Many fans of the popular show Little People Big World were surprised to learn that Matt Roloff, one of the main stars, had four siblings. While the show mainly focuses on Matt’s children and grandkids, his own childhood remains largely unseen. Recently, Matt shared a cherished throwback photo of him with his siblings, and in August, he announced the passing of his father Ronald at the age of 84. This revelation has led fans to explore Matt’s family history, particularly the story of his late brother Josh, who passed away in 1999.
Who Was Matt’s Brother Josh?
Joshua Luke Roloff, born just two years after Matt, grew up alongside him and their two other siblings. Josh faced many challenges from a young age due to a heart condition he was born with. In Matt’s 2017 book, Tall Odds: Being A David In A Goliath World, he revealed that Josh’s birth was complicated, and doctors were unsure if he would survive beyond a day. Despite the odds, Josh lived into his 30s. Surprisingly, many fans were unaware of Josh’s existence until Matt shared a photo of them together on social media. Unlike his brother Matt, Joshua was not a little person.
The Tragic Loss of Josh Roloff:
In 1999, at the age of 34, Josh passed away due to complications related to his heart and lungs. He was born with a severe heart condition that greatly affected his life. The Roloff family paid tribute to Josh in their book, Little Family, Big Values, describing him as a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend who left this world far too soon. They express their longing to be reunited with him someday in the presence of the Lord. Josh’s passing left a profound impact on his parents, Ron and Peggy Roloff, who are occasionally featured on Little People, Big World, and his three surviving siblings.
Meet Matt’s Other Siblings:
Aside from Josh, Matt has two more siblings, Samuel George and Ruth Margret. While they don’t appear on the show, Matt confirmed that Samuel, like him, is a little person, and he is six years younger. Samuel is an accomplished painter and the founder of Back-Story Underpainting. He is known for his beautiful oil paintings. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Samuel now calls Portland home. Fans have noted that all of Matt’s siblings, including Josh, have names with biblical significance. Some expressed surprise at discovering this larger family, saying, “We never heard of them on the show!?”
Conclusion:
Matt Roloff, known to many as the patriarch of Little People Big World, has a rich family history that extends beyond what is shown on television. His late brother Josh’s story is a testament to strength and resilience in the face of adversity. With two other siblings, Samuel and Ruth, Matt’s upbringing was filled with love and companionship. Despite their absence from the show, they remain an important part of Matt’s life. As Matt continues to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood with his own four children, he carries with him the cherished memories of his upbringing alongside his siblings.
