LIONEL BARRYMORE (1878 - 1954)
Brother of Ethel and John Barrymore, Lionel Herbert
Barrymore was born on April 28, 1878 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Together his siblings and he were
the ninth generation of the distinguished theatrical
family, “The Barrymores”. Although all three of
the children went on to become legendary actors,
their only joint film appearance was in “Rasputin
and the Empress” in 1932.
Much like his other two siblings,
Lionel had other plans in mind for his career. With
sister Ethel aspiring to be a concert pianist, Lionel
and brother John dreamed of becoming artists. But
the family legacy won out and Lionel began his acting
career via numerous character roles such as villains,
military officers, etc.
Although his career didn’t begin with
instant star status, Lionel was the first Barrymore
to win an acting Oscar for his performance as a
drunken defense attorney in “A Free Soul” in 1931,
which he claimed was his favorite role.
In addition to being an acclaimed
actor, Lionel has taken a stab at directing films.
Talent ever waning, in 1928-29 Lionel Barrymore
received a Best Director Oscar nomination for his
film, “Madame X”.
In 1937 Lionel became permanently
confined to a wheelchair after arthritis rendered
his lower limbs useless. It was from his humbling
seat that Lionel continued to move audiences with
his talent and determination.
Lionel’s notoriety continued to escalate
thanks to regular radio performances as Scrooge
in “A Christmas Carol” and his role as Dr. Gillespie
in the film series “Dr. Kildare”. His final farewell
moments include memorable performances in the 1946
film “It’s a Wonderful Life” and 1949’s “Down to
the Sea in Ships”.
His ability to play characters that
were grouchy yet endearing became Lionel Barrymore's
trademark.
Lionel was married twice in his lifetime,
the first to a Doris Rankin in 1904. After they
divorced in 1923, Lionel remarried to Miss Irene
Fenwick the same year. They were together until
her death in 1936.
Barrymore's notable silent credits
include:
The Bells (1926)
The Temptress (1926)
Sadie Thompson (1928)
Lionel Barrymore's auditory film credits include:
Mata Hari (1931)
The Man I Killed
Grand Hotel (1932)
Dinner
at Eight (1933)
Treasure Island (1934)
David Copperfield (1935)
Camille (1936)
A Family Affair (1937)
Captains Courageous (1937)
Saratoga (1937)
You Can't Take It With You (1938)
Young Doctor Kildare (1938)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Duel in the Son (1946)
