Billy Barty
ActingAbout Billy Barty
Billy Barty (born William John Bertanzetti; October 25, 1924 – December 23, 2000) was an American actor and activist. In adult life, he stood 3 feet, 9 inches (1.14 m) tall, due to cartilage–hair hypoplasia dwarfism, and because of his short stature he was often cast in movies opposite taller performers for comic effect. He specialized in outspoken or wisecracking characters. During the 1950s, he became a television star, appearing regularly in the Spike Jones ensemble.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Billy Barty reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Billy Barty's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Billy Barty remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Clown Alley, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Billy Barty Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Billy Barty's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Billy Barty.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Hollywood Shorties | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films | Gwildor (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Gold Diggers: FDR'S New Deal... Broadway Bound | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | Stand Tall | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Outlaws: The Legend of O.B. Taggart | Prospector Pike | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | Radioland Murders | Billy Barty | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Life Stinks | Willy | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Rescuers Down Under | Baitmouse (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Lobster Man from Mars | Mr. Throckmorton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | UHF | Noodles MacIntosh | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Willow | High Aldwin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Snow White | Iddy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Masters of the Universe | Gwildor | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Mouse and the Motorcycle | Uncle Lester (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Tough Guys | Philly | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Star Fairies | Troll (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Legend | Screwball | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Being Different | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Under the Rainbow | Otto Kriegling | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Skatetown, U.S.A. | Jimmy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Lord of the Rings | Character Actor (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Foul Play | J.J. MacKuen | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Amazing Dobermans | Samson | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Paul Lynde Halloween Special | Gallows | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Twin Detectives | Bartender | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | W.C. Fields and Me | Ludwig | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Sixpack Annie | Pie Vendor (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Demon, Demon | Max | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Day of the Locust | Abe Kusich | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Pufnstuf | Googy Gopher / Orville Pelican | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Clown Alley | Little Clown Jumping Out of Firehouse | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Roustabout | Billy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Billy Rose's Jumbo | Joey The Circus Clown | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm | The Court Jester (segment "The Dancing Princess") (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Fireman Save My Child | Clarinetist Inside Tuba | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Clown | Billy (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Three Wise Fools | Bit | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Nothing Sacred | Boy Biting Wally's Ankle (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Mustard-Seed | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Bride of Frankenstein | Baby (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Hollywood Gad-About | Brat (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1933 | Alice in Wonderland | White Pawn / The Baby (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Roman Scandals | Little Eddie (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Footlight Parade | Mouse (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Gold Diggers of 1933 | Baby in "Pettin' in the Park" Number (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Mickey's Race | Billy McGuire - Mickey's brother | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Out All Night | Child | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Over the Hill | Shelby Boy (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Mickey's Thrill Hunters | Mickey's brother | Flop | Similar → |
| 1930 | Soup to Nuts | Junior (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Billy Barty - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Billy Barty?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Billy Barty is "Clown Alley" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Billy Barty acted in?
Billy Barty has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Billy Barty?
Other notable films include "Star Fairies", "Over the Hill", and "Fireman Save My Child".