Lynn Bari
Actor
About Lynn Bari
Lynn Bari, born Margaret Schuyler Fisher, was a prolific American actress who became one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting players during the Golden Age. She began her career in 1933 after being discovered by a talent scout while working as a secretary, signing with 20th Century Fox where she would spend much of her career. Bari earned the nickname 'The Woo Woo Girl' for her frequent appearances in romantic dramas and melodramas, often playing the sophisticated rival to the leading lady. Throughout her career spanning over 150 films from 1933 to 1958, she worked with virtually every major studio and appeared alongside Hollywood's biggest stars. After her film career declined in the late 1950s, she successfully transitioned to television, appearing in numerous series throughout the 1960s. Bari was known for her versatility, playing everything from femme fatales in film noir to sympathetic characters in family dramas. Her final years were spent in Santa Barbara, California, where she lived until her death in 1989 at the age of 75.
The Craft
On Screen
Bari was known for her sophisticated and polished screen presence, often portraying worldly women with an underlying vulnerability. Her acting style combined glamour with emotional depth, allowing her to excel in both dramatic and light-hearted roles. She had a distinctive voice and delivery that made her memorable in supporting parts, and she could effectively convey complex emotions through subtle facial expressions and body language.
Milestones
- Signed contract with 20th Century Fox in 1934
- Earned nickname 'The Woo Woo Girl' for romantic drama roles
- Starred in over 150 films during her 25-year film career
- Successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s
- Appeared in classic film noirs including 'The Amazing Mr. X' (1948)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 1635 Vine Street)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lynn Bari represented the quintessential Hollywood supporting actress of the Golden Age, embodying the glamour and sophistication that defined the era. Her nickname 'The Woo Woo Girl' reflected her popularity in romantic dramas that appealed to wartime audiences seeking escapism. Bari's ability to play both sympathetic and villainous roles made her a versatile presence in various genres, from film noir to musicals. Her career trajectory mirrored the changing landscape of Hollywood, from the studio system's golden years to the rise of television.
Lasting Legacy
Lynn Bari's legacy lies in her contribution to over 150 films that showcased the breadth of Golden Age Hollywood cinema. While never achieving top-billed status, she became a familiar and beloved face to movie audiences of the 1930s and 1940s. Her work in film noir, particularly in 'The Amazing Mr. X' and 'I Wake Up Screaming,' has been rediscovered by film enthusiasts and scholars. Bari represents the countless talented supporting players who were essential to Hollywood's success but often overlooked in historical accounts.
Who They Inspired
Bari influenced subsequent generations of character actresses by demonstrating the importance of versatility and professionalism in supporting roles. Her ability to transition successfully from film to television provided a model for other actors facing similar career challenges. Her sophisticated screen presence and ability to elevate smaller parts have been studied by acting students interested in classic Hollywood techniques.
Off Screen
Lynn Bari was married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to agent Walter Kane in 1937, which ended in divorce in 1940. She then married businessman Sidney Luft in 1943, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 1950. Her final marriage was to psychiatrist Dr. Thomas J. Lockhart in 1955, which lasted until his death in 1982. Bari had no children from any of her marriages. In her later years, she lived a relatively private life in Santa Barbara, California, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Education
Attended public schools in Roanoke, Virginia; moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and worked as a secretary before being discovered
Family
- Walter Kane (1937-1940)
- Sidney Luft (1943-1950)
- Dr. Thomas J. Lockhart (1955-1982)
Did You Know?
- Earned the nickname 'The Woo Woo Girl' for her romantic drama roles
- Appeared in over 150 films during her career
- Was discovered while working as a secretary in Hollywood
- Her birth name was Margaret Schuyler Fisher
- Was under contract to 20th Century Fox for many years
- Successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s
- Had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Never received top billing but was a familiar face to movie audiences
- Was often cast as the 'other woman' in romantic films
- Her second husband, Sidney Luft, later married Judy Garland
In Their Own Words
I never minded being second-billed. I was working, and I was happy to be working.
The 'Woo Woo Girl' nickname? It just meant I was in a lot of romantic pictures. The audiences seemed to like me in those roles.
Hollywood was a wonderful place to work in those days. We were like one big family at the studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lynn Bari?
Lynn Bari was an American actress who appeared in over 150 films during Hollywood's Golden Age, primarily in supporting roles. She was known as 'The Woo Woo Girl' for her frequent appearances in romantic dramas and was a familiar face to movie audiences from the 1930s through the 1950s.
What films is Lynn Bari best known for?
Lynn Bari is best known for her roles in 'The Amazing Mr. X' (1948), 'I Wake Up Screaming' (1941), 'Shock' (1946), 'The House on 92nd Street' (1945), and musical films like 'Sun Valley Serenade' (1941) and 'Orchestra Wives' (1942).
When was Lynn Bari born and when did she die?
Lynn Bari was born Margaret Schuyler Fisher on December 18, 1913, in Roanoke, Virginia. She died on November 20, 1989, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 75.
What awards did Lynn Bari win?
While Lynn Bari did not receive major acting awards during her career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1635 Vine Street, recognizing her contributions to the film industry.
What was Lynn Bari's acting style?
Lynn Bari was known for her sophisticated and polished screen presence, often portraying worldly women with underlying vulnerability. Her style combined glamour with emotional depth, making her particularly effective in romantic dramas and film noir roles.
Why was Lynn Bari called 'The Woo Woo Girl'?
Lynn Bari earned the nickname 'The Woo Woo Girl' due to her frequent appearances in romantic dramas and melodramas, where she often played the romantic interest. The nickname reflected her popularity in this genre during the 1940s.
Did Lynn Bari have children?
No, Lynn Bari did not have any children from her three marriages. She was married to Walter Kane, Sidney Luft, and Dr. Thomas J. Lockhart, but remained childless throughout her life.
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Films
1 film
