CHRISTMAS A BIG TIME FOR LITTLE ACTORS

CHRISTMAS A BIG TIME FOR LITTLE ACTORS

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- Christmas can mean big bucks for little actors. According to Los Angeles-based dwarf actor Joe Gieb (pronounced "Gibb"), little people are in big demand to play elves during the holiday season. The 46-year-old Gieb -- who stands 4-feet-5 in his stocking feet -- admits the recent actors strike caused many elf roles in commercials and TV shows to go to non-union dwarves. However, he hopes to make up the slack by performing his elf shtick at private parties. Gieb says playing elves is a breeze compared to the leprechauns he portrays at St. Patrick's Day -- partly because elves get bigger tips and the "...Irish accent is tough."