stools to help me.I have children standing next to me checking they are taller i get the odd pat on the head still.One nickname that still stands is shorty i could never shake it off.I am married to my husband who is 5’1 he loves it has it was very rare when he was taller than a women.We just hit it off we have a son who is 10 and he is 4’6 so short for his age whereas our 12 year old daughter is 5’2.I cant work it out.

    14. Zilla on February 2, 2011 8:36 pm

      what about Warick Davis

    15. baronbear on September 29, 2009 4:27 pm

      well prince and dolly should not be on the list prince is 5"2 same here so i must be a short person but I'm not so same goes with prince

    16. Bry on September 20, 2009 9:47 pm

      BeetleJuice. i think thats his name.

    17. TXCherokee on September 16, 2009 1:10 pm

      I would have put Kenny Baker (R2D2) and Herve Villechaize (Fantasy Island) on this list. Overall good list and great website.

    18. Nicepore on April 2, 2009 8:29 am

      Who said 5”2 and 5 is considered "small"?!

    19. Michael on March 30, 2009 9:05 am

      It seems that many of them live a short time. And all that money is small consolation.

      Verne is a sex addict? First I've heard of that. He must keep it on the down low!

      🙂

    20. Amanda on March 4, 2009 9:49 am

      I am also 4'11" and it's not so bad, I enjoy it other than when I have to get a stool to reach things. Being so small means I can fit into small spaces to hide and I can drive a VW Beetle and look real cute! 🙂

    21. Katherine Watt on March 4, 2009 2:04 am

      I'm 4"11 and I love it!

    22. Dark_Light on March 3, 2009 1:27 pm

      Maybe just a little, Kayley. 😉

    23. Kayley on February 27, 2009 4:15 pm

      It must be fun being a short person…

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