In the 1960s and 1970s, a unique form of entertainment was growing in popularity in North America and parts of Europe: midget wrestling. Today, the term “midget” is seen as offensive by many, and most people now use the term “little person” or “dwarf.” However, back then, “midget wrestling” was a common phrase, and the sport had a dedicated fan base. Thousands of people would attend matches where these wrestlers, often under 5 feet tall, showcased incredible strength, agility, and charisma.
Many of the early pioneers of midget wrestling had backgrounds in carnivals and circuses. These men were already used to performing in front of crowds, which made the transition to wrestling a natural fit. In the carnival scene, little people were often part of sideshows or comedy acts, but in the wrestling ring, they became athletes and entertainers. Their small stature didn’t stop them from creating some of the most exciting and memorable moments in wrestling history.
The most famous of these wrestlers included names like Sky Low Low, Little Beaver, and Lord Littlebrook. Sky Low Low, whose real name was Marcel Gauthier, was only 3 feet 7 inches tall, but he was a huge star in the wrestling world. Born in Canada, Sky Low Low started his career as a circus performer before becoming one of the most well-known midget wrestlers of all time. His acrobatic moves and quick wit made him a fan favorite.
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These wrestlers didn’t just rely on their physical abilities. They also brought comedy into the ring, making matches even more entertaining. For example, they would often frustrate their opponents by running between their legs or using their small size to escape holds in clever ways. The crowd loved these moments, and it added an extra layer of fun to the matches. Even though the sport was filled with humor, the athleticism and skill of these wrestlers were never in question.
Just like in mainstream professional wrestling, midget wrestlers were divided into two main categories: “babyfaces” and “heels.” The babyfaces were the heroes, the ones the crowd would cheer for, while the heels were the villains who would get booed. This dynamic created exciting storylines that kept fans coming back for more. And much like their full-sized counterparts, the rivalries between these wrestlers were a big part of what made the sport so exciting.
Photographer David Maciejewski played a crucial role in documenting this era of midget wrestling. Between 1966 and 1974, Maciejewski took stunning black-and-white photos of these wrestlers, capturing their athleticism and personalities. His work provides a rare glimpse into the world of midget wrestling during its peak years. The photos show the wrestlers in action, both in the ring and behind the scenes, offering a unique look at the lives of these athletes.
#1 Little Bruiser in action against Bobo Johnson in Chicago, September 1972.
#2 Sky Low Low (outside ring) in a tag team with Little Beaver (nearside) versus Mighty Atom, May 5, 1967.
#3 Little Bruiser and Billy the Kid, September 23, 1972.
#4 Little Tokyo and Billy the Kid
#5 Referee George Gadaski talks to the legendary Little Beaver (back to camera) with tag partner Jamaica Kid to his left, and rivals Billy the Kid and Cowboy Bradley to his right.
#6 Unknown wrestler getting flipped by Little Bruiser.
#7 Cowboy Bob Bradley was born Robert Claton Bradley in Dickens County, TX, in February 1935.
#8 A wrestler called ‘Jack Cassidy’ ready to rumble in 1968.
#9 Billy the Kid with Cowboy Bob Bradley (aka Robert Bradley).
#10 Cowboy Bob Bradley and Joey Russell, February 23 1968.
#11 Farmer Pete and Cowboy Lang backstage in Milwaukee, February 3, 1972.
#12 Jamaica Kid and Little Beaver backstage at a wrestling arena April 25, 1969.
Little Beaver was born Lionel Giroux in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec in 1935. he began his wrestling career at the age of fifteen and teamed up with fellow Canadian Sky Low Low, the pair going on to become two of the most famous wrestlers in history. He went on to win a clutch of wrestling awards including the NWA Midget Wrestling Championship twice and was a firm favorite with fans.
#13 Billy the Kid born John William Guillot in Waco, Texas in 1936.
#14 Bobo Johnson also wrestled under the name the ‘Brown Panther.’
#15 Cowboy Lang was born Harry Lang in Saskatchewan, Canada on August 28, 1950.
#16 Farmer Pete wrestling in Milwaukee, December 3, 1972. Due to the lack of complete records, it is believed that Farmer Pete was World Champion for seven days in 1957, after beating Sonny Boy Cassidy, who won the title back in a rematch in October the same year.
#17 Frenchy Lamonte heading for the ring in Tampa 1970.
Frenchy Lamonte was also known as Rolly the Rocket, the Little Hawk, and Little Evilborn. He was born Roland Barriault in Sudbury, Ontario on July 22, 1946. From an early age, Lamonte had a great interest in wrestling deciding at eight to become a wrestler, telling his mother ‘I’m gonna be a dirty one.’ Trained by Lord Littlebrook, Lamonte made his debut in 1963. He went on to win one world title. He became good friends with fellow wrestler Andre the Giant and has a career as a movie actor. He was also credited by the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ as the ‘World’s Strongest Midget.’
#18 Jamaica Kid in a publicity shot.
#19 Little Bruiser in Chicago, September 1, 1972.
#20 Little Tokyo (aka Shigeri Akabane) who was inspired to quit homeland and join Lord Littlebrook and his troupe after they visited Japan in the 1960s. Little Tokyo went on to win the NWA World Midget Champion three times equaling Lord Littlebrook’s achievement.
#21 The legendary Lord Littlebrook (aka Eric Tovey), in Milwaukee July 7, 1968.
A major star of ‘Midget Wrestling’ Littlebrook was born in England in 1929. He started his career as a circus acrobat before taking up wrestling in the 1950s. He moved to the US in the early 1960s, where he became NWA World Midget Champion—winning a record three times (tied with Little Tokyo). He continued wrestling until the late 1980s, when he was enshrined into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
