Ian has Morquio Syndrome, also known as MPSIVA. It affects the skeletal structure causing dwarfism. His full height is three feet, 1 inch tall. He is a a good student, likes school, sails a small boat, kayaks, swims, plays the trumpet and piano, and likes to play chess.Was considered for the role of Kevin in The Mighty (1998) but Harvey Weinstein of Miramax decided that Ian was too young and overruled the director's request to use him. He later went on to land a similar role as the lead in Simon Birch (1998).Is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at MIT. [2005]Spoke at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) annual conference in Washington, DC in 2001.His father's name is Steve Smith.
Simon Birch tells the story of Joe and Simon's heart-warming journey of friendship. Simon Birch was born with a condition that makes him much smaller than all the other kids in town. Now, due to his condition, Simon thinks God made him this way for a reason and highly believes in God. Together, Joe and Simon go on a journey of trust and friendship to find the answers to many things. Their friendship is put to the test when some unfortunate events happen.