Secret Lives of Women: Mini Women
Dwarfism Hasn't Held These Women Back
Courtesy of WE tv
Ali Chapman has spent most of her life trying to blend in. But at just 3 feet 5 inches tall, she’s found that to be nearly impossible.
So Chapman, 36, has embraced being a dwarf, otherwise known as a “little person.” On September 22, she and two other little people on WE tv’s “Secret Lives of Women” opened up about the challenges of dwarfism, defined as being an adult shorter than 4 feet 10 inches. The most common type of dwarfism affects 1 in 25,000 people, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Chapman, who lives in Indianapolis and works as an apartment-leasing consultant, wasn’t always so comfortable in her own body. Even today, she hates asking for help at grocery stores and department stores where she can’t reach the shelves.
Click here to watch Ali Chapman on "The Secret Lives of Women."
Chapman's outlook dramatically improved two years ago, when she responded to an ad seeking an African-American body double for Will Smith’s daughter in “I Am Legend.” Not only did she get the part, but it segued into a career in the entertainment industry. Since then, she’s shot a speaking role in a yet-to-be-released indie film and plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue an entertainment career full time.
“It was life-changing and opened my eyes that dreams are possible,” Chapman says of “Legend.” “I haven’t been down and out about this, but I haven’t welcomed being a little person so great. I always felt this was a negative and would hold me back from being able to do what my peers would do, that no one would take me seriously, so I held myself back.
“Once this happened to me, I realized it is great to be me,” she says. “Being a little person or having anything that makes you stand out, you become memorable. I love it.”
The other women in the episode, part of the show’s fifth season, also use their short stature to their advantage.
Marylou, a mom and accountant in Burbank, Calif., moonlights as a sex educator. She’s studying for her certification in clinical sexology and holds sex seminars for little people in her home.
Tara and her husband, Scott, are both little people. Between them, they have six children, all dwarves, too. Like Chapman and Marylou, Tara has an after-hours pursuit: Dressed as a pint-sized panther, she’s the mini mascot for the professional Florida Panthers hockey team.
Chapman is single, but hopes to marry someday and maybe have children. She has been in three serious relationships, but dating has been a challenge.
“I’ve been on a million dates and don’t have trouble meeting men, but a lot of men wouldn’t want to pursue something serious with me,” she says. “Maybe they’re comfortable with me but worried about what other people think. When I meet someone, I can tell the difference between who’s just curious and who really wants to get to know me.”
In the program, she’s seen with her then-boyfriend, Jake. The two have since broken up, but Chapman says they’re trying to work things out.
“We’re complete opposites,” she says. “I’m an African-American little person. He’s a normal-height Caucasian guy. We walk down the street and hold hands and it’s definitely something you don’t see every day.
“One way or the other, I’d love to settle down with and marry him but if not, God has somebody for me when the time comes.”
Watch "Secret Lives of Women" on WE tv. It airs on Tuesday at 10 p.m., but check your local listings.
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cowgirljo16@gmail.com 02:05:00 PM Dec 16 2009
Ali, I read your story in the Magazine Indianapolis Women, Saw your pictures and everything. You are SOOO Beautiful! I love your story and I pray God blesses you for everything you've done to help encourage others! Stay Sweet and Beautiful ~ You never know how many people you have and will help through out your life! ~ Joanna
EUROEYES 01:33:06 AM Nov 24 2009
MISS ALI CHAPMAN,YOU ARE A VERY SUCESSFUL PERSON. I CAN UNDERSTAND YOU I HAVE A FRIEND THAT 4FT6IN. I'M 5FT.7IN. I GET EMOTIONAL WHEN I HERE HOW HER DAY GOES BY SO WE TALK ALL THE TIME AN I CAN'T CONVENCE HER THAT SHE'S JUST A UNIQUE BEING SHE HAVE TO FIND AWAY TO ESCAPE FORM THE MADNESS , OBNOXIOUSNESS. I WILL BE SENDIND HER A E-MAIL THIS MITE HELP HER UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYBODY A LITTLE CURVE BALL SHE HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO GET THE CURVE TO GO FORWARD
Jjffryl 05:54:55 AM Sep 24 2009
I dated a dwarf once, she gave the best head I ever had.Its important to kep a open mind.
Mamasuta 05:33:28 AM Sep 24 2009
This is for Martinmrtn5-Please, please, please do not blame yourself for your Mom's illness. Granted, it couldn't have been easy for you and your sister to have grown up in those circumstances but we are all here for a reason. None of us are mistakes. You were born to be you. Rejoice in that. Take it from me, life can me tough, but it sure beats the alternative. Remember too that your life is your own and you can make of it whatever you want, regardless of how you got here. Bless you.
VampressEnigma 05:22:54 AM Sep 24 2009
I totally LOVE this story and know how she felt. I am 26 but only 4ft 7. Every time I get a a new bf that is taller tan me, whenever we go to the store or out ot eat everyone thinks he's my dad or brother. It's horrible how society thinks today. And they say closed minded people are bad? They should look at all the too opened minded people and liberals. They are the worst in my point of view!
RFischer771 05:05:32 AM Sep 24 2009
Hello! out their! I'm 6'2" average tall person. And all of my life I as a person never looked to a person as beneith me. I hope I spelled Beneith right? Anyway many of us" HUMANS" That would love to help others no matter how tall or small or color of skin. Like to help please don't feel so bad to ask help! I do! And I want to help! Hey all of us? I see so many products out their that are built for one size! I actulay had to physicaly and electronicaly modfiy my Vaccum cleaner! And lawn mower! For my size. I'll bet the vaccum I have would be a nussance for someone small!? It was to low for me But I'll bet to high for a small person!? Why can't manufactures add extensions or other devices to there products?? ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL YOU DINNGY Manufactures! OUT THEIR!!! USE YOU HEADS INSTEAD OF PAPER!!
Isamorani 03:32:16 AM Sep 24 2009
I am from Fishers,Indiana....I have seen you all around town!!! You go girl!! And I think you are BEAUTIFUL just the way you are!!!
Brian3011 02:31:05 AM Sep 24 2009
Ali, in my eyes, you are every bit a champion just like your namesake, The great boxer ALI. You are every bit as powerful and as graceful as he was in his prime. Power and great thoughts your way, wishing you the best!
adamperez47 02:25:20 AM Sep 24 2009
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adamperez47 02:09:06 AM Sep 24 2009
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