World's shortest woman spills all on starring in American Horror Story

By Vicki Newman
Published
jyoti in american horror story close up

The world’s shortest woman Jyoti Amge says she’s “proud” of her stint starring in American Horror Story.

Jyoti, from India, also became the shortest actress when she appeared as Ma Petite in the fourth season of the hit horror anthology series, Freak Show.

The 30-year-old, who is just 62.8 cm (24.7 in) tall, starred alongside Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Emma Roberts in the series that first hit screens in 2014.

As the latest series Delicate, starring Roberts and Kim Kardashian, airs around the world, we quizzed Jyoti about her time on the terrifying FX show.

Jyoti’s character was part of a ‘freak show’ run by Elsa Mars (Lange) in 1952 Florida.

As the stars of the show try to find their place in society and Elsa does her best to become famous, a pair of con artists targets them with a sinister plan that sees many of them killed, including Jyoti’s character.

“I was killed by a conspiracy orchestrated by villains,” Jyoti told us.

But what was it like on the set of the show?

Jyoti said: “First of all, it was very difficult because of the English language, and there were some challenges, like being put in a bottle and a cage in some scenes. 

“I have learned from the experience and from the popular actresses and actors I was working with. I gained a lot of knowledge from them.”

Jyoti said acting serious presented another challenge for her, as she’s so used to being happy and smiley.

She told us: “At the last moment, the role needed to be more serious. It was very difficult for me to act in a serious manner because I always smile. I controlled my laughter and emotions. 

Jyoti as Ma Petite and Naomi Grossman as Pepper

“Many difficulties arose, however, it was the biggest achievement in my life. I am overjoyed to have worked with them.”

She added: “I am already famous as a Guinness World Records title holder, and now I am an actress. I feel very proud.”

Jyoti’s character is a firm favourite of ‘freak show’ boss Elsa, who treats Ma Petite almost like her own child.

Ma Petite is a sweet and gentle soul who ends up being killed by Maggie Esmerelda (Roberts) and Stanley (Denis O’Hare) so they can sell her body to a museum.

But Jyoti was also instrumental in supplying some light relief to the dark plot.

She said: “The funny role was great; I was hidden in a pumpkin to frighten the tallest lady, and I was gifted to Elsa while being kept in a box. I surprised her. Both of these scenes were very crucial in the horror show."

Jyoti said she was “very happy” to earn another record because of her role, and that she’d love to do more acting in the future.

Jyoti recently travelled to America where she met up with the world’s tallest man Sultan Kösen to work on a top secret project.

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