What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Dwarfism | Episode 6

Instead of giving seven people with dwarfism the chance to play in the new Disney feature film Snow White, they settled with one - replacing six of the classic characters with CGI and animation.
While opinions are all over the place on this one, we have some big thoughts - this is Raising Heights with Zach and Tori, and in this episode, we dive into everything Hollywood has wrong, how the film industry could bring light to dwarfism to empower people in the community and how other movies and shows are normalizing dwarfism the right way.
We chat about:
🎬 Why the new Snow White movie shouldn’t happen (we’re boycotting)
🎬 The importance of normalizing dwarfism in film
🎬 Shows that do a great job bringing a realistic light to dwarfism
🎬 The full power of giving people with dwarfism on-screen roles
Chapters:
0:00 Disney live action remakes
6:26 Acting and representation in Disney's Snow White
13:52 Peter Dinklage's comments on dwarfism in movies
19:17 Dwarfism in media
26:26 Representation of dwarfism in TV and film
34:00 Dwarfism and acceptance
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[@annieheater]

The fact that Disney removed the seven dwarfs is hugely offensive. They are the true heroes of the story. They took care of Snowwhite, were essentially her family out of the goodness of their hearts. As to living a cave there are people to this day living in caves in some places in the world and for miners it make sense. I cannot understand the thinking of Disney on this not to mention the loss of jobs on a project that should empower dwarfism. I love your podcast, I have been a fan since the beginning of the show and even came to pumpkin season at Roloff farms one rainy day and was waited on by a very polite and helpful 14 year old Zach. it made my day!!

[@MothGirl007]

They didn't live in a cave though - they worked in a cave, but they lived in a house.

[@laurenzeck7394]

What about the Wizard of Oz? That had so many lp in it .

[@Wakeuphigginsville]

Disney could have been diverse by finding 7 LP and given them a chance. Zach your a great story teller, you’d be a great Mike Rowe interviewing LP about their jobs.

[@Jonny0nline]

Mike Rowe is another conservative freak who got lost in the sauce of culture wars

[@dnastrand]

You are just repeating what Zack and Tori already said.

[@chrissy24-7]

No, ​@@dnastrand, they added that he would be great at interviewing LP about their jobs......

[@sherilynnthompson4725]

I just came across your POD Cast this morning. I am really enjoying it. You’re doing a great job…better with each one. You have a beautiful family!!!

[@aliciakuziel9194]

I’m a foster parent and we were asked to take a lp and I had no nervousness about taking him in because I’ve grown up watching you and was able to quickly make our home welcoming!

[@MsRotorwings]

Well done. My favorite comment so far, as I’m listening to their podcast episodes. It’s poignant. I think this was the point of the show, normalizing and familiarizing the public with the LP Community. That in turn prepares us to interact with the LP community in a positive way.

[@eneidamiller5673]

​@@MsRotorwingso[o[ol p.

[@ArtfulAmber]

I don't know why as a society people seem to think that removing things from situtions is the NOT offensive way to go about stuff. There are so many examples of this happening. I'm totally with you Zack. A missed opportunity and more offensive to me to take dwarfs out. I will not be watching Snow White. Love and respect you guys, you both are awesome. ❤

[@Janeburns-mi9dh]

When we go our granddaughters to see Snow White I literally had to cover my ears! Her voice drove me crazy!

[@Indigenousdaughterdialogue]

Ya I agree.

[@pamelaknecht5814]

I hadn’t heard about this, but now that I’ve heard I’ll be definitely passing this information on to everyone because you’re right Zack! They definitely should redo the entire movie!! I’m so pissed I’m really so annoyed that they haven’t seen that this is so wrong on so many levels!! I’m so worked up about this, maybe it’s my age, I’m an old lady so maybe that’s why I’m so angry and upset about this. That’s the only reason I can think of, I’ll stop now!!

[@jenniferriske1328]

Your family’s show really taught me a lot about LP’s. I love Zach’s idea of doing Snow White from the LP’s point of view. That would be awesome

[@ellenbrown579]

Peter D could play someone 10 ft tall and I’d believe it, his acting is that good. And side note, since Zack was a kid I’ve loved his mind. His insight and take on situations is real and raw but his bravery in speaking his truth makes him so appealing. He and Tory = joy

[@rachellehernandez302]

Well said I totally agree

[@theonlyairconditioner]

He's been taller than that in Avengers infinity war

[@heathert.4637]

Agreed. Peter Dinklage is an absolute GOAT. #tyrionlannister

[@Savyspice]

I love how supportive you are of Zach in every way Tori. Usually on podcasts or videos it seems like the wife or partner tries to embarrass or belittle every little thing their spouse says or makes fun of them, which is so awkward to watch, but you don’t do that and I appreciate it

[@sharonmartin1223]

Well that's because they are perfect...You don't think they know how to interview after all this time...

[@lisad4013]

Maybe not always on the same page but they’re on the same chapter 😅😎☀️ They’re just sooo normal and humble- love this family!

[@cerseilannister9263]

They really act like team and they are raising heights in their whole family. They all love each other enough to let everyone be themselves.

[@sharonmartin1223]

​@@cerseilannister9263Bull they claim to be Christian yep believe that everything their father worked for should be handed to them...They won't let Karen love their children because they don't know how to forgive...They are spoiled brats...They are only doing this because they left the show and need the money and want you all to believe their perfect...When they learn to grow up is when id listen to them..They do not understand forgiveness or God from what I see and all that bitterness will destroy their soul...And their is Nothing wrong with children living people who love them ..As parents they will pay for that bitterness later...See I'm older and I didn't need to do a show to figure that out....These two do not know God and that's judgemental of me but I think their selfish...

[@zabavnaya-xt8tb]

​@@sharonmartin1223cry about it, not everyone deserves forgiveness, you have to work for it and not expect it

[@lauritaylor6850]

The rain is coming back for a couple days 😢

[@darlenecorcoran2892]

zach, my older son, now 32, actually introduced me to lpbw shortly after that show started so i've kind of seen you grow up in a way. can i just say, in my opinion, that you have completely normalized dwarfism and awareness in a way that most other sized people can understand. excellent podcast. tori, i love call the midwife too!

[@angelpearce]

Zach, thank you for making us more aware. I 100% agree with you that there was a very big missed opportunity here. Your family’s show and other reality shows have given us a glimpse into the life of little people and probably the best education we have had to date by seeing every day life, challenges. I would really love to see more little people in every day roles in entertainment. This average height person will also be boycotting that with you. Blessings to your family 🦋

[@HiTechRedneck]

100% agree with this. I want to see more little people, blind or visually impaired people, deaf or hard of hearing people, etc in “normal” roles (because they ARE normal) rather than their “disability” being the main focus of the role if that makes sense. Like cast them as the buddy who just happens to be a little person rather than that being the main focal point of that character

[@elizabethd.7662]

You guys are so good together. I listen to the podcast while doing chores inside and outside. I’m also stressed about landscaping.

[@SonetLandman]

Don't be. It is exciting and it is your creation. Therefore there is no wrong. It is your taste and preferences. Gardening is so good for the soul. I love my garden.

[@staceyroberts3468]

Also stressing about landscaping haha. I just keep thinking… I’ve gotta get it done!! But I keep putting it off. Every morning I think about it then say, I’ll do it tomorrow, for sure 😝

[@Joy4Light9]

Not a big podcast viewer but I really enjoy yours! It's great to see you two as adults, doing your own thing, being successful. Still as cute as you were in your teens and 20s, and interesting as adults. Keep it up! ❤

[@meghanhulbert7094]

Okay I'm aging myself but I do remember Little Lou - Little House on the Prarie - Billy Barty I believe was his name - he was great.

[@LilMissQuazyQ]

The episode when his wife died due to LP complications of childbirth was heartbreaking but also touched on a topic that was taboo to show at the time and it stuck with me all these years.

[@rhondapfeifer8864]

I agree Zach, Peter Dinklage ended an opportunity for 7 people to fill a unique roll that only they could fulfil. I'm a new subscriber and am really enjoying your show. I live in neighboring Ridgefield and am having some landscape anxiety as well. Great show, keep up the good work!

[@AnneRudziensky]

Episode 6 and you are already at 76.6K! Congratulations!

[@lisak7214]

Seinfeld did a great job with having LP in some of the episodes. The characters were so likable and funny, especially in the storyline with Kramer who was always hilarious. Love your podcast! ❤

[@clarabrekke4372]

Zach you have a great speaking voice and would be great to be a huge advocate for the LP community

[@elizabethbaldwin8488]

He is a big advocate in the LP community so i dont understand this post

[@dianabeauchesne6121]

Zack you hit the nail on the head- Disney is such a big company that they have to be careful of everything they do. I don’t agree with leaving the 7 dwarfs out of the live movie but I’m sure the fear of the public judgement had a lot to do with their decision.

[@susie934]

In the Grimm tale, Snow White is described as dark hair, skin as white as snow, and rosy cheeks. Disney completely changed all of the characters.

[@trudbenik]

Also, in the original story, the relationship between the dwarfs and Snow White was set up as a relationship full of love and respect. Over time, they become family, even though they are not related by blood. In fact, they are the real heroes of the story because they save her from death twice, and when an apple gets stuck in her throat, they grieve and try to save her from decaying. They are her family she never had.

[@sethzarandona2325]

The girl they cast as Snow White isn’t exactly dark-skinned, and a Hispanic playing her is not the problem. The problem is the erasure of little people. Keep that as the subject and keep your thinly-veiled racism out of the discussion. (And yes, I KNOW that’s what you’re trying to say because otherwise you wouldn’t have brought up the princess character’s appearance in the first place.)

[@pamelavargas6811]

I totally understand... society needs to stop rewriting the past...(originally written in 1812) live forward ❤what's next rewriting The Wizard of Oz....❤

[@Aljobritt]

Zach your families reality show is the only one I have watched from day one! I will miss watching your children. Thank you for all your sacrifice’s growing up to let us in and learn more about Little People!

[@sllee2266]

I pray the Wizard of Oz doesn't get changed. My children learned acceptance of all people by seeing "dwarfs", Downs Syndrome, and other unique actors/movies. (Rain Man, GoT, Outlander, etc.) Love your podcast. It is a learning experience each time.

[@suefromtorontoon5517]

I Wizard of OZ gets changed i will definately ban it. One of my all time favorite movies, i can't even count how many times I watched that as a kid, and even in my adult years.

[@karenmartin1894]

I enjoy watching y’all banter back and forth with obvious love and respect for one another. Thanks for keeping me company on the nights I can’t sleep.

[@user-ik3ll3if4l]

Love Zach he should be a talk show host ❤so humble and kind

[@katyeske7996]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your podcast. Taking out the “entertainment needs” of a television show was a brave and awesome move. Kudos to you both and keep up the good work!

[@tonimazza6297]

You two are an absolute delight! Many thanks for discussions.

[@kathigee]

I love listening to you two converse and build on what each other says. SO relevant, and such down to earth perspectives. And rest assured, your podcast will touch everyone that comes across it. Opening eyes. Good on you!! God bless ❤

[@marciekb1]

Please never stop having the podcasts. You are so real and I love your family. Bring the kids on periodically so we can still watch them grow. Looking forward to your future endeavors. Best wishes to your family.

[@danielquintero4419]

I've gotten hooked on your podcasts, obviously grew up with the show and love that too. Listened to this one this morning and found myself very appreciative that you tackled this. Not just from the standpoint of little people in general, but all situations in which are relevant to type casting, etc. I have two little kids and the hardest thing to do is leading them by example. Having you both provide deep insight really helps. You'll have those people say "We didn't ask for your opinion", yet they'll be the first to make judgement about something they are scared of. The best way we can learn is by hearing from those who are actually the living life as the person or group in question. FYI: I am investing in turf in my backyard. It gets installed this week. I'm finally over the PNW fall/winter months of terrible grass. It's expensive but worth it!! Keeping the front yard grass as I love moving and edging.

[@michelesteward5170]

You guys are so wise and practical ~ appreciate your take on all this....helps everyone

[@user-ik2qg1qx3k]

I love your channel. It’s so refreshing! Thank you guys we need more authenticity!

[@Cali-ForniagirlinMichigan]

Peter is actually trying to take away the rights of other LP’s, let them make their own decisions, The Seven Dwarves saved Snow White actually, there was nothing negative about the dwarves and they were miners who lived in a cottage not a cave, they took good care of Snow White and showed her love. Also LP have had many wonderful roles in movies, look at the biggest and most well known movie and most beloved movie with LP “ The Wizard of Oz” where would that movie be without the little person community. Little people have a big place in this world why squash it just because he thinks it’s wrong, he not the ruler of dwarfism. In retrospect, Zach I agree with you, you have a wonderful perspective on life. I’m living your podcast and seeing you and joining your conversation on KZbin, thanks for your openness. Susie in Michigan 😊❤

[@anne-mariezack]

Yet another amazing podcast; I haven't missed one and I won't miss any others. I'm enjoying listening to two very interesting ppl speak respectfully to one another in thought provoking terms. You two are awesome!

[@jshoun7809]

Tori - I retired from teaching two years ago. 37 years - elementary. I retired for all the reasons you mentioned. I still miss it. I say that I would rather be teaching a child to read, tying shoes, etc...than testing. I'd still be there today if the job was to teach.

[@sandipelton7583]

I absolutely love listening to you both discuss parenting, marriage and the advocating for the LP community. I could listen to you both discuss anything actually! Thanks for this refreshing podcast!

[@lorrienascene3141]

I love that you moved the plant over, the flaw on the wall it gone. LOVE YOU GUYS 😄

[@pamelavargas6811]

Funny I noticed that right after someone mentioned it....😂❤

[@user-ue2sq7mz8b]

Great podcast guys. Thanks for the video. I can't wait for the next one. Prayers sent your way.

[@rociotineo6264]

“Who said snow shite is the big character in that movie anyway” lol😂 that got me. Im really loving this podcast and how real you guys are ❤

[@stacydilks5260]

I love your new podcast and have watched them all so far!!! Love your family thanks for sharing bings joy to me to watch ❤

[@tamaraatkinson940]

Love your podcast and the opportunity to hear your intelligent, thoughtful conversations on topics you are passionate about.

[@humanfamilymember]

I will watch it since there is one LP member as Grumpy. Plus I love musicals. Thankful for the shows that have been available up to now along with your family’s show: Little People, Big World, The Little Couple, 7 Little Johnstons, Little Women: LA, Little Women: NY, Little Women: Dallas, I am Shauna Rae, & Our little Family. I am thrilled to see Jen Arnold appear in various shows as a health expert. Some of these shows are now in multiple languages as the rest of the non English speaking people get familiar and comfortable with the LP community. The more average height people get educated or exposed to LP, the more normal it will be when they see a short statured person in person.

[@ashlimeyerriecks4301]

I love your podcast!! I actually look more forward to this than the show. You guys are doing great!

[@KatrinaTyre-wm1dr]

Thank you so much, Zach and tori, for sharing your lives with the world. It has really been a blessing to watch you triumph over what is considered to be the norm and show that you can actually be the exceptional. God bless you both

[@kelleypritchard]

I just came here to say you guys make my life a little better every time I watch! Y’all put a smile on my face! ❤😊

[@ShaiIsAFlyGuy]

Loving this podcast. Thank you for making it. Love listening to it on my train ride to work 😊.

[@tracyhobart225]

Sad you didn't mention my favorite Lp actor Warwick Davis. Willow has always been one of my favorite's movies. Love listening to your stories and am wishing you the best of luck on your new Pod-cast adventure.

[@karengensler417]

Willow was also a favorite movie in our home! I enjoy your podcasts and look forward to them every Thursday. Keep up the good work Zach and Tori. I hope you include the kiddos on occasion because we all just love watching them grow and become their own personalities. They are so sweet!

[@shanlon3213]

You both communicate and have great conversation with each other. Great job to both of you.

[@allisonyoung7604]

Thank you for bringing up the issue with the “M” word. I do not have dwarfism but I am 4’ 9” and from what I understand considered a little person. While I do not have anyone truly messing with me about my height (little firecracker right here 😂) I have had people call me the M word, and you are right. When used it 99% of the time is used as a way to bring someone down and hurt them.

[@stephb5281]

Second famous dwarf actor that comes to mind (if you are saying Peter Dinklage is first) is Warwick Davies.

[@teresaayer7239]

Glad you are educating us. Thank you

[@sheilafinnerty2232]

I’m all in for these podcasts thanks for helping my drive time sitting in traffic 😊

[@kathannewin]

Love Thursdays!!!! So happy to watch your videos each week!

[@jessie4737]

Loving these pods!! So glad to see ur faces today! Hope yall have a great week! ❤❤❤

[@ninajustice9535]

Another great podcast this of Raising Heights. Each week you are shedding light on things that most people may not even think about, like today's topic. I feel that showing people in the LP community on the movie screen, tv shows in a positive way (not being made fun of) will give LP children some more to reach for like acting, because they'll see people just like them.

[@mjomalley1606]

Oh my…you guys are so real, honest, funny…sheer reality…Zach being on fire and speaking right to the heart of the truth….I hope your podcast audience explodes to the top of the list of great and worthwhile podcasts. Have no fear you bring light to far more life issues than dwarfism….actually you’re such role models to all of us! Blessings!

[@marlys7426]

Your perspectives make me think and help me understand what people go through! Thank you!

[@debbieolson4287]

Love your podcast been watching from episode 1. I'm watching this episode during my lunch break.

[@tanyabeasley679]

I'm so glad I ran across your podcast. I'm loving it.

[@Terry_1111]

Excellent episode, guys! Very interesting! Thanks for sharing it!

[@christinahaythorne3633]

Loving getting to know you two and your views on different things. You guys are doing amazing!

[@stacyinscoe3365]

I'm not a LP but I am glad Zach brought this up. I didn't even understand them taking the dwarves out of the film?! What made them think that was the route to take. I will be boycotting as well for that and bc the main character just sucks.

[@zabavnaya-xt8tb]

I'm addicted to your videos, please post more often 🥺🙏😫

[@simplepapercrafts13]

This is my favorite vlog-thank you for sharing your lives

[@user-lf3kl2fc9y]

Love you guys. Such good information and insight. And love the Outlander talk. It’s my fave!!

[@dianamahar483]

Really enjoying these chats ❤❤

[@lindasnyder9479]

I love LOVE your videos. I've watched since the beginning and I've learned so much. Thank you for giving your time!!

[@sallysmith155]

I really enjoyed your podcast.keep them coming and i will watch them.The way you explain about the thing is lovely.so thank you both ever so much.😊

[@southernskywoman]

Yay! You moved the plant!!!!!!! Thank you for helping my OCD lol. Love your podcast!!

[@SR-ss5tu]

I love you guys. You make so much sense always. You state your opinions and if you don’t agree with someone else’s (like Peters) you don’t shoot them down. You give him his opinion and try to understand where he is coming from. Love Peter as an actor by the way. So much success to the both of you with Raising Heights. I think you will go far with this podcast because you are so interesting and a great couple and family. Also pretty funny and just so entertaining. The 7 LITTLE dwarfs was too funny.

[@user-df4bh1mw9e]

You guys are really good together. Love listening to you.

[@paulah5342]

You guys are so good and refreshing - plus great educators. Thank you for doing these podcast!

[@tonyagunter3672]

I absolutely love that y'all are doing this podcast! I really enjoy y'all's perspective on things. And you have the freedom to say what you want without the restrictions of the show.

[@kim_pretty6382]

✨🙏✨💕From The Beginning Guys Are Your killing It Love The Open Honest Convos 🙏💕✨

[@kathijordan3232]

Excellent convo, guys! Excellent!

[@lorrienascene3141]

I have watched LPBW since the very beginning. And still do until it's gone. Thanks Zach and Troy for you part of that show.

[@pattysmith8212]

I watched you grow up, Zach. What an amazing young man you’ve become. I love the the way you and Tori tell a story.

[@ToeIn2194]

Thanks for adding to the representation discussion Zach and Tori! This discussion has been going on in the disability community and other communities for years more broadly so it's nice to have your take.I agree with Zach, the more content the better. If you two are interested Dailywire is making their own Snow White which may be better than the remade Disney version. I won't watch the Disney remake version. LPBW was good representation since I found LPBW as a kid and it gave me an idea of what real little people were like, as a kid I loved the episode where Zach got his learner's permit.

[@ginacarter-webster8155]

I agree! And another missed opportunity was with Wonka - Hugh Grant was cast as the lone Oompa Loompa (which WERE "magical creatures"!) and they could've incorporated LPs and enhanced the film!

[@heidiheinz1626]

I completely agree!

[@Kare1949]

I love your podcast. They are informative and we get to know you better. Love you Zach and Tori and your precious family❤️🙏🙏

[@mrneveradullmoment]

I LOVED hearing Zach get passionate about his opinions. You guys are awesome. Keep it up.

[@catmeow47]

Zach I totally agree and this is coming from a 59 year old dwarf. It really bugs me when you see kids or just shorter average people playing a dwarf part. Example at Christmas and elf’s . Love this podcast ❤Thanks

[@iluvphillip13]

I think you guys are in a great position to write a series of children's books around your experiences with mixed height families. I would totally buy them for my grandkids, and I bet they'd do very well with everyone. Teach kids that differences are strengths, in themselves and in others. When you were talking about wrestling, I was remembering when Zach did weight lifting. We can all do anything we set our minds to and work at! xoxo

[@Sarah-ic2ce]

I am totally loving your podcast. Learning so much for you both. Great job guys. I just miss not seeing Jackson and Lyla. I love your family. Totally enjoy you both and learning as well. Thank you for sharing and continue to grow and keep doing this!! Blessings and love to you all..

[@melissafreiters7662]

I just want to say that I just love the 2 of u ...u both seem so down to earth and caring . I love the podcast ❤

[@TheMashWench]

Watching Little People Big World changed how I saw little people. It has educated me and made me want to know more. So many good points in this episode. I will not be watching the movie either. When you said it was a missed opportunity, I thought wow I didn’t think of that. Opening my eyes more and more. Thank you.

[@elizabethbartels1113]

I'm gonna start implementing peak and pit daily with my family at dinner every night. Love this idea ❤, will open conversation for sure! Love watching/listening to your podcast even more so than LPBW. The podcast gives me so much more insight than the show. Love you all❤ God Bless your Family

[@user-uy9lj8lq3o]

love you guys!!

[@criscamacho6484]

Love your podcast, look forward to them. You guy's are awesome. And I totally agree with you.

[@Katkjc]

I'm SOOOO PROUD OF YOU TWO ❤ I hope someone from Disney sees this podcast as it's so important and powerful!! I've never seen Outlander but hearing what Tori said, I will be doing some binge watching!!

[@rachellehernandez302]

I just love Zacks perspectives on topics that he fills strong about hes grown so much he was so shy. Zack and Tori you are killin it i love you guys❤❤

[@eloiselamons1454]

Love y’all’s podcasts!

[@kellyday4730]

I absolutely adore your family! So glad you are allowing us a peak into your lovely family!

[@user-ge5ns2gh4g]

both of you have made a great point about dwarfism in Hollywood and every day. things can go over board and not reverent some times

[@kimkruse6430]

I grew up with a guy who’s Mom and sister were dwarfs. I don’t know their exact diagnoses, but they went to church and school with me. I never thought of them as that different! I knew they were shorter than me, and I knew the vehicles they drove had modifications to them so they could reach things safely, but they went to dances, sports games, etc. just like I did. They were, and probably still are, wonderful people! I applaud you both for normalizing life as much as you can!

[@commissionerbridges8760]

Zack and Tori I agree with you 100%. Thank you Zack and Tori for standing your grounds. I watch you guys all the time and love it.

[@maried8323]

Zack I love your outlook on all subjects you are always spot on. The 2 of you are creating a great podcast!

[@LizInTheB]

You are both great conversationalists. :) know your channel is to raise awareness re: Dwarfism and parenting, but I would love to hear your conversations on other topics as well.

[@rainbow616]

I really like your podcast. I like the dynamic between the both of you. 🙏❤

[@Mia-cg9em]

Awesome episode. Keep the awareness coming because once we get it, we can share too

[@Samantha-nx6sz]

Good point and interesting conversation. Sometimes bad publicly is better than none. Seeing diverse people onscreen does prompt family discussions.

[@rachelgale2417]

Hearing Zach's opinion on this was so insightful! I totally agree.... I think they have already released at least two other "snow white" movies haven't they? A movie about the 7 dwarfs would be amazing! I also love and agree with what Tori said, the industry should really start incorporating more dwarf actors in shows or movies that are just real life / NOT magical creature related.... Another great episode you guys! I wait for them to be released every week! Xx