जीवनी

The reason for his suicide was not career woes, as is commonly believed, but because he was in nearly constant pain as his body aged. While small externally, his internal organs were of normal size, and crowded each other over the years. In his last months, he had to sleep in a kneeling position, because lying down made it impossible to breathe.

Committed suicide in North Hollywood, California. Died of self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Became involved with children's charities during his heyday, including opening a halfway house for runaways and troubled youths. He enjoyed helping children, who found it easy to relate to him because of his height.

When 12, Villechaize spent six months in an American clinic where doctors tried everything to encourage his growth. It was while he was in the clinic that he started to draw and his parents enrolled him at La Grande chaumiere in Paris where he started painting, and by 16 had a one-man exhibition in Paris.

Best remembered by the public for his role as "Tattoo" in the TV series Fantasy Island (1977).