Matthew McGrory (May 17, 1973 – August 9, 2005) was an American actor. At , he was recognized as the tallest actor by Guinness World Records. He portrayed physically imposing characters throughout his career, including Tiny Firefly in the horror films House of 1000 Corpses (2003) and The Devil's Rejects (2005) and Karl the Giant in the fantasy comedy-drama Big Fish (2003). McGrory also held the Guinness World Records for biggest feet and longest toe.
Early life McGrory was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of William and Maureen McGrory. He was 15 pounds, 4 ounces when he was born. He was over 5 feet (150 cm) tall by the time he completed kindergarten.News Clip, WPLG Miami, Matthewmcgrory.com McGrory grew to the height of and had size 29.5 shoes. He attended a Catholic School that allowed him to wear sneakers because dress shoes did not exist in his size. He studied pre-law at Widener University. He also studied Criminal Justice at West Chester University.
Career McGrory's large size led to appearances on daytime talk shows hosted by Maury Povich, Jenny Jones and Oprah Winfrey and in music videos including Iron Maiden's "The Wicker Man" and the 1999 Marilyn Manson "Coma White" (and God Is in the T.V. VHS cover). He can also be seen in Blondie's video for their 2003 hit "Good Boys."
Due to his extraordinary height and deep voice, he appeared on The Howard Stern Show"Matthew McGrory, 32, a Film Actor Typecast as a Giant". New York Times (Associated Press). August 15, 2005. beginning in December 1996."Obituaries: Matthew McGrory". The Daily Telegraph (UK). August 13, 2005. He was the first "Bigfoot" in Stern's Wack Pack. He has appeared in movies, often cast as a giant, in films such as Bubble Boy (2001), House of 1000 Corpses (2003), Big Fish (2003), and The Devil's Rejects (2005). Television appearances included Malcolm in the Middle, Charmed, and as a freak show performer during the Great Depression in HBO's period series Carnivàle.
Death On August 9, 2005 while living in Sherman Oaks, California with his girlfriend Melissa, McGrory died at age 32 of congestive heart failure.
The DVD release of Rob Zombie's film The Devil's Rejects was dedicated to McGrory’s memory.The Devil's Rejects (2005). Dir. Rob Zombie. Cinelamda, Lionsgate. Dedication.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1999 Coma White Gaunt Marilyn Manson - Coma White (Official Music Video) 2000 The Dead Hate the Living! Gaunt 2001 Bubble Boy Human Sasquatch 2001 Malcolm in the Middle Lothar Season 2 Episode 23 2002 Men in Black II Tall Alien Uncredited 2003 House of 1000 Corpses Tiny Firefly Big Fish Karl the Giant Haggard: The Movie Doorman at 15 North Cafe Uncredited 2003–2004 Charmed Ogre 2 episodes 2003–2005 Carnivàle Giant 3 episodes 2004 Planet of the Pitts Toto Big Time Richard Blunderbore 2005 Constantine Demon UncreditedThe Devil's Rejects Tiny Firefly ShadowBox Hort Willows 2017 The Evil Within Giant at Overlook Cafe Posthumous role, dedicated to McGrory; filmed in 2002
References
External links
Matthew McGrory at Allmovie