Billy Barty

Birth Name:

William John Bertanzetti

Birth Place:

Millsboro, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack

Founded Little People of America, an advocacy group for people with dwarfism, in 1957
Started a self-named non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism
Won the Long Beach Film Festival's Humanitarian of the Year Award
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․"
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․"
Specialized in outspoken or wisecracking characters, and was often cast next to taller actors for comedic effect
Is referenced in the punk rock song "Lou's in the House" by The Squibs
Owned a roller-skating rink called Billy Barty's Roller Fantasy in Fullerton, Calif

Fast Facts