Billy Barty Biography

Fast Facts

• Founded Little People of America, an advocacy group for people with dwarfism, in 1957
• Won the Long Beach Film Festival's Humanitarian of the Year Award
• Started a self-named non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism
• At the age of 3, he appeared in his first Hollywood feature
• Quote: "The general public thinks all little people are in circuses or sideshows․ We have doctors, nurses, just about every field covered․"
• Quote: "The name of my condition is Cartilage Hair Syndrome Hypoplasia, but you can just call me Billy․"
• Specialized in outspoken or wisecracking characters, and was often cast next to taller actors for comedic effect
• Played many outrageous characters, including a wizard in "Willow," a tongue-in-cheek German Spy in "Under the Rainbow" and a suspected stalker in "Foul Play․"
• Owned a roller-skating rink called Billy Barty's Roller Fantasy in Fullerton, Calif
• Is referenced in the punk rock song "Lou's in the House" by The Squibs