Don 'Red' Barry
Actor
About Don 'Red' Barry
Donald Barry De Acosta, better known as Don 'Red' Barry, was a prolific American actor whose career spanned over four decades in Hollywood. Born in Houston, Texas, Barry began his film career in the early 1930s after being discovered while working as a lifeguard in Santa Monica. His breakthrough came in 1938 when Republic Pictures cast him as the lead in 'The Adventures of Red Ryder,' which launched him to stardom as a western hero. Standing only 5'5" tall, Barry compensated for his lack of height with an intense screen presence and fiery temperament that earned him the nickname 'The Terror of the West.' Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, he appeared in over 80 western films, often playing tough, quick-tempered protagonists. As the western genre declined in popularity, Barry successfully transitioned to character roles in television and film, often portraying villains or authority figures. His later years saw him working as both an actor and director, with his final film appearance coming in 1980, the year of his death.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his intense, aggressive screen presence and explosive temper, Barry specialized in playing quick-tempered, tough-talking characters. His acting style was characterized by rapid-fire delivery of dialogue and a physicality that belied his short stature. In westerns, he brought a raw energy to his roles, often playing characters who were quick to draw their guns and even quicker to anger.
Milestones
- Starred in Republic Pictures' 'Red Ryder' series (1938-1941)
- Became one of Hollywood's top western stars in the 1940s
- Successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s
- Directed several films in the 1960s and 1970s
- Appeared in over 200 films and television shows throughout his career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Special Recognition
- Western Heritage Awards (multiple nominations for his western work)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Don 'Red' Barry represented the transition from the singing cowboy westerns of the 1930s to the grittier, more violent westerns of the 1940s and 1950s. His portrayal of Red Ryder helped establish the archetype of the tough, no-nonsense western hero who relied on quick reflexes rather than musical interludes. Barry's work in television westerns during the 1950s and 1960s helped shape the genre for small screen audiences, influencing countless western series that followed. His distinctive style and persona contributed to the evolution of the western genre from romanticized adventures to more realistic portrayals of frontier violence.
Lasting Legacy
Don 'Red' Barry left an indelible mark on Hollywood's western genre, appearing in more western films than almost any other actor of his era. His career trajectory from leading man to character actor mirrored the evolution of Hollywood itself, from the studio system to the television era. Despite never achieving the legendary status of stars like John Wayne or Gary Cooper, Barry's prolific output and consistent performances made him a beloved figure among western enthusiasts. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame stands as a testament to his contributions to American cinema, particularly his role in popularizing the western genre during its golden age.
Who They Inspired
Barry's intense acting style influenced a generation of western actors, particularly in television. His ability to convey menace and toughness despite his small stature paved the way for other actors who didn't fit the traditional leading man mold. Many television western protagonists of the 1950s and 1960s borrowed elements from Barry's characterization, particularly his quick temper and moral ambiguity. His work as a director also influenced B-movie western production, demonstrating that effective storytelling didn't require massive budgets.
Off Screen
Barry was married five times throughout his life, with his marriages often as tumultuous as his on-screen persona. His first marriage was to Peggy Moran in 1941, followed by marriages to Jane Frazee, Judy Walsh, Martha Carson, and finally to Barbara Seaman in 1969. He had two children, Michael and Susan Barry, from his various marriages. His personal life was marked by financial difficulties and legal troubles, including a highly publicized bankruptcy in the 1950s.
Education
Attended public schools in Houston, Texas; no formal higher education known
Family
- Peggy Moran (1941-1944)
- Jane Frazee (1947-1949)
- Judy Walsh (1950-1955)
- Martha Carson (1955-1960)
- Barbara Seaman (1969-1980)
Did You Know?
- Nicknamed 'Red' due to his distinctive red hair and fiery temper
- Stood only 5'5" tall but was known for his aggressive screen presence
- Was discovered while working as a lifeguard at Santa Monica Beach
- Once broke his jaw during a fight scene but continued filming
- Declared bankruptcy in 1955 due to gambling debts and poor investments
- Was a skilled horseman who performed many of his own stunts
- Appeared in over 200 films and television shows during his career
- Was briefly married to country singer Martha Carson
- His final film appearance was in 'The Big Red One' (1980)
- Was a close friend of fellow western actor Tex Ritter
In Their Own Words
I'd rather be a bad man in a good picture than a good man in a bad picture
In the west, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, and he's gotta do it fast
Height doesn't matter when you're packing heat and attitude
Republic Pictures taught me everything I know about making pictures fast and making them good
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Don 'Red' Barry?
Don 'Red' Barry was an American actor best known for his work in western films during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born Donald Barry De Acosta, he earned his nickname from his red hair and fiery temperament, starring in over 200 films and TV shows throughout his 47-year career.
What films is Don 'Red' Barry best known for?
Barry is most famous for starring in Republic Pictures' 'Red Ryder' film series in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Other notable films include 'The Adventures of Red Ryder' (1938), 'Days of Jesse James' (1939), 'Sinners in Paradise' (1938), and numerous B-westerns throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
When was Don 'Red' Barry born and when did he die?
Don 'Red' Barry was born on January 11, 1912, in Houston, Texas, and died on July 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 68. His final film appearance was in 'The Big Red One,' released the same year as his death.
What awards did Don 'Red' Barry win?
Barry received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to motion pictures. While he never received major industry awards like Oscars or Golden Globes, he was recognized by Western Heritage organizations for his contributions to the western genre.
What was Don 'Red' Barry's acting style?
Barry was known for his intense, aggressive screen presence and explosive temper, specializing in quick-tempered, tough-talking characters. Despite his short stature (5'5"), he commanded attention with rapid-fire dialogue delivery and physical performances that emphasized action and confrontation over subtlety.
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Films
1 film
