Billy Barty (born William John Bertanzetti) (October 25, 1924–December 23, 2000) was an American film actor. October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1924 (MCMXXIV) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... December 23 is the 357th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (358th in leap years). ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

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) 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 the late pianist Liberace. Fredericktown-Millsboro is a census-designated place (CDP) in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States. ... Dwarfism is typically a pathological condition in which the physical size of a person, animal, or plant is well below normal. ... Foul Play is a 1978 comedy/thriller film by Colin Higgins (the director of the cult classic Harold and Maude) starring Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase. ... J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings is the title of an animated film produced and directed by Ralph Bakshi, and released to theaters in 1978. ... Under the Rainbow is a 1981 comedy film starring Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, Eve Arden, Billy Barty, and Mako. ... Night Patrol is a 1984 movie starring Linda Blair, Pat Paulsen, Billy Barty, and Murray Langston. ... Legend is a 1985 fantasy film released by 20th Century Fox (in Europe) and Universal Pictures (in the U.S. and Canada), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, and Billy Barty. ... Clash of the titans: He-Man and Skeletor face off on the cover of a vintage MOTU graphic novel. ... Willow is a 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard, based on a story by George Lucas. ... UHF was rereleased on DVD in 2002 by MGM UHF (also known as The Vidiot from UHF) is a comedy cult film made in 1989. ... Radioland Murders was a 1994 film directed by Mel Smith, with a screenplay by George Lucas. ... Gold Diggers of 1933 is an American musical film directed by Mervyn LeRoy with choreography by Busby Berkeley. ... Liberace shows off his rings (circa 1980). ...

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. Hervé Villechaize Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize (April 23, 1943–September 4, 1993) was a French actor of Filipino ancestry who achieved worldwide recognition for his role as Mr. ... In the 19th century, midget was a medical term referring to an extremely short but normally-proportioned person and was used in contrast to dwarf, which denoted disproportionate shortness. ... Little People of America (LPA) is a not-for-profit organization which provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. ...

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. Malad City (also commonly known as Malad) is the county seat and largest city of Oneida County, IdahoGR6. ...

Barty and his family belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [1] The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ...

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.

In a strange turn of events, it was discovered in early 2007 that Billy Barty faked his own death in 2000. While performing maintenance on the Statue Of Liberty, National Park workers discovered Barty living in the torch of the statue with former comedian Bruce "Babyman" Baum.

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.

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. 

External links

• Billy Barty at the Internet Movie Database
• Official site, Billy Barty & Friends
• Tribute to Barty from Meridian Magazine (LDS periodical)
• Tribute by Mark Evanier