Intro | American actor | ||
Was | Actor Television actor | ||
From | United States of America | ||
Type | Film, TV, Stage & Radio | ||
Gender | male | ||
Birth | 17 May 1973, West Chester | ||
Death | 9 August 2005, Los Angeles (aged 32 years) | ||
Star sign | Taurus | ||
Stats |
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Matthew McGrory (May 17, 1973 – August 8, 2005) was an American actor, known for his great height.
Early life
McGrory was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Maureen, a homemaker, and George McGrory, an accountant. He studied pre-law at Widener University. He also studied Criminal Justice at West Chester University. McGrory grew to the height of 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) and had size 29.5 shoes.
He was over five feet (1.5 m) tall when he graduated from kindergarten.
Career
McGrory’s large size led to appearances on The Howard Stern Show beginning in December 1996 as a member of Stern’s Wack Pack. He also appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s daytime talk show and in music videos including Iron Maiden’s “The Wicker Man” and the 1999 Marilyn Manson “Coma White” (and God is in the TV VHS cover). He can also be seen in Blondie’s video for their 2003 hit “Good Boys.”
Due to his height and deep voice, he was in demand to play roles in movies cast as a giant – he did so in films such as Bubble Boy (2001), Big Fish (2003), House of 1000 Corpses (2003) and The Devil’s Rejects (2005). Television appearances included Malcolm in the Middle, Charmed, and Carnivàle. The Guinness Book of World Records awarded him the titles of the tallest actor.
At the time of his death, he was filming a biography film about André the Giant in which he portrayed the famous wrestler.
Death
He lived in Sherman Oaks, California, with his girlfriend Melissa. On August 8, 2005, McGrory died at age 32 of heart failure.
Rob Zombie’s film The Devil’s Rejects was dedicated to him.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2000 | The Dead Hate the Living! | Gaunt | |
2001 | Bubble Boy | Human Sasquatch | |
2002 | Men in Black II | Tall Alien | (uncredited) |
2003 | House of 1000 Corpses | Tiny Firefly | |
Big Fish | Karl the Giant | ||
2004 | Big Time | Richard Blunderbore | |
Planet of the Pitts | Toto | ||
Carnivàle | |||
2005 | Constantine | Demon | (uncredited) |
ShadowBox | Hort Willows | ||
The Devil’s Rejects | Tiny Firefly |