Billy Barty
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Billy Barty (October 25, 1924—December 23, 2000), born William John Bertanzetti, was an American film actor.
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[edit] Biography
Barty, an Italian American, was born in Millsboro, Pennsylvania. He was one of the most famous 20th century people with dwarfism, having prominent roles in popular movies such as Foul Play, The Lord of the Rings (both 1978), Under the Rainbow (1981), Night Patrol (1984), Legend (1985), Masters of the Universe (1987), Willow (1988), UHF (1989), Life Stinks and Radioland Murders (1994). In The Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933), a nine-year-old Barty appeared as a baby who escapes from his perambulator. Because of his stature, most of his work consisted of bit parts and gag roles. Barty was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm for any productions in which he appeared. He also performed a remarkable impression of pianist Liberace. He performed with the Spike Jones musical comedy show on stage and television.
In 1983, Barty supplied the voice for Figment in EPCOT Center's Journey Into Imagination dark ride. He subsequently supplied a reprisal for the second incarnation, though very brief.
Barty was a noted activist for the promotion of rights for others with dwarfism. He was disappointed with contemporary Hervé Villechaize's insistence that they were "midgets" instead of actors with dwarfism. Barty founded the Little People of America to help with his activism.
Barty was married to Shirley Bolingbroke of Malad City, Idaho, from 1950 until his death at age 76. They had two children, Braden and Lori.
Barty and his family belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [1]
A recent tribute book on his life was published in December 2002. Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty was produced by Barty's nephew, Michael Copeland, and Michael's wife, Debra.
Until the time of his death, Barty was a beloved annual guest-star on Canada's Telemiracle telethon, one of the most successful (per capita) telethons in the world.
[edit] Quotes
- "The name of my condition is Cartilage Hair Syndrome Hypoplasia, but you can just call me Billy."
- "The general public thinks all little people are in circuses or sideshows. We have doctors, nurses, just about every field covered."
- SCTV's character Guy Cabellero said you can't hear the name Billy Barty without it bringing a smile to your face.
[edit] References
- Copeland, Michael and Debra (2002). Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty. Xulon Press. ISBN 1-59160-391-9.
