Appearances

Title	Role	Year	Approx. Age
Penrod 7 Shorts / Fatty Finn 1927	Penrod	1931	8

Billy Hayes was born on June 12, 1923 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as William Heyes Jr.

Because he looked like the comic character Skippy, he was asked to audition for Norman Taurog's Skippy (1931) when he was seven years old. Although he was turned down for the role (it went to Jackie Cooper), he landed a two year movie contract which included starring as Penrod in a series of short films. Starting with Batter Up! (1931), One Good Deed (1931) and ending with Penrod's Bull Pen (1932). The Penrod series even included a Christmas Special The Season's Greetings (1931) where Billy is opening presents beneath the Christmas tree. (these shorts were shown in theatres prior to a double bill of popular theatrical movies of the day)

His infectious smile and bright personality brought an energy to the short series, but Billy's movie career ended in 1932 at the end of his contract. Billy Hayes moved to the stage as an adult where he appeared in "Twelve Angry Men" and "Harvey" and was involved in community theater and the Masquers Club in Hollywood throughout his life.

After World War II Billy studied engineering at the University of Southern California. He worked in the Aerospace Industry.

In 2002 Billy died in Raleigh, North Carolina, after a long illness.