4th season to be the last!!!!

[Mrs.Sawyer]

Overcoming big obstacles
Star of documentary about dwarfism speaks to 1,100 at ECU

By Brock Letchworth
The Daily Reflector
http://www.reflector.com/local/content/news/stories/2008/02/20/Roloff.html

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Far away from the castle, tree house and pumpkin catapult that occupy his farm and helped his family gain television fame, Matt Roloff's message remains the same.

He is trying to peel away society's misperception of little people.

The star of TLC's documentary series "Little People, Big World," discussed the obstacles he has faced Tuesday night at East Carolina University's Wright Auditorium.

Roloff, 46, who was born with diastrophic dyplasia, a genetic disorder causing short stature and short arms and legs, spoke of his entrepreneurship at an early age, and his work with the Little People of America, a national organization that advocates for the rights of little people. He also offered the crowd of about 1,100 behind-the-scenes stories from the 34-acre Oregon farm he shares with his wife and four kids.

Amy, Roloff's wife, also has a form of dwarfism, as does their son Zach. Zach's siblings, including his twin brother, are average height. Roloff says he wanted to do the show because he hoped it would provide the exposure families like his need to break down some of society's barriers.

"We just wanted to show a family that is not always on its best behavior, but a family that is living their life and happy to be small," Roloff said. "People need to realize we are very capable."

The show, which debuted in 2006, will continue its third season in March. Roloff says there are plans to begin filming a fourth season in May. That will likely end its run, he says, but hopefully not the impact it has on the perception of dwarfism.

"Everyone has challenges they face in life," said Roloff, a former president of the Little People of America. "It's a matter of how you overcome them with your attitude. I think the show does a good job of showing how our family does that, and it helps inspire others."

Several who attended Tuesday's event said the TLC show has opened their eyes to some of the struggles little people face in a world which is not always accommodating.

John Gurkins, 28, was among them. Gurkins, of Ayden, said he has a couple of friends who are little people, and he appreciates Roloff's advocacy for them.

"It really gets you thinking a lot different," Gurkins said. "Little people can do the same things as everyone else. They just do it a little differently."

"Little People, Big World" isn't the first television gig for Roloff.

The former computer programmer once portrayed a character in a 1985 Star Wars television movie, "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor," and he also had a role in the 1981 film "Under the Rainbow."

He has dabbled in writing as well, releasing "Against Tall Odds: Being a David in a Goliath World" in 1999. The book chronicles Roloff's business and professional success despite medical and social adversity.

Roloff also recently started his own business, Direct Access Solutions, which develops products to help little people adapt to their environment.

But none of that has affected his life as much as the current show.

"I've been scratching my head wondering what it is about the show that appeals to people, and the best I can come up with is we're a good family at the core, and I think people see that," Roloff said. "But at the same time, we're making mistakes. There is a lot of self-learning that goes on. People see that while we may be a little eccentric, we're not that much different than them and their families."

[Auntie502]

Im really sad to hear that news. I love that show.

[indycindyo]

I don't know what to say. :(

[GrayC]

I'm glad the kids will get their privacy back but I hope this site will keep going and will give us occasional updates on the family. After all we are attached to the Roloffs now and just abandoning us will have devastating effects. http://www.ronaldreagan.com/forums/images/smilies/nuts.gif

[aok351]

I'm of course very sad to here this, but not that suprised. Zach and Jer. are growing up and the family eventualy needs to have some privacy again. My wish would be that they would do a 2 hour special maybe once a year for a few years just to see how the family was doing. Although that is probably unlikely. Hopefully Matt will keep this board open and keep us updated through it. That would be my other wish, I will certainly be doing my best to enjoy it while we have it!! Hopefully that will be for a long time!!8)

[Charlene78]

Such sad news I don't even know what to say. :dunno:

I am so glad that the family will be able to have their privacy back but will miss them all very much.
It would be so great if this site kept going so we could at least get occassional updates. That's not too much to ask, is it??? http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/JMAC_suga_BaBi_27/smiley%20faces/mood_optimistic.gif

[Eddie haskell]

I guess that Matt feels the show has run it's course.

[Fizzykitty]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/jenniferflynn89/Cry.gifhttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/jenniferflynn89/stretcher.gif

[olicat45]

Im already starting to feel Roloff Seperation Anxiety!

[Bombina]

I will be sorry to see it end . This was only reality show I watch will sometimes watch Dirty jobs but loyal to this show.

Regular programs I can take or leave other than cable news channels

[buckeye2424]

Now what will we do on mondays this is to sad they have become such a big pary of all of our lives maybe matt can help us fing another show befor they all go and he will see that there is none better and stay! its good the kids will get their privacy back.Great luck to the Roloff's after the show.

[buckeye2424]

now what will we do on monday's maybe matt will help us find another show befor he goes and he will see that there is none better and stay!! :0) well on the the other hand that wont happen either :0( so after all that is said great luck after the show we all hope the best take care and besafe we all will miss ya.

[Dirtsquirt]

It's a show I got hooked on and I'm vertically blessed. I never saw it as a show that tried to break down stereotypes of little people but rather a good family show that showed a fun, active family working and living together. A good example for me to learn from. You can't expect any family to live under the microscope of cameras forever. The Roloff's have done their job and the time will come for them to step down and a new family set the example for us to learn from.

[LadyRider]

:sad: awwww...well, maybe they'll consider making another season; they just have to! How are they going to pay for all of those renovations they've been making to the farm?:

[tommyart47]

I will miss the show like so many other vewers.I can see Matt's point though and the kids will have their privacy. I pray that Matt's health issues will not worsen and wish all the family the best for the future.This was the only reality show that I have ever watched with interest and it was the best. I am not big on watching TV but this show made it worthwhile.
Take care of yourselves and I hope you will stay intouch with us fans trough this website.
I might add that I am of average height and married to a little person. we have 4 children of normal height. I can understand why you started this show and hope that more people will understand that a persons statcher dosen't matter It is what is in their heart that counts.
Good luck Matt and Amy we love you. May God Bless

[JENNY]

I cant believe the show is going to end. I live in England and love this show. We are a bit behind you and we are just seeing the third series. I love this family they have taught me so much. I understand Matts decision though as the children do need their privicy. I do hope we will get updates sometimes or I will have to fly out to the farm at pumpkin time to see what the family are upto.

[aok351]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/sljkn/animated_welcome.gifJenny!!!

[mountaingal]

Say its not so! :-( I can understand the Roloffs wanting their privacy and can sympathize with Amy having a camera crew in her home 24 hours a day, which would drive me nuts,
In this day and age of crappy tv programs Little People Big World has been a refreshing change from all the garbage on the tube. I hope the Roloff Family will give us one more season besides the upcoming season that starts next Monday. Perhaps the camera crew will do enough filming for an extra season or two of shows.

[Natasha]

That really sucks! I really hope he keeps updating and it's probably not likely but I'd love a special each year ;)

[Stevie C]

We are talking about Matt Roloff, I will believe it when it happens. And if it is over then it was a good run. Zach and Jeremy will be going off to school(maybe) and well, 4 seasons is enough for reality TV. Plus, I myself would get sick of all the ripping people do on my family. Honestly I think Matt could care less what other people think but it still must get annoying.

[Matthieu]

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been off the computer for along time. I had no idea the show was ending.. PLEASE EVERYONE WRITE AND SAY TO KEEP IT ON..

We need this show to stay on, its honest, true and always so exciting..

MATT AND AMY PLEASE DON;T STOP NOW WE ALL LOVE YOU

[stlcardsfan06]

I'm sorry to hear the show will end, but:
a) the show won't end until sometime in 2009
b) let's remember this is a real family who probably want to restore some semblance of privacy.

Like most of you though, I really like this show and this family because they put the "real" in "reality."

[tommyart47]

I to have been missing the point of the show. The show as so many of us call it is actually a program to let people know and see that little people though small in statcher are just like you and I. They have the same Hopes,Dreams and Asperations like anyone else . I also feel that people can be cruel and seeing someone who is different from them insites their cruel words and actions.
My wife is a little person and anyone who would treat her like some of the so called fans here treat the Roloffs I would cetainly be having words with them.
People can be very ignorent when it comes to someone who is not like them. I always thought name calling and teasing of others was confind to the schoolyard.
I am going to miss seeing the family on TV and want to wish Matt and Amy and the children all the best of luck and May God Bless.

[Sheri_T]

Your a good man to stick up for your wife that way. ;-)

[I<3JEREMYJAMES]

NO!!!!! they can't stop the show!!!!!!!! :cry:
(i think im gonna cry):-(

[jeanne230]

We will be seeing new eps this time next year. The seasons for the past couple of years have had a part A and a part B. We are in season 3 not season 4! Just wanted to clarify this for the newbies.

[Bombina]

All reality shows have a run some longer than others . I think they said they wanted to stop when the twins got oldrer 18 or so thus imagine they felt it was time.

The ratings are still good enough to keep going but they have opted to end it but we have plenty of shows left

[jeanne230]

If aliens don't abduct them first!:mrgreen:

[Fizzykitty]

If aliens don't abduct them first!:mrgreen::teehee:

Jeanne..you have the cutest wittle face...i wish i could pet your ears:D

[summerville]

I enjoys Peggy and Ron's websites, and subscribe to their newslette3r. When LPBW does cease, I hope Peggy continues to have family updates and pictures on her site. Also, I hope Matt will devote more of his website to family updates and blog after the show ends.

[megan732]

thats sort of weird. at oprah today he said the show would continue filming until they thought it was time to quit. And that didn't sound like it was going to be anytime soon. He said even if one of the kids said they didnt want to film anymore he would find out why and try to resolve the problem before quitting the show. He said he loves having their tv show as "home movies".

[cutefamily]

Great news and update megan! Thank you! Glad Matt is heading forward with the show. :grin:

[JimmyzMom]

I personally love the show! I don't want it to end on that note... but I also respect the right of the Roloffs to some well deserved privacy. I hope this forum will continue and that we will still hear from Matt from time to time. And really, they've showed so many aspects of the Roloff's lives... what more can they show? And if they can, at what cost?

Matt and Amy and kids, I wish you the best in life, and hope to see you around at LPA events and such! You have made a real difference in my life and in the life of my LP son. There is so much I would be ignorant on regarding the needs of LP, if it weren't for this show.
God Bless you for all that you've done, and for sharing your lives with us!

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}
~Karen

[dwarfan4life]

oh no!!!!!! :shock:
Maybe they'll reconsider...?

[Prince of Peace]

A black day in the history of television.

When this show ends it ends more than a visit with the Roloff family. It ends a whole enlightenment into the psychology of human interaction.

With all of the lives that have been and are being touched by the Roloffs sharing their open family life with us we have changed. We interact through these chat rooms. We issue our venom on every topic that bothers us. We eagerly expound on the episodes that bring us joy and hit close to home.

Could you imagine if during All in the Family with Archie Bunker there was a chat room?

The Roloffs have taken quite a bit on the chin for being the first family to be televised living their daily lives to the world. Critics and foes, Angels and supporters, all are effected by this family.

When they leave us there will be a hole. A boring negative hole which will effect each one of us differently. Just like the show has effected us. Without the Roloffs to watch what will the other Monday night choice be?
Where will 200 million people turn their sets to worldwide? Interesting time for television. We will be looking for another reality based family invasion won't we? Jon & Kate will not do. Another dangerous job show? What and who will it be?

So sorry to see the Roloffs go, but as I spoke with Amy Roloff about the time that one day would come for all the cameras to go. She said that more than that friends will go as well.
Amy revealed to me that the crew that films them has become a intimate part of their family as well, and she will indeed miss them when they pack up and go for good.

We too will miss you Amy. And your whole family. God Bless you for sharing so openly with the world. For giving so much of your life to us to examine and learn from. You all will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Be well.

Peace.
<><

[dwarfan4life]

Wow. I am going to be devastated if/when they say on TV that the 4th season is really the last season. I will miss seeing them all on TV but hopefully they would still play the past episodes. I am going to buy all the season box sets they have!

[unregistered]

What sad news. :( This show has given me a reason to wake up at 11:30 am to watch reruns, which I doubt I'd do for any other show that airs nowadays; but at least we'll still have Part A and Part B of season 4 to look forward to.

I'd read somewhere before that they'd thrown around the idea of filming Jeremy and Zach when they leave for college - who else agrees that would be great and definitely worth watching? Especially if they end up going to the same school.

[aok351]

It would be interesting, but IMO Matt and Amy make the show.

[Mrs.Sawyer]

yeah, the kids are cute but no charisma there, Matt sparkles :mrgreen:

[EW800]

I think it is probably best for the Roloff kids that the show come to an end. The show was GREAT in the beginning as it really opened up millions of eyes in regard to what little people go through, but sadly Matt has changed and become all about the money. It is not healthy for kids to think that it is okay to just spend money like crazy and to be treated differently. I think it really is in the best interest of the kids that they show come to an end.

Hopefully Matt has saved some of the money he has made from this to give each of the kids the best possible education.

[gap134]

.... but sadly Matt has changed and become all about the money. It is not healthy for kids to think that it is okay to just spend money like crazy and to be treated differently. I think it really is in the best interest of the kids that they show come to an end. ....



You've stated that "9" times now. :roll:

[Riggs]

I don't think you get it... they are still showing what every family goes through, yet it is sort of different with 3 Dwarves, and how they are dealing with physical limitations like Money and other things... I don't think you know what ur talkin about...

[Mrs.Sawyer]

I think it is probably best for EW that his posting here come to an end. His posts were not GREAT in the beginning as it really opened up our eyes in regard to the fact that he's a troll, but sadly EW has changed and become a broken record. It is not healthy for his kids to think that it is okay to talk crazy and to be treated like a jealous fool. I think it really is in the best interest of his kids that his postings here come to an end.

Hopefully EW has saved his password to TLC to give each of his kids the best possible BAD example.

[jgirly]

You can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time, and the world keeps spinning.

[Riggs]

Ditto sawyer, I agree with you 1000000000% Please take the next bus to TLC EW...

[dwarfan4life]

wow I hope the 4th season is long! It's going to be sad when the show stops. :(

[Riggs]

wow I hope the 4th season is long! It's going to be sad when the show stops. :(
You never know though, thru the Oprah Interview, it didn't seem that they were going to cancel it....

[Maui for me]

I agree Riggs, I thought they said they will continue as long as everyone wants to, so there is hope....

[Riggs]

there definately is hope, so we will just have to wait and see what happens...

[dwarfan4life]

yeah you're right. I hope they keep the show going for a while!

[ColleenT]

i am hoping the Roloff's change their mind. Maybe TLC needs to pay a little more per episode. It is one of their best shows.

Roloff's don't leave us!! You are like close friends. it would be so sad if you leave..

[summerville]

I will miss the show greatly whenever it does end, and I hope they do more than one more season. However, I read that Jacob is so uncomfortable with filming and crowds that he hides out in the Indian Village longhouse. If that is true, then I would not want the show to continue; Jacob's happiness is more important than my entertainment.

The twins might be away from the farm for part of the year after the next season (which is being filmed this year) so Jacob and Molly would be the focus of the show more often. But since filming is not done year-round it might be possible to do much of it when the twins are home for vacations and breaks. Molly seems at ease with the cameras and publicity, though, so I don't think she would mind playing a more prominent role in the show. Jacob, on the other hand, seems to want more privacy. Jacob also seems to have an outgoing, gregarious, extroverted personality. so who knows.

One of the 'lost episodes' features Jacob and Molly each with one of their friends. They have had friends with them before, but this is the first time I remember their friends being named and actually speaking. I wonder if this was to introduce Jacob's and Molly's friends as replacements for Jeremy's and Zach's group of friends who will be gone for college or work. If so, it might be an indication that the show will continue, with more of the focus on Molly and Jacob and their friends and less on the twins.

[dwarfan4life]

I wonder if they'd show Zach and Jeremy at college? That would make the show interesting. It would be cool if they episodes were based more on Molly and Jacob, but I'd miss the twins! :-(

[rachel44]

I live in the UK and only started seeing the series sometime last year. I adore them and would love to meet them. Amy is truly remarkable as a mother, and with all the things that she does which keeps her busy.

I love it when they go to the LPA conference and they have others of small stature on their programme, like Zach's girlfriend(the swimmer) who looked really beautiful in her prom gown. I hope Matt reconsiders, and shows us more of what him and Amy do for a living.

I love their home,if I wasn't the same age as Matt and Amy, I wouldn't mind being born into their family. They love each other so much, like I have in my family, but to grow up with small parents would be great. I am small, and was teased for my stature, but after watching this, if I was smaller it wouldn't have bothered me. I am 4'10-11, or a hairs' breadth under. My neighbours grandson stands my height and he is 10 years old.

Their show is wholesome and shows how family unity can work in real time, not fictionalized.

They will always be emblazened in our hearts and mind.

[dwarfan4life]

I live in the UK and only started seeing the series sometime last year. I adore them and would love to meet them. Amy is truly remarkable as a mother, and with all the things that she does which keeps her busy.

I love it when they go to the LPA conference and they have others of small stature on their programme, like Zach's girlfriend(the swimmer) who looked really beautiful in her prom gown. I hope Matt reconsiders, and shows us more of what him and Amy do for a living.

I love their home,if I wasn't the same age as Matt and Amy, I wouldn't mind being born into their family. They love each other so much, like I have in my family, but to grow up with small parents would be great. I am small, and was teased for my stature, but after watching this, if I was smaller it wouldn't have bothered me. I am 4'10-11, or a hairs' breadth under. My neighbours grandson stands my height and he is 10 years old.

Their show is wholesome and shows how family unity can work in real time, not fictionalized.

They will always be emblazened in our hearts and mind.

Very well said! The Roloffs have made huge impacts on peoples' lives and hopefully they will stick around on TV for a while and continue to do so.

[Roloff's Rock!]

I'm so new to this board so I'm reading old topics but do want to say I will be sad to see the show end. We love the Roloff's here at my house, look forward to seeing them every week. They've become "family" to us.

I have Season One on DVD, looking for Season Two. Will love to add all the Season's, eventually, to our collection.

Thanks, Matt, for good, wholesome TV that we can sit down, as a family, and watch together. There isn't many shows today that you can do that.

[aok351]

I'm so new to this board so I'm reading old topics but do want to say I will be sad to see the show end. We love the Roloff's here at my house, look forward to seeing them every week. They've become "family" to us.

I have Season One on DVD, looking for Season Two. Will love to add all the Season's, eventually, to our collection.

Thanks, Matt, for good, wholesome TV that we can sit down, as a family, and watch together. There isn't many shows today that you can do that.
Well said!!:thumb:

[hollisterlover]

I'm of course very sad to here this, but not that suprised. Zach and Jer. are growing up and the family eventualy needs to have some privacy again. My wish would be that they would do a 2 hour special maybe once a year for a few years just to see how the family was doing. Although that is probably unlikely. Hopefully Matt will keep this board open and keep us updated through it. That would be my other wish, I will certainly be doing my best to enjoy it while we have it!! Hopefully that will be for a long time!!8)

that 2-hour speacial is a great idea! i would love to see that happen, and i would also love to see this board keep running long after the show is done airing new episodes... i will miss the roloffs!

[jim]

I hate it;;but if thats what they want;;god bless them;;and thanks for the shows they did do;;also really sorry to hear about mike;my prayers go out to the familys;;;

[erialc53]

I love watching your family because you ARE good to the core. I've raised three children and I just love the way you deal with yours. You're my kind of people. Its exhausting isn't it? Even though my family and I will miss you, I would imagine you'd just like to get back to a camera free life. I don't care if you're big or little, you're just a fun family dealing with the same "angst" we all do! Love you all....:-D