Step into the extraordinary world of the Johnston family, stars of TLC’s ‘7 Little Johnstons’, the largest known family of people with achondroplasia dwarfism. This comprehensive guide unravels their inspiring story, from their unique family dynamics and personal challenges to their ongoing mission to educate and inspire, proving that size truly doesn’t limit love or ambition.
For over a decade, audiences have been captivated by the lives of the Johnston family on TLC’s ‘7 Little Johnstons’. Premiering in March 2015, the reality series has chronicled the daily adventures, triumphs, and challenges of Trent and Amber Johnston and their five children, all of whom live with achondroplasia dwarfism. This makes them the largest known family of little people in the world, residing in Forsyth, Georgia.
The series, which is set to return for its 16th season in October 2025, offers an intimate look into how the family navigates a world primarily built for average-sized individuals, all while fostering a powerful message of adaptation, positivity, and unconditional love. Their dedication to educating the public about dwarfism and breaking down societal prejudices has made them beloved figures in both the reality TV landscape and the broader community.
Meet the Patriarch and Matriarch: Trent and Amber Johnston
The foundation of the Johnston family is laid by parents Trent and Amber Johnston, who tied the knot on November 21, 1998. They first met as teenagers in 1995 at a Little People of America convention, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with dwarfism. Trent, born on March 17, 1976, stood at 4 feet 3 inches, and Amber, born in 1980, at 4 feet tall, found an instant connection. Trent described seeing a “gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed, 16-year-old girl,” while Amber recalled a “very attractive young man with a funny personality,” as reported by Mirror in 2015.
Their parenting philosophy is rooted in a “can-do” attitude, instilling in their children the belief that their dwarfism does not define their capabilities. “We tell our kids, ‘You’re just like everyone else,’” Amber shared with People. “‘You can do things, you can go places and you can be whoever you want to be.’” This ethos extends to their home in Forsyth, Georgia, a converted 1891 church, where furniture is kept average-sized, encouraging adaptation rather than modification.
When the show began, Trent was a grounds supervisor at a local college, and Amber was a stay-at-home mother. However, Amber has since expanded her career, earning a master’s in social work from Louisiana State University, reflecting the family’s continuous pursuit of growth and personal development.
The Biological Children: Jonah and Elizabeth Johnston
Jonah Johnston
Jonah Johnston, born December 1, 1999, is Trent and Amber’s eldest biological child. His birth was fraught with complications, arriving five and a half weeks early. He spent six and a half weeks on life support in the NICU, with his parents recalling the agonizing “minute by minute” uncertainty of his survival, as shared with People.
Despite a challenging start, Jonah has thrived. He has been a producer for ‘7 Little Johnstons’ since 2014 and previously worked as a sales consultant. In 2021, he earned his F&I certification in vehicle financing and insurance. He is currently pursuing a business degree at Middle Georgia State University, showcasing his drive and ambition.
Elizabeth Johnston
Elizabeth “Liz” Johnston, born December 7, 2001, is the Johnston’s second biological child. Her early life also presented medical challenges, including brain surgery at just eight weeks old. Amber’s pregnancy with Liz was difficult, involving repeatedly dislocated hips.
Today, Liz works in the medical field and has established her own family. She has been in a relationship with Brice Bolden since 2019, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Leighton Drew, on November 3, 2023. Notably, Leighton was born of average height, a fact Liz admitted provided “a little bit of fear” relief due to her mother’s difficult pregnancies, according to People. In May 2025, Brice proposed to Liz on a Florida beach, marking another significant milestone for the family.
The Adopted Children: Anna, Alex, and Emma Johnston
Driven by a desire to expand their family and provide loving homes for children with dwarfism, Trent and Amber adopted three children from different corners of the globe.
Anna Johnston
Anna Johnston, born May 7, 2000, was adopted from a Russian orphanage in Siberia when she was four years old in 2004. Amber, then a district director for Little People of America, received an email seeking a home for a Russian orphan with achondroplasia. She and Trent immediately felt a connection, as detailed in an essay for Rainbow Kids. Throughout her teenage years, Anna underwent significant surgeries, including femur, corrective ankle, and spinal fusion procedures.
An entrepreneur, Anna launched her online jewelry business, Fizz 4 Passion, in 2019. She also became a first-time homeowner in February 2023 and graduated from Middle Georgia State University in 2024, exemplifying her independent spirit.
Alex Johnston
Alex Johnston, born November 15, 2005, joined the family on May 17, 2008, after being adopted from South Korea at six months old. His adoption was a testament to community kindness, as church parishioners generously covered the entire $15,150 adoption fee.
Alex’s journey has included significant health challenges. At age 11, he was diagnosed with central apnea due to suspected brain stem compression. After initial treatments, he ultimately underwent brain surgery, from which he has since recovered. He graduated from Middle Georgia State University in May 2024 and launched his own YouTube channel in March 2025. He has been dating Allie Smith since at least 2022.
Emma Johnston
Emma Johnston, born July 1, 2005, was the family’s final adoption, joining them on October 11, 2010. Adopted from an orphanage in Baoding, China, when she was five, Emma’s initial transition was challenging, as she was understandably terrified to leave the only home she had ever known. Trent and Amber specifically sought another Asian child with dwarfism to provide a cultural connection for Alex.
Following in her siblings’ footsteps, Emma also studied at Middle Georgia State University. She shares Anna’s entrepreneurial spirit, having founded her own jewelry business, Emma’s Rings ‘n Things, in 2019.
The Impact of ‘7 Little Johnstons’
Beyond the personal narratives, ‘7 Little Johnstons’ serves a vital purpose: to educate and inspire. The Johnston family openly shares their day-to-day struggles and successes, from adapting household chores to navigating social perceptions. They have frequently stated their desire for the show to foster acceptance and challenge prejudices rather than being perceived as a “freak show,” as Amber articulated in a 2015 Mirror interview.
Through their genuine portrayal of family life, they demonstrate that while they may have unique physical differences, their experiences with love, ambition, and overcoming obstacles are universally relatable. The Johnstons are not just reality TV stars; they are advocates, role models, and a testament to the power of a resilient and loving family.
