Eric the Actor

Eric Shaun Lynch (March 11, 1975 – September 20, 2014), also known as Eric the Midget and Eric the Actor, weighed , and had various health issues, including Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

Lynch used a motorized wheelchair for mobility. Despite his poor health, he claimed to have outlived every doctor's prediction for his life expectancy.

Medical conditions Eric's height was cited at between and , which is within the threshold to be considered to have dwarfism. Because of his short legs, weak joints, and a club foot, he employed a wheelchair to get around. His other conditions included stork bite which gave him a "blotchy" complexion Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, which resulted in gnarled fingers, and premature gray hair.

The Howard Stern Show Eric initially called in on September 19, 2002, to discuss American Idol.

Eric made one in-studio appearance on November 3, 2008, alongside two prostitutes from the Bunny Ranch. Also present were Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines, wrestler Kurt Angle, and American Idol alumna Diana DeGarmo.

Other media Eric preferred to be called Eric the Actor. Lynch made his television debut in a cameo on American Dreams in 2005. Lynch also appeared on Fringe in 2010, In Plain Sight in 2012, and Legit in 2014. Eric appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2008. He made appearances on TNA Wrestling's web offering TNA Today alongside wrestling personalities Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash in 2012.

Death On September 20, 2014, Lynch was admitted to a hospital because of heart problems. After arriving, Lynch's liver and kidneys began to shut down and he died.

On September 21, Lynch's longtime friend and manager Johnny Fratto became the first to report his death. Fratto tweeted "I am so sorry and so sad to inform everyone that my friend Eric "The Actor" Lynch passed away yesterday afternoon!!!"

News of Lynch's death received considerable media attention with outlets as high profile as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN, and TMZ all reporting his death. Celebrities including Zach Braff, Zac Efron, and Diana Degarmo among others Tweeted their condolences, with Eric's trademark sign-off "bye for now" trending number one as a Twitter Hashtag. Jimmy Kimmel was so upset by the news that he called The Stern Show first thing on September 22, even though he had an infant child and it was only 4:00am Pacific Daylight Time during the broadcast. Eric, a huge fan of WWE and the Oakland A's, was mourned during telecasts of both organizations, with the on-air personalities signing off the A's broadcast by saying "bye for now." Eric's roommate Jon spoke with Howard and encouraged fans to have Eric's favorite foods, Pepsi and bacon, in his honor.

Lynch was buried at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, California.

Filmography + Television Year Title Role Episode 2005 American Dreams Eric "It's My Life" 2010 Fringe Homeless Man "The Box" 2012 In Plain Sight Landlord "Four Marshals and a Baby" 2014 Legit Big Pete "Weekend"