Who is Matt Roloff?
Matthew James Roloff, popularly known as Matt Roloff, is an American television personality, farmer, author, and motivational speaker. Best recognized for his role in the TLC reality series “Little People, Big World”, Matt has spent years in the public eye breaking stereotypes and advocating for people with disabilities. Despite living with diastrophic dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism, he has created a lasting impact through his entrepreneurship, resilience, and passion for inspiring others.
Field | Details |
Full Name | Matthew James Roloff |
Nickname | Matt |
Profession | TV Personality, Author, Farmer, Entrepreneur |
Known For | Little People, Big World (TLC) |
Date of Birth | October 7, 1961 |
Age (as of 2025) | 63 years |
Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Current Residence | Oregon, USA |
Religion | Christian |
Ethnicity | White American |
Matt Roloff Early Life
Matt Roloff was born on October 7, 1961, in San Francisco, California, to Ron and Peggy Roloff. Among four siblings, Matt and his brother Sam were both born with forms of dwarfism. As a child, Matt underwent more than 15 surgeries related to his condition, but his zest for life and innovation began early.
Growing up in a family that instilled perseverance and faith, Matt never allowed his physical limitations to define him. His parents and siblings supported his ambitions, especially when he chose paths that challenged conventional norms.
Matt Roloff Education
Matt Roloff attended formal schooling while dealing with the physical challenges of diastrophic dysplasia. Despite frequent hospitalizations and surgeries during childhood, he managed to complete his education. He later studied at Benjamin Franklin High School in Long Beach, California.
After high school, he pursued a career in computer programming and business, gaining technical expertise that helped him land jobs at several tech firms, including Sequent Computer Systems in Silicon Valley. While he didn’t attend a traditional college or university, his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial spirit shaped his successful career path.
Matt Roloff Family
- Father: Ron Roloff – a devout Christian and salesman, who also appeared on Little People, Big World.
- Mother: Peggy Roloff – known for her supportive role in Matt’s life and on the family show.
Both of Matt’s parents are of average height, but his younger brother Sam also has diastrophic dysplasia.
Matt married Amy Roloff in 1987. The couple, both living with dwarfism, had four children together:
- Zach Roloff (1990) has dwarfism
- Jeremy Roloff (1990) – average height
- Molly Roloff (1993)
- Jacob Roloff (1997)
After nearly 30 years of marriage, Matt and Amy finalized their divorce in 2016, but continued co-parenting and working together on the show and farm for a time.
He later began dating Caryn Chandler, a long-time manager at Roloff Farms. They got engaged in 2023, but as of July 2025, the couple ended their engagement amicably, with both focusing on personal growth and new chapters.
Matt Roloff Career
Before becoming a reality TV star, Matt worked in Silicon Valley in sales, software development, and product management roles. He was employed by major tech firms like Altos Computer Systems and Sequent Computer Systems, contributing to software products and customer support services.
“Little People, Big World” and TV Fame
In 2006, Matt Roloff and his family were cast in “Little People, Big World”, a TLC series that offered an intimate view into the life of a family where the parents and one child live with dwarfism. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon for its honest portrayal of challenges, triumphs, and everyday dynamics.
Over its 24+ seasons, viewers followed Matt’s journey through parenting, business ventures, marriage, and personal growth, all while managing Roloff Farms, a 34-acre farm in Oregon. The farm became a tourist hotspot known for pumpkin season events, unique attractions, and community activities.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Matt has authored several books, including:
- Against Tall Odds – His memoir detailing his life story
- Little Family, Big Values – Lessons from parenting and family
- Little Lucy, Big Race – A children’s book promoting inclusion
As a motivational speaker, Matt has delivered talks across the U.S., addressing themes of accessibility, perseverance, and family values. He co-founded Direct Access Solutions, which focuses on creating accessibility tools and infrastructure for public spaces.
Matt Roloff Net Worth
As of 2025, Matt Roloff’s estimated net worth is between $6 to $8 million, sourced from:
Year | Estimated Net Worth |
2023 | $6 million |
2024 | $6.5 million |
2025 | $6 – 8 million (estimated) |
Source of Income: Reality TV, book sales, motivational speaking, pumpkin farm business, and real estate.
Matt Roloff Social Media
Platform | Handle | Followers (approx) |
@mattroloff | 806K+ | |
Matt Roloff Official | 500K+ | |
Not Active/Low Activity | – | |
YouTube | Not active | – |
Matt Roloff Physical Appearance
Attribute | Detail |
Height | 4 feet 0 inches (122 cm) |
Weight | Approx. 56 kg (123 lbs) |
Hair Color | Light Brown / Gray |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Build | Short stature (due to diastrophic dysplasia) |
Skin Tone | Fair |
Health Advocacy and Philanthropy
Matt uses his platform to advocate for people with disabilities. He co-founded The Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy, which provides grants and aid for little people in need. Through charity work and public talks, he educates audiences on overcoming adversity and supporting accessibility initiatives.
Legacy
Matt Roloff’s legacy goes beyond reality TV. He represents determination, vision, and compassion. From transforming a humble farm into a nationwide attraction to becoming a role model for differently-abled individuals, Matt has redefined what it means to “stand tall” in a world that often underestimates.
Interesting Facts about Matt Roloff
- Has had over 15 surgeries to help manage complications from diastrophic dysplasia.
- Built Roloff Farms almost entirely by hand, including creative attractions like a pirate ship and a medieval castle.
- Worked at Silicon Valley tech companies before his TV fame, including Sequent Computer Systems.
- Is a published author with three books, including a children’s book.
- Once appeared in Star Wars Ewok movies as an extra due to his stature.
- Runs a business called Direct Access Solutions that promotes accessibility compliance in hospitality and public spaces.
- Was President of the Little People of America organization in the past.
- His farm attracts more than 30,000 visitors every October during pumpkin season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Roloff
Q1. Who is Matt Roloff?
Matt Roloff is an American TV personality, author, and motivational speaker best known for TLC’s Little People, Big World.
Q2. What condition does Matt Roloff have?
He has diastrophic dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects bone and cartilage development.
Q3. How many children does Matt Roloff have?
Matt has four children: Zach, Jeremy, Molly, and Jacob Roloff.
Q4. What is Roloff Farms?
It’s a 34-acre farm in Oregon that Matt developed into a tourist attraction with themed structures and seasonal events.
Q5. Is Matt Roloff still with Caryn Chandler?
As of mid-2025, Matt and Caryn Chandler have reportedly ended their engagement.
Q6. What is Matt Roloff’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $6–$8 million, earned from TV, books, and business ventures.
Q7. Did Matt Roloff write any books?
Yes, he has written multiple books, including his memoir Against Tall Odds and the family-focused Little Family, Big Values.
Q8. What does Matt do apart from TV?
He is a motivational speaker, author, accessibility advocate, and businessman with a focus on infrastructure for people with disabilities.
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