Biographie
Shorty grew up between two contrasting worlds: a predominantly white, middle-to-upper-class suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles with his dwarf parents, and the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects in Watts, South Central Los Angeles, where he lived with a family friend to avoid home conflicts. By age 15, Shorty was living independently.
At 18, he was involved in a gang-related shooting and convicted of multiple felonies, resulting in a sentence of 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days served in a youth facility and later Folsom State Prison. During his incarceration, Shorty transformed his life and emerged determined to build a better future.
Seeking a fresh start, Shorty entered the entertainment industry, quickly realizing he could secure lucrative roles as a little person. His first job was at Universal Studios Hollywood as "Alvin" in an Alvin and the Chipmunks stage show. Since then, he has appeared in numerous commercials and films, including The Grinch with Jim Carrey; The Kid with Bruce Willis; Call Me Claus with Whoopi Goldberg; and Showtime and Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy. He has also performed in dozens of TV shows and live theater productions. In 2000, Shorty founded Shortywood Productions to provide and manage little person entertainers for various shows, private parties, and corporate events.
Shorty’s lifelong passion has been advocating for pit bulls. Having owned pit bulls since age 14, he credits their loyalty with "saving his life" during some of his toughest moments.
Driven by this passion, Shorty established Shorty's Pit Bull Rescue, a separate organization focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming neglected and abused pit bulls. Unlike a shelter or charity, the rescue’s staff work tirelessly to alleviate suffering and prevent cruelty through education and activism. By promoting positive pit bull involvement in the community, Shorty's Pit Bull Rescue helps improve the breed’s reputation. The rescue’s Pit Bull Pet Stars have appeared in independent films, public service announcements, print ads, and volunteer by visiting nursing homes, schools, events, and hospitals.
After a stunt injury, Shorty developed an interest in service animal training. He trained one of his pit bulls as a service animal and has been active in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) community ever since. Currently, two of his dogs are registered service animals, with another in training.
A natural workaholic, Shorty has little free time for socializing. When he does, he enjoys the company of diverse friends at his homes in Los Angeles and Mexico, where he also promotes pit bull awareness. He holds a special affection for his employees Ashley, Sebastian, and Ronald, all little people. Shorty enjoys cigars, wine, relaxing with friends, and spending time with his five pit bulls.
As of September 2011, Shorty is producing new episodes of Pit Boss, working on a movie titled "Hercules Saves Christmas" featuring his pit bull Hercules, and writing a memoir set for release in January 2012.
