Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson

In the meantime, Amos and Andy depicted African-Americans in more typical working class and professional roles. Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty was produced by Barty's nephew, Michael Copeland, and his wife, Debra Copeland. That said, Anderson was playing a servant, as with other shows with African-American leads, such as Ethel Waters in Beulah. A recent tribute book on his life was published in December 2002. Benny's call of "Rochester," and Anderson's answers (often a raspy "Yes, Boss," but just as often a snappy joke at Benny's expense) were among the weekly highlights of the show, and some newspapers reportedly listed the show as The Eddie Anderson Show, with Benny relegated to a secondary role (this despite the show's opening title being repeated each week by announcer Don Wilson). Barty and his family were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Anderson was as responsible as was Benny for the show's tremendous success across so many segments of American society, and the relationship between Anderson and Benny became more complex and intimate as the years went by. They had two children, Braden and Lori.

(Anderson was of course not Benny's butler in real life, as many listeners of the time apparently thought in somewhat condescending fashion.) Anderson was also well-known for his role in the groundbreaking musical film, Cabin in the Sky. Barty was married to his wife Shirley from 1950 until his death. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (September 18, 1905 - February 28, 1977) was an African-American comic actor and star of movies, television and especially old-time radio, where he played the butler Rochester to Jack Benny's eponymous title character on The Jack Benny Show. to help with his activism. Barty founded The Little People of America Inc. 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 was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm for any productions in which he appeared. But because of his stature, most of his work consisted of bit parts and gag roles. He was one of the most famous 20th century people with dwarfism, having prominent roles in popular movies such as Foul Play (1978), Under the Rainbow (1981) and Willow (1988). Barty was born in Millsboro, Pennsylvania.

Billy Barty (born William John Bertanzetti) (October 25, 1924–December 23, 2000) was an American film actor. We have doctors, nurses, just about every field covered.". "The general public thinks all little people are in circuses or sideshows. "The name of my condition is Cartilage Hair Syndrome Hypoplasia, but you can just call me Billy.".