[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/conte...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.

[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!!

[Charlene78]

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

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???

[Eddie haskell]

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

[Fizzykitty]

[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