John Barrymore

Stage Actor

Birthday February 15, 1882

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Philadelphia, PA

DEATH DATE May 29, 1942 (60)

#67,576 Most Popular

About

Prolific actor of stage and film, and grandfather of Drew Barrymore, who starred in Don Juan and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Before Fame

He originally wanted to escape his theatrical heritage and attempted to be a cartoonist and reporter for newspapers in New York City, though he eventually decided to join the family business. He made his debut on stage at the Cleveland Theater in Chicago in 1903.

Trivia

His theatrical career took off when he starred in a silent film adaptation of Hamlet in 1922, having starred as Dane in the Broadway production for 101 performances.

Family Life

His parents, Maurice and Georgiana Drew, were well-known stage actors, and his siblings also became actors in film and theater.

Associated With

His beloved granddaughter is popular movie actress Drew Barrymore.