Billy Barty

Billy Barty (born William John Bertanzetti) was an American actor and advocate whose career spanned more than seven decades, beginning in the silent‑era shorts of the 1920s and concluding only months before his death in 2000. Born on October 25, 1924 in Millsboro, Pennsylvania, he moved with his family to California in 1927, where his diminutive stature—resulting from cartilage‑hair hypoplasia dwarfism—quickly made him a sought‑after novelty in Hollywood. Even as a child he appeared in celebrated productions such as Gold Diggers of 1933 and Footlight Parade, often playing infants or mischievous youngsters whose size amplified the comic contrast with larger co‑stars. By the 1950s he had become a regular on television, joining the Spike Jones ensemble and later delighting young audiences in Sid and Marty Krofft’s fantastical series, where he embodied characters like Sparky the Firefly and Sigmund the Sea Monster. His film résumé is likewise eclectic, ranging from bit parts in Elvis Presley’s Roustabout and Harum Scarum to more substantive roles as the elf Screwball in Legend, the sage Aldwin in Willow, and the eccentric Gwildor in the cult classic Masters of the Universe.

Beyond the screen, Barty was a pioneering activist for people with dwarfism, founding Little People of America in 1957 after organizing a modest gathering in Reno, Nevada. The organization grew from 21 initial members to thousands, providing community, advocacy, and a voice that Barty championed throughout his life. He married Shirley Bolingbroke in 1962, and the couple raised two children, including producer‑director Braden Barty. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, Barty also owned a popular roller rink in Fullerton, California, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981. He passed away from heart failure on December 23, 2000, leaving an indelible legacy of talent, humor, and tireless dedication to the rights and representation of little people.