Two Foot Fred - by Fred Gill (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Country music celebrity Two Foot Fred shares his story of living with dwarfism, overcoming odds, and finding peace and success with a positive attitude.

Despite his physical limitations from birth--a form of dwarfism known as diastrophic dysplasia, a cleft palate, clubfeet, and scoliosis--Fred Gill rose above his circumstances to graduate college and open his first restaurant by the young age of twenty-two.

In 1998, Fred took a life-changing trip to Nashville during the city's annual country music celebration, where he met John Rich. That fateful meeting led to a regular job as Ambassador of Attractions for the band Big & Rich, as well as to appearances at numerous country music award shows and on other television programs.

But while his successes are many, Fred has had more than his share of challenges, including "a quarter-life crisis" and troubles with depression, alcohol, and gambling. Like many other celebrities, Fred worked to find peace, turning to his small-town upbringing for solace and affirmation. Two Foot Fred shows that nothing can defeat you unless you allow it to, and that our lives are simply what we make of them.

Review Quotes

"Every time I see Fred he tells me a new crazy story. I had no idea of the life he's lived and I can see why he has his own book!"--Darius Rucker, award-winning country music star and lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish

"Fred has the greatest personality and is always easy to talk to. Fred never walks away from another person a stranger. He has a great outlook on life and lives it to the fullest. He is a true friend in every context possible."--Ryan Newman, NASCAR Rookie of the Year, NASCAR Dale Earnhardt Toughest Driver

"Fred is one of those unique individuals that inspires not just a lot of fun nights on tour, but an inspiration in attitude for everyone he comes in contact with. He's not quite as tall as most of us, but it sure doesn't slow him down, and you don't spend very much time with him before you realize if you see a handicap, it's your problem, not his. I'm surely a better person for having known him."--Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, multiple Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year; multiple Academy of Country Music Top Vocal Duet, among many other awards

"I met Fred at a NASCAR race of all places. We instantly became friends and now that I've read his story, I have more respect than ever for my "giant "buddy. He truly is awesome!"--Nick Swisher, New York Yankees

"I met Fred on the set of "The Celebrity Apprentice "when he assisted John Rich with a challenge. At first I saw this sharply dressed diminutive guy with a giant smile and I wondered who he was there with. John Rich then introduced us. As you'll read, Fred was born with a cleft palate and that gave us an immediate and unusual bond. One of my true passions is working with Operation Smile, a fantastic charity that supports kids born with cleft palates. Upon realizing this, Fred graciously offered to help any way he could, which blew me away. Crossing paths a few more times, I've realized there's not much that can, or will, stop this guy!"--Donald Trump Jr.

"I met Fred several years ago in a VIP area at a Nashville venue. Unbeknownst to either of us, a few years later he would be appearing with Big & Rich as the opening act for two Bon Jovi shows in New Jersey. I hope this book inspires you as much as it and he inspire me!"--Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi guitarist, rock star

"I was touched to learn in his book that my music got Fred through a hard time in his life. Since I've known Fred, he has a smile that I am always happy to see!"--Jewel, Grammy-nominated recording artist

"I've been inspired over and over as I watch Fred never let his size deter him from anything. For a little dude, Fred lives as "big "a life as anyone I know. He is no doubt a force of nature. As for the rest of the legend of Two Foot Fred, I'll let Fred do the telling in this book. He's a brother and I love him."--Big Kenny Alphin, Big & Rich

"My daughter once walked up to Fred and asked him why he was so little. Fred said that was just the way God made him. I think that was the moment we really became good friends. He didn't know it, but he taught my daughter to see through different eyes that day. I am grateful for his understanding and for his friendship!"--Gretchen Wilson, Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, Billboard Music Awards Female Country Artist of the Year, Grammy Awards Best Country Female Vocal Performance,

"Two Foot Fred is great. As soon as you meet him, you think you've known him forever; there is a BIG heart down in that little guy."--Toby Keith, Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Launch Video of the Year; American Music Awards Favorite Male Artist-Country Music and Favorite Alb

"I met Fred through my work with country music and was immediately impressed by his 'joie de vivre' and dedication to helping others, especially our war veterans. Fred is a true inspiration to me and many others!"

--Hannah Storm, ESPN

About the Author

Fred Gill was known as the Ambassador of Attractions for the super duo Big & Rich. Fred is also a successful entrepreneur, real-estate tycoon, and country music icon.

Lisa Wysocky is a bestselling fiction and nonfiction author who splits her time between Minnesota and Tennessee. From the mystery The Opium Equation, which garnered four awards, to the award-winning Front of the Class, coauthored with Brad Cohen and aired as a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie, Lisa's many books empower readers.