John Barrymore Biography

John Barrymore

(John Blythe)
actor
Born: 2/15/1882
Birthplace: Philadelphia

Film and stage actor known for his acting skills and tempestuous personal life. In 1922 and 1923, he gave 101 performances as Hamlet. His films include A Bill of Divorcement (1932) and Twentieth Century (1934).

Other famous relatives include:

Maurice Barrymore

(Herbert Blythe)
actor
Born: 1847
Birthplace: Agra, India

Father of John Barrymore, immigrated to the United States in 1875 and appeared in Augustin Daly's play Under the Gaslight. With his wife, Georgianna Drew, he began an American acting dynasty carried on with children John, Lionel, and Ethel, grandson John Drew, and great-granddaughter, Drew Barrymore.

Died: 1905

Georgianna Drew

actress
Born: 1856
Birthplace: Philadelphia

Married to Maurice Barrymore, she was herself from a family of actors. She appeared with her husband in the play Diplomacy (1886).

Died: 1893

Lionel Barrymore

(Lionel Blythe)
actor
Born: 4/28/1878
Birthplace: Philadelphia

An Academy Award-winning actor, he appeared in the films Free Soul (1931) and Dinner at Eight (1933).

Died: 11/15/1954

Ethel Barrymore

(Ethel Blythe)
actress
Born: 8/15/1879
Birthplace: Philadelphia

Best known as a stage actress, she appeared in The Corn Is Green (1940–42) and has a Broadway theater named in her honor. She won an Academy Award for None but the Lonely Heart (1944).

Died: 6/18/1959

John Drew

(John Blythe Barrymore)
actor
Born: 6/4/1932
Birthplace: Beverly Hills, California

Son of the legendary John Barrymore, he appeared in several films, including While the City Sleeps (1956).

Died: 5/29/1942

Drew BarrymoreBBilly Barty
Entertainment Bios — B
See also: