George Brasno

George Brasno
Born December 23, 1911
Old Bridge, New Jersey, US
Died August 15, 1982 (aged 70)
South River, New Jersey, US
Resting place Saint Marys Cemetery, East Brunswick, New Jersey, US
Other names George Shaver
Occupation Actor
Years active 1933–1945

George F. Brasno (December 23, 1911 – August 15, 1982) was an American actor who appeared in a few films through the 1930s and 1940s. He and his sister Olive Brasno were first recognized as a brother and sister little-people singing team in a partnership with Buster Shaver's vaudeville act. He was also billed as George Shaver.

Career

Brasno was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Brasno, born in the community of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and later resided in South River. Brasno and his sister Olive Brasno started out as a brother and sister dwarf act performing with the Johnny Jones Exposition. Buster Shaver saw them, and they joined his vaudeville act. In 1937, George and Olive Brasno were offered roles in the film The Wizard of Oz (1939) but they declined because they were making more money on the road with their singing act.

For several years, the pair was joined by brother Richard to form an entertainment trio.

Despite turning down the opportunity, they starred in a few movies and shorts between public appearances such as: The Great John L. (1945), Little Miss Broadway (1938), Arbor Day (1936), Charlie Chan at the Circus (1936), Carnival (1935), The Mighty Barnum (1934), Shrimps for a Day (1934), and Sitting Pretty (1933).

Billed as George Shaver, Brasno appeared on Broadway as part of the family trio in Are You With It? (1945).

Death

George Brasno died in South River, New Jersey on August 15, 1982. He was 70 years old.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1933 Sitting Pretty A Neighbor Uncredited
1934 Shrimps for a Day Dick as a child Short Film
1934 The Mighty Barnum Gen. Tom Thumb
1934 Vaudeville George - Small Singer Short Film; credited as Olive & George
1935 Carnival Midget Uncredited
1936 Charlie Chan at the Circus Tim
1936 Arbor Day Boy Midget Short Film
1938 Little Miss Broadway Self Credited as George
1945 The Great John L. Tom Thumb Uncredited