Shorty Rossi

Rossi spent part of his childhood in the San Fernando Valley, one of Los Angeles' more affluent neighborhoods. However, after a falling out with his parents, he moved to the southern part of Los Angeles, where he lived with the family of a friend in a less privileged environment.

Education and Early Struggles

He attended Fremont High School and graduated in 1987. Shortly after, Rossi became involved with a local gang, which led him down a troubling path. His criminal activities eventually culminated in an armed altercation, for which he was convicted of multiple felonies. Rossi served 10 years and 10 months in Folsom State Prison as a result.

From Incarceration to Entertainment Career

Following his release, Rossi faced the challenge of rebuilding his life. Leveraging his unique appearance and talent, he pursued a career in entertainment. He secured a role portraying Alvin in Universal Studios Hollywood's live-stage production of “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” This role marked his entry into the entertainment industry, followed by small parts in films such as Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Kid, the latter starring Bruce Willis.

TV and Film Appearances

Rossi's growing recognition led to appearances on various television shows including The Andy Dick Show (2001), The Beast (2001), Who Knows the Band (2001), The Nick Cannon Show (2002), and Passions (2002). His most prominent role came with the Animal Planet docudrama Pit Boss, which aired from January 2010 to March 2013. The series centered on the rescue and rehabilitation of pit bulls, a cause Rossi is deeply passionate about.