Matthew McGrory | |
|---|---|
 McGrory at the world premiere of Big Fish in 2003
| |
| Born |
May 17, 1973 |
| Died | August 9, 2005 (aged 32)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Education |
West Chester University Widener University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1994–2005 |
| Height | 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) |
| Website | http://matthewmcgrory.com/ |
Matthew McGrory (May 17, 1973 – August 9, 2005) was an American actor. At 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m), 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 over 1.5 m (5 feet) tall by the time he completed kindergarten. McGrory grew to the height of 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) and had size 29.5 shoes. 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 The Howard Stern Show beginning in December 1996 as a member of Stern's Wack Pack. He appeared 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 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.
Death
On August 9, 2005, while living in Sherman Oaks, California with his girlfriend Melissa, McGrory died at age 32 of congestive heart failure.
Rob Zombie's film The Devil's Rejects was dedicated to McGrory’s memory.
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 | |
| 2002 | Men in Black II | Tall Alien | Uncredited |
| 2003 | House of 1000 Corpses | Tiny Firefly | |
| Big Fish | Karl the Giant | ||
| 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 | Uncredited |
| The Devil's Rejects | Tiny Firefly | ||
| ShadowBox | Hort Willows | ||
| 2017 | The Evil Within | Giant at Overlook Cafe | Posthumous role, dedicated to McGrory; filmed in 2002 |