 |
Nelson Aquino RosaDominican actor, one of the smallest people of the 20th and 21st centuries
Date of Birth: 06.09.1968
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Nelson Rosa
- Rise to Fame
- International Projects
- Personal Life
- Circus Performances and Health
- Death and Legacy
Biography of Nelson Rosa
Early Life and CareerNelson Aquino de la Rosa, better known as Mahow, was born on September 6, 1968, in the Dominican Republic. He was one of the smallest people of the 20th and 21st centuries, with a height of approximately 71 centimeters. Nelson appeared in several mostly unknown films and actively performed in various carnival and circus shows.
Rise to Fame
In 1987, de la Rosa played the lead role in the Italian horror film "Ratman," which was released by the Dominican Republic. Throughout the 1990s, Nelson slowly but steadily gained success. He became a regular guest on the Venezuelan television show "Sabado Sensacional" and was later invited to the show "Sabado Gigante" by Don Francisco, which gave him exposure on Univision. Gradually, de la Rosa became popular in other Spanish-speaking countries, including Argentina, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Spain.
International Projects
Nelson had the opportunity to work in the United States as well. He played an episodic character in the Hollywood production of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" alongside Marlon Brando. Rumor has it that this character later inspired the creation of the Mini-Me character in the Austin Powers film series. He also appeared in the music video for the song "Coolo" by the Argentine hip-hop group "Illya Kuryaki and the Valderramas." Throughout his life, Nelson collaborated with various American media companies and television projects.
Personal Life
Nelson de la Rosa was married and had a son. He was close friends with Dominican pitcher Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox, who often brought Nelson as a lucky charm to playoff games in Major League Baseball in 2004. During that time, many referred to de la Rosa as "Pedro's Dwarf."
Circus Performances and Health
Nelson was the main attraction of circuses such as "Hermanos Mazzini" and "Las Águilas Humanas." These circuses claimed that de la Rosa held the Guinness World Record for being the smallest person. However, the Guinness World Records organization never officially confirmed this claim. In America, Nelson usually performed under the pseudonym Phil Stone. The official cause of his abnormally low height was never disclosed, but rumors suggested he had a genetic disorder called MOPD II (microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II). This condition is characterized by extremely short stature and distinctive facial features, which Nelson de la Rosa exhibited. A documentary film about this condition was broadcast by Granada Television in 2006.
Death and Legacy
Nelson de la Rosa passed away at the age of 38 on October 22, 2006, in Providence, Rhode Island. The cause of death was reported to be a heart attack. He was survived by his wife, Jennifer de Leonel, and their nine-year-old son. Nelson's remains were sent back to the Dominican Republic and buried in the Christ the Redeemer cemetery (Cristo Redentor).
