Ian Michael Smith (born May 5, 1987) is an American actor, known for his starring role in Simon Birch.His short physical stature (3 ft 1 in (0.94 m)) is a result of Morquio syndrome, a rare enzymatic disorder affecting the circulatory, muscular and skeletal systems.
Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer
Movies
Simon Birch
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Fact
1
Attending Massachussetts Institute of Technology [2005]
2
His father's name is Steve Smith.
3
Spoke at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) annual conference in Washington, DC in 2001.
4
Is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at MIT. [2005]
5
Was considered for the role of Kevin in The Mighty (1998) but Harvey Weinstein of Miramax decided that Ian was too young and overruled the director's request to use him. He later went on to land a similar role as the lead in Simon Birch (1998).
6
Ian has Morquio Syndrome, also known as MPSIVA. It affects the skeletal structure causing dwarfism. His full height is three feet, 1 inch tall. He is a good student, likes school, sails a small boat, kayaks, swims, plays the trumpet and piano, and likes to play chess.
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1999
Grace Award
MovieGuide Awards
Simon Birch (1998)
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1999
Young Artist Award
Young Artist Awards
Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor