Nic Novicki from the Boardwalk to Billy Barty

Oct. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- Los Angeles - Nic Novicki, a familiar little person image in TV with roles on the Sopranos and Private Practice, is about to walk a little taller in Hollywood.   This dynamo actor can be seen on HBO’s new hit show Boardwalk Empire in the recurring role of Carl Heely, a little person boxer who works on the boardwalk and manages the boxing operation. In this week’s episode, Nights in Ballygran, his character’s storyline will be heavily featured. (Sundays 9PM HBO).

Upon being cast as a boxer, Novicki hired a professional boxing trainer in order to, “begin getting ready for the role as if I were getting ready for a real fight.” Noting that, “as a little person actor, how many opportunities are there to work with people like Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, and Terrence Winter ?” Although he has appeared on hit shows such as, The Sopranos, and Private Practice, to avoid being type cast in stereotypical little person roles, Novicki has been busy creating and producing his own projects. He has produced several feature films that he also starred in including the recently premiered Boston Girls and The Sinners.

Currently, he’s developing a bio pic which he’ll produce and also play the title role of his hero Billy Barty, the legendary little person actor and founder of the organization Little People of America. Billy Barty lived an amazing life, working as an actor for over 70 years with his start in Vaudeville and continuing in Hollywood until his death in the year 2000. As a child, Novicki had a personal relationship with Mr. Barty and has been inspired by him ever since. “Billy Barty paved the way for little people in the entertainment industry, and not only were his contributions to show business outstanding but he also lived a rich and generous life, helping all little people achieve great things. " I can only hope to follow in his footsteps as an actor and a humanitarian,” says Novicki.  In the picture below, taken in Billy Barty’s house, Novicki is actually wearing Mr. Barty’s original outfits.  Nic Novicki plans on staying around for another 70 years as well.