Weng Weng

Weng Weng (born Ernesto de la Cruz; September 7, 1957 – August 29, 1992) was a Filipino actor and martial artist. He is best known for being one of the shortest adult actors to play the lead role in feature films, standing at approximately 83 centimeters (2 ft 9 in) tall.

Weng Weng rose to fame in the Philippines in the late 1970s and early 1980s, starring in low-budget action and comedy films. His films, often featuring him as a secret agent or martial arts expert, gained a cult following both locally and internationally, particularly for their campy humor and outlandish stunts, often performed despite his physical limitations.

His most notable film roles included For Y'ur Height Only (1981), a James Bond parody, and The Impossible Kid (1982). These films showcased his acrobatic abilities and comedic timing.

Despite his popularity, Weng Weng's career was relatively short-lived. He faced health challenges and reportedly received minimal financial compensation for his work. He died in 1992 at the age of 34.

In recent years, Weng Weng has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly due to documentaries and retrospectives that have examined his life and career, solidifying his place as a unique figure in Filipino cinema history. These documentaries often explore the exploitation and lack of proper care he received during his fame.