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The Leg Breaker

[Blind Gossip] This cute actor has always worked steadily and has landed some interesting gigs over the years. However, they aren’t exactly the roles he wants. He wants to be the leading man.

What’s stopping him? Well, he is short. There are a several short actors out there who have made it big (e.g. Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Kevin Hart) but they are the exception rather than the rule. Sure, there are heel lifts, but our actor wants a more permanent change.

He’s had a couple of casting directors tell him flat out that they just can’t book him as the lead because of his height. He has started looking into limb lengthening, where they purposefully break your legs and then put them in these metal splint devices that pull your leg apart and make it longer while the bone heals. He’ll only have to take about six months off. He figures that even if he can only get to 5’9″ or 5’10”, it will be worth it because he will get offered more of the kinds of roles he really wants.

That sounds very ambitious. And very painful!

Similar: The Shortest Man in the World

Actor:

[Optional] If your job prospects were limited because of your height, would you consider limb lengthening surgery?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. firefly nights says

    Can you say ouch! Sounds incredibly painful!

    My guess could be off… Josh Hutcherson

    He’s 5’7″ and has the ambition for bigger roles

  4. carriebradshaw says

    no clue who’s this, but limb lenghtning is really ugly thing. I knew a girl who has one leg much shorter and has this thing for almost a year. I would never do this for a job, this is like all the actresses who are lacking personality and think with new boobs or nose they would make it.

  7. shesboss says

    Daniel Radcliffe?

    Good God! Just when I think this site can’t shock me anymore. I truly hope whoever the actor thinks HARD before doing such an invasive, wholly painful surgery. It’s a long very hard road. I’d say it’s not worth it but Im not him.

  8. Heathersmist says

    Have no idea who this is but…NOOOO!

    Optional: NOOOO! Personally, I still do not understand cosmetic surgery, why oh why would you alter your God given body to succumb to others idealology?! If I were an actress and my career is going smoothly I sure as heck wouldn’t physically change my appearance on the CHANCE (or the word of an outside party, no matter his influence!) that this will improve my chances to just climb the ladder! Just NOT worth the real cost…

  10. Mia444 says

    The Harry Potter dude?

    No, I would have to change careers. Wearing external fixators on your legs is hugely invasive, immensely painful, very high maintenance (infections occur frequently) and will interrupt his life in every way possible. If he is planning to reach 5’10” and he’s a shorty now, it will take way more than six months. Pretty crazy investment of pain, time & money for what is essentially a non-guaranteed elective cosmetic surgery.

  11. MamaCat says

    What? This is a thing? Yikes. Nope, can’t see myself doing this. Would rather find another career, or resign myself to not being the lead.

  12. thekatsclaws says

    I have no idea who the actor is but I wouldn’t recommend it at all. My cousin had one leg significantly shorter than the other (she is naturally tall) and she had to have this operation/ongoing procedure to make the shorter leg longer. She had it in her shin and had to wear it and crank it everyday, I can still hear her screams as they turned the screws! It went on for about 18 months too but this was 20 something years ago now, so maybe they have got better at it?

  13. KCeagle says

    I’m not sure on this one.

    Dave Franco?

    * Yeah, I’d have a procedure or 2 performed if it was safe, and pretty much guaranteed to take my career to the next level. And, I STILL looked like ME in the mirror. Hollywood is all about making the fake appear real. Who in Tinseltown hasn’t had work done or been altered?

  17. scootypuffjr says

    My first guess was Josh Hutcherson. Don’t do it, Joshie! You’re sexy and adorable just the way you are.

  20. Cindy Louhoo says

    Zac Efron. It’s a shame. He’s cute and he has the chops. I would definitely not consider this surgery but I’m not a young guy in Hollywood with potentially millions on the line.

  25. MissZ says

    Kevin Hart? I would hate to think he would do this surgery or anyone else for that matter. Sounds miserable.

  26. bertwheeler says

    Elijah Wood? Daniel Radcliffe? Martin Freeman? Dunno — I’ll go with Elijah Wood.

    Optional: No way. I break down over a broken toe. If I were a short working actor, I ‘d focus on character parts, and cry all the way to the bank.

  27. Pierre Latin says

    Zac Efron?.

    Zac Efron is 5’8” but he wants to be the next Captain America. He auditioned for Superman against Henry Cavill in 2012.

    Maybe Zac Efron wants to be 5’10”.

    Optional: I’m tall. I’m 6’1”.

  30. timesink says

    I’m wondering if it is Jeremy Renner, only considering his persuasion not sure why he would want to be leading man.

  31. SilentStar says

    Oh man, that sounds horrible. Like extreme plastic surgery. I hope it doesn’t come to that.

    Could it be Josh Hutcherson?
    I feel like the other obvious short guys, Daniel Radcliffe and Elijah Wood, are already quite comfortable with what they can offer as actors so I don’t think it’s them.

  32. ggriffin3 says

    Hmmm…James Mardsen? He’s been in several big movies, but hasn’t been able to breakout. Good luck to whoever this is about…I wouldn’t do anything dangerous/painful like that for any job

  33. Crisesaverted says

    Yikes. I have to leave this to my betters on this site. I’m sure someone will get this right. But it’s amazing that someone would even consider such a thing. No way would I do it because it would have repercussions later in life that could be terribly painful. Have other actors done this???

  40. luvprue1 says

    Actor: Zack Efron? He’s not that tall. He’s 5’7, or 5’8. Which is not that short. But usually Hollywood wants their leading men to be 5’11 to 6 feet tall.

  42. Kricket1 says

    Dont know who ths is – but DO NOT DO THIS……..its crazy – and will not get you the roles you wish for anyway – if you are a good actor there are ways to work around your height if some director or producer really wants you.

  48. goodgollyholly says

    No idea who this is, but no way would I ever do that – it sounds horrible. I can’t even believe that would be legal.

  57. Brunettetalk says

    Don’t know who it is but is he nuts?
    And no my health is more important than some idiot producers beliefs about me as a person. I would understand it is Gods way of saying get out of the movie business my gifts could be used elsewhere and I would be happy. Besides

  59. Caz1310 says

    I’m 5ft 1in…my dreams of supermodel stardom gone (just kidding!!). Whilst I’d love to be at least 5in taller I’d never consider that surgery. lack of height has never held back my career…mind you height has never been a key requirement in the jobs I’ve done over the years.

    Ooh wonder who this is…sounds very insecure.

  63. thisisannoying says

    That’s so sad. I’d considered it before because I’m vain, but messing with your leg bones just seems too painful and risky.

  64. prinny says

    I don’t know who this is, looking forward to seeing the guesses.

    Sounds like the guy is getting work, so it seems absolutely ridiculous to me that he would resort to this just to gain leading man status. Doing this stuff guarantees absolutely nothing.

    On par with removing ribs to have a smaller waist, and foot binding. Why are these torture techniques returning? I don’t get it.

  67. Moonpie says

    Josh Hutcherson is 5’7, has a chance to make it to 5’9″. My best guess is him.
    Emile Hirsch is 5’7″
    Elijah Wood is 5’5-6″ a long way to 5’9 with surgery.
    Martin Freeman is 5’5-6″
    Daniel Radcliffe is 5’4, no way he makes it to 5’9 with the procedure.
    The surgery would not help small actors like Dinkelage.

  69. amagod121 says

    Daniel Radcliffe. He really hasn’t had much work since the Harry Potter days and time is a-marchin on.

    No, don’t do it!!! It could heal incorrectly and always hurt like crazy or even leave him with a limp. I just fractured a leg 2 years ago and in the slightest nasty weather it aches like crazy. But this is Hollywood, so all rational bets are off.

  70. Gemzan says

    You were smart. I had several surgeries and about 6 months total on crutches because I fractured my femur in a car accident as a teen. The pain was excruciating, but I had no idea that 25 years later rainy or snowy days would hurt so badly, or that standing for moderate lengths of time would be impossible. I can’t imagine doing something like that on purpose without it being necessary.
    Mickey Rooney was short but had a great career and even married Ava Gardner. Confidence is attractive.

  73. bevvve says

    I doubt this is him. He works steadily and doesn’t seem to have any problems getting leading-man roles…..whatsoever. And from what I’ve seen in interviews I really don’t think he has the personality/ego to do this

  74. tellmemore says

    OMG, that sounds like a nightmare! I’m so sorry for anyone who has to go through this, but anyone who chooses it is on their own.

  75. shelaur22 says

    Jesse Eisenburg. His bio says that he’s 5’7 so he’s actually probably 5’5 or 5’6. Very short.

  76. hvp5ss says

    Agreed. He’s got a great career, I don’t think he wants to be more famous.
    Besides, he’d only needs some Skele-Gro, and he’ll be alright. ?

  77. moneypenny says

    His arms and hands might look comparatively short/small. Unusual body proportions are eye catching. Tom Cruise on stilts would still look really odd.

  80. okerry01 says

    I hope this is not Sean Astin. He’s been working steadily since he was a child and has had “interesting roles” like *Rudy* and *Lord of the Rings,* but he’s quite ambitious and takes himself rather seriously. I could see him wanting to be a leading man. The IMDB has him listed at 5’7″.

    Actually, I hope this is not anyone. Terrible thing to do to yourself just for movie roles.

  81. Mistygirl says

    Daniel Radcliffe have has loads of films out, all but one of which he’s been the lead. He’s also led television series and numerous stage shows.

  83. luddite2 says

    Galecki is 41 yrs old; pretty late I think for something this radical. I’d bet on a younger actor in his 20s, not well-known for being short. Daniel Radcliffe shows up 3-4 inches taller its going to be noticed. I’m going with Hutcherson or someone at that age and level.

  84. sweetpeach says

    YESSSSS! And I love, LOVE the Mickey Rooney reference (he got more a** than anybody, ha!). I’m 6’5″ (and female:), myself…it takes all kinds?

  86. wfreshie says

    I remember a story about a lady who desperately wanted to be an airline stewardess and she was too short and had this done . about 20 years ago

    anti infllamtory painkillers cannot be taken because it would retard the bone and tissue growth….you will be in a world of pain,,,,,don’t do it

  87. wfreshie says

    also…whoever this is…go talk to people who have had this done…and get a realistic view of the procedure and how it affect the body for years to come…before making a decision

  90. unicorny34 says

    Ian Someehalder is very short. I saw him in person and he was all head and neck with an itty bitty body.

  92. shesboss says

    As a fan I hope you’re right and I had the same doubts. I still hope whoever it is does a lot of consults with top docs and those who have had it done. They could have this done and still not get the roles they want.

  94. MrFahrenheit says

    Ryan Phillipe?

    I’ve met him and never realized he was so short until then. I don’t know how tall he claims to be, but based on standing beside him, I’d say he’s about 5’6″. He’s worked steadily through the years and has the looks to be a leading man…

    I personally think short guys are a hidden gem!

  95. KatarinaJ says

    He is listed as 5’10 so is at least 5 ‘8 in reality. Radcliffe doesn’t track lead nor does Elijah just looks wise height aside and Radcliffe lists himself as 5’ 5 ” so is probably even shorter. I say Josh is the only one aka hunger games and his looks who might unlock many doors w a bit more height. Mainstream leading man look!

  96. KatarinaJ says

    Ditto for Ryan Philippe – too old. Also galecki is a character actor not leading man appeal.

  97. femmefatale says

    This is just a guess, but maybe Kit Harington?

    He’s about 5’8 and could possibly make it to 5’9 or 5’10 with an operation like this. From his wikipedia page it seems like he may not have as many leading roles as first thought.

    Also I think the title ‘The Leg Breaker’ might be a reference to his Jon Snow character and the episode ‘The Oath Breaker’.

    This is a complete guess though.

  100. SnowMercy says

    I doubt this is right but I like the way you backed it up, flawless reasoning.
    The North Remembers.
    Even short *.