Billy Curtis was the main reason for Judy Garland's comment that the
Munchkins were "little drunks." He made several passes at her during
the production, to which she responded "Mother wouldn't
approve.".
The McDonalds character, Mayor McCheese, was played by Billy, from its
creation until his death in 1988. McDonalds retired the character when
Billy died in 1988.
He worked 50 years in the film business before retiring. A year later, he passed away of a heart attack.
Had 2 children, Tom Curtis, now living in Colorado, and Judy Curtis,
still living in Santa Monica, California.
Was a professional wrestler.
Had five grandchildren: 1 by his daughter Judy (named Micheal), 4 by
his son Tom (Eric Curtis, who lives in Alexandria LA, Allison Curtis,
Kala Curtis, and Jeremiah Curtis who all live with their mother,
Deborah, in Prior Lake MN).
Billy "Luigi Curto" Curtis worked in Louis Robinson's shoe shop in Springfield, MA before he got encouraged to take a role by Shirley Booth in a stage play. The Curto and Robinson families were neighbors, and the children played together.