Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi is a pit bull activist, owner of Shortywood Productions, star of Animal Planet's Pit Boss, and a third-generation dwarf.
In 1987, Rossi was involved in a gang-related shooting and convicted of felonies including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sent to the California Youth Authority and was later transferred to Folsom State Prison to serve a total sentence of 10 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Determined to start anew, Rossi began working in the entertainment industry, filming many television shows and movies, including The Grinch and The Kid. In 2000, Rossi founded a company, Shortywood Productions, to provide little people entertainers for all types of events.
Since owning his first pit bullLuigi Francis Shorty Rossi is a pit bull activist, owner of Shortywood Productions, star of Animal Planet's Pit Boss, and a third-generation dwarf.
In 1987, Rossi was involved in a gang-related shooting and convicted of felonies including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sent to the California Youth Authority and was later transferred to Folsom State Prison to serve a total sentence of 10 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Determined to start anew, Rossi began working in the entertainment industry, filming many television shows and movies, including The Grinch and The Kid. In 2000, Rossi founded a company, Shortywood Productions, to provide little people entertainers for all types of events.
Since owning his first pit bull terrier at the age of 14, Rossi has championed the breed, which he credits with getting him through some of the roughest times in his life. This led him to form Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and restores this often abused breed into loving homes. It also focuses on raising awareness of breed-specific legislation and educating the community. It caught the attention of cable TV network Animal Planet, leading to its continuing series "Pit Boss".
Rossi currently lives in Venice, California, with his five pit bulls, two of which are registered service animals....more