Billy Barty as Max Brine in a Short Ribbs sketch
Billy Barty (born William John Bertanzetti, 25 October 1924 – 23 December 2000) was an American entertainer, athlete, and social activist. He founded the Little People of America and worked extensively with the Krofft Brothers. For Hanna-Barbera, he was the voice of Allorick in "The Gift", an episode of Challenge of the GoBots; the troll in Star Fairies, and Dweedle on Wildfire.
Biography[]
Billy Barty was born in Millsboro, Pennsylvania. He began performing in film at age three. He played Mickey Rooney's little brother in the "Mickey McGuire" comedy shorts series. He was equally adept in both comedy and drama, and generally gives an added zest to any production in which he appears.
Barty founded the Little People of America in 1957 and the Billy Barty Foundation in 1975. He possessed an immense talent and energetic charm that gave a much needed boost to many series and films. On television, he was the host of Billy Barty's Big Show (1963). He later worked with the Krofft Brothers and was often paired with Patty Maloney.
Barty died at age 76 of heart failure in Glendale, California.
External Links[]
- Billy Barty at the Internet Movie Database
- Sid & Marty Krofft Wiki: Billy Barty
- Memorial site