Pat Bilon
| Pat Bilon | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Michael Patrick Bilon August 29, 1947 Youngstown, Ohio, US |
| Died | January 27, 1983 (aged 35) St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio, US |
| Cause of death | Blood infection |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery, |
| Alma mater | Youngstown State University |
| Occupation | Actor, radio dispatcher |
Michael Patrick "Pat" Bilon (August 29, 1947 – January 27, 1983) was an American actor best known for his performances in Under the Rainbow and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. At no taller than 2 ft 10 in (86 cm), Bilon was considered one of the smallest adult dwarfs in the US, but he never characterized himself as disabled. Throughout much of his adult life, he was an active member of Little People of America. During his last years, Bilon served as District 5 director of the organization.
Bilon was born in the mid-sized industrial town of Youngstown, Ohio. He was a third-generation Ukrainian American, born to Michael and Esther Bilon.
Bilon attended Ursuline High School in Youngstown. Bilon studied acting formally and was a graduate of Youngstown State University's school of speech and drama.
Although he appeared in various television commercials and was hired for promotional events, he described himself as a "starving actor".
When not acting, Bilon held several other jobs, including a bouncer at a bowling alley and a basketball coach for elementary school students. He worked as a radio dispatcher for the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department in Youngstown. He occasionally would assist in undercover operations which was facilitated by his diminutive stature.
In 1979, while attending a Little People of America convention, Bilon was spotted by producer Steve Rash and director Fred Bauer, who were seeking potential cast members for the slapstick comedy, Under the Rainbow. Of the more than 400 potential actors interviewed, Bilon was among 150 selected to appear in the film. He took a leave of absence from his job as a dispatcher and went to Hollywood to "begin his new role". The small role gave Bilon an opportunity to perform with top professionals including Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, and Eve Arden. He later commented in a newspaper interview, "When a star like Chevy Chase sees you after a scene and says it was hilarious, as you watch him practically falling out of his seat, it makes you feel real good".
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