Hervé Villechaize

Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize (April 23, 1943–September 4, 1993) was a French actor of Filipino ancestry who was born in Paris. He achieved worldwide recognition for his role as Mr. Roarke's assistant, Tattoo, in the television series Fantasy Island (1978–1984). He was also well known for playing the henchman Nick Nack in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.

Related Topics:
April 23 - 1943 - September 4 - 1993 - French - Actor - Filipino - Paris - Television series - Fantasy Island - 1978 - 1984 - Henchman - Nick Nack - James Bond - The Man with the Golden Gun

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Villechaize suffered from dwarfism due to a thyroid dysfunction, despite his sergeant father's attempts to cure the disease in several institutions. He insisted on being called a midget, rather than "little person," irritating activists like Billy Barty who preferred the latter term. After receiving his initial art training in France, he left for the USA, where he continued his career as an artist and photographer.

Related Topics:
Dwarfism - Thyroid - Billy Barty - USA

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His first movie appearance was in Chappaqua in 1966, which was followed by several films including Crazy Joe, Seizure, and The Forbidden Zone. He proved a popular, though difficult, actor on Fantasy Island where he continually propositioned women and quarreled with the producers. He was eventually fired, but the show's popularity waned as the show jumped the shark soon after this move, and it was soon cancelled.

Related Topics:
Chappaqua - 1966 - Crazy Joe - Seizure - The Forbidden Zone - Producers - Jumped the shark

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As a consequence of his health problems and troubles in his professional career, Villechaize became alcoholic and depressive in the last few years of his life. In 1993, he shot himself at his home and was found by his (common law) wife, Kathy Self. He died in hospital in North Hollywood, California as a result of his injuries.

Related Topics:
Alcoholic - Depressive - North Hollywood, California

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