Lionel Barrymore

Actor & Director

Born: April 28, 1878 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Died: November 15, 1954 Active: 1905-1954 Birth Name: Lionel Herbert Blythe

About Lionel Barrymore

Lionel Barrymore, born Lionel Herbert Blythe, was a towering figure of American cinema whose career spanned over four decades from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood. As the eldest member of the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty, he began his career on stage before transitioning to films in 1905 with Biograph Studios, where he appeared in numerous D.W. Griffith shorts. Barrymore's versatility allowed him to excel as both a character actor and leading man, with his breakthrough coming in the 1920s when he established himself as one of Hollywood's most reliable performers. His directorial efforts, though less numerous than his acting roles, included the acclaimed 1929 drama 'Madame X.' Despite suffering from severe arthritis and hip injuries that confined him to a wheelchair in his later years, Barrymore's career flourished, culminating in his iconic portrayal of Dr. Leonard Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare film series. His distinctive voice, commanding presence, and ability to convey deep emotion made him one of the most respected actors of his generation, earning him an Academy Award and cementing his place in cinema history.

The Craft

On Screen

Barrymore was known for his naturalistic yet powerful acting style that combined theatrical gravitas with subtle emotional nuance. His performances were characterized by a deep, resonant voice that could convey authority, warmth, or menace with equal effectiveness. He had a remarkable ability to transform himself physically and emotionally for each role, whether playing benevolent doctors, ruthless villains, or troubled patriarchs. Barrymore's technique emphasized psychological realism and emotional authenticity, often using minimal gestures to maximum effect, especially after his mobility was limited by arthritis. His approach influenced generations of character actors, demonstrating how voice and facial expression could compensate for physical limitations.

Behind the Camera

As a director, Barrymore favored intimate character studies and melodramas that emphasized emotional depth and psychological complexity. His directorial work, particularly in 'Madame X,' showcased his understanding of visual storytelling and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his actors. Barrymore's direction was marked by careful attention to pacing and a focus on the internal conflicts of his characters rather than spectacle. He employed sophisticated camera techniques for his time, including close-ups that captured subtle emotional nuances. Though his directing career was brief compared to his acting, his films demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of cinematic language and dramatic structure.

Milestones

Academy Award win for Best Actor in 'A Free Soul' (1931)
Directed the acclaimed 'Madame X' (1929) starring Ruth Chatterton
Portrayed Dr. Leonard Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare series (15 films)
Memorable performance as Mr. Potter in 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
Stage career on Broadway before transitioning to films
Member of the famous Barrymore acting dynasty
Continued acting career despite being wheelchair-bound from 1938

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

Must-See Films

Accolades

Won

Academy Award for Best Actor for 'A Free Soul' (1931)
Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for 'The Great Man Votes' (1939)
Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for 'Cavalcade' (1933)
Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup for Best Actor for 'The Great Man Votes' (1939)
New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for 'The Great Man Votes' (1939)

Nominated

Academy Award for Best Actor for 'A Free Soul' (1931) - Won
Academy Award for Best Actor for 'The Great Man Votes' (1939)
Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Cavalcade' (1933)
Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Sullivan's Travels' (1941) - Supporting consideration

Special Recognition

Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 1724 Vine Street
Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame
AFI's 25 Greatest Male Screen Legends - Ranked #21
Preservation of films in the National Film Registry including 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Barrymore Theatre on Broadway named in honor of the Barrymore family

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

Studios

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Lionel Barrymore's impact on American cinema extends far beyond his individual performances, as he helped establish the archetype of the character actor as a central figure in Hollywood storytelling. His portrayal of complex, morally ambiguous characters challenged the simplistic hero-villain dichotomy of early cinema, introducing audiences to psychological depth and moral complexity. Barrymore's success as both leading man and character actor demonstrated the commercial viability of mature, sophisticated performances, paving the way for future generations of character actors to achieve stardom. His work in the Dr. Kildare series helped popularize the medical drama genre and established the template for the wise, cynical mentor figure that would become a staple of American entertainment. Perhaps most significantly, Barrymore's continued success despite his physical disability demonstrated that talent and screen presence could transcend physical limitations, inspiring greater inclusivity in Hollywood.

Lasting Legacy

Lionel Barrymore's legacy endures through his extensive filmography, which includes some of the most celebrated films in American cinema history, and through the influence he exerted on subsequent generations of actors. His Academy Award-winning performance in 'A Free Soul' remains a masterclass in subtle emotional complexity, while his portrayal of Mr. Potter in 'It's a Wonderful Life' created one of cinema's most memorable villains. The Barrymore name remains synonymous with theatrical excellence, with Lionel's contributions being fundamental to this reputation. His technique of using voice and facial expression to convey emotion influenced the development of film acting, particularly during the transition from silent films to talkies. Barrymore's career demonstrated the potential for longevity in Hollywood, showing how actors could successfully transition from leading roles to character parts while maintaining their artistic integrity and audience appeal.

Who They Inspired

Barrymore influenced countless actors through his naturalistic acting style and his ability to convey deep emotion with minimal physical movement. His success in character roles helped establish the importance of supporting actors in film narratives, elevating the status of character acting in Hollywood. The Barrymore acting dynasty, with Lionel as its patriarchal figure, set a standard for theatrical excellence that continues to inspire performers today. His technique of using voice as a primary instrument of performance influenced radio actors and later voice actors in animation. Directors such as Frank Capra and John Ford incorporated Barrymore's naturalistic approach into their own filmmaking philosophies. Contemporary character actors like Morgan Freeman and Christopher Plummer have cited Barrymore as an influence on their approach to creating memorable supporting characters.

Off Screen

Lionel Barrymore was the eldest of the three famous Barrymore siblings, born into a family of actors with deep theatrical roots. He married actress Doris Rankin in 1904, with whom he had two daughters, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1922. His second marriage to Irene Fenwick in 1923 lasted until her death in 1936. Barrymore was known for his artistic pursuits beyond acting, including painting and composing music. Despite his fame, he maintained a relatively private personal life, though his struggles with arthritis and alcoholism were well-known in Hollywood circles. He was a devoted family man who remained close to his siblings John and Ethel despite their complicated relationships.

Education

Educated at private schools in Philadelphia and New York; studied art in Paris before pursuing acting career; received theatrical training from family members and through apprenticeship in stock companies

Family

Doris Rankin (1904-1922)
Irene Fenwick (1923-1936)

Did You Know?

Despite being wheelchair-bound for the last 16 years of his life, he continued acting in over 30 films
He was a talented composer who wrote several musical pieces, including a piano concerto
Barrymore was an accomplished painter whose works were exhibited in Los Angeles galleries
He turned down the role of the Wizard in 'The Wizard of Oz' due to health issues
His famous family feud with brother John Barrymore was legendary in Hollywood
He was the first Barrymore to win an Academy Award
Barrymore served in World War I and was gassed at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel
He was a licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign W6KOL
His distinctive voice made him a popular choice for radio drama performances
He was originally considered for the role of Colonel Nicholson in 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'
Barrymore was a founding member of the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League
He appeared in more than 200 films during his career
His grandfather, John Drew, was a famous 19th-century comedian
He was a skilled equestrian in his younger years
Barrymore was one of the first actors to successfully transition from silent films to talkies

In Their Own Words

I've enjoyed a happy life. I've had three great blessings: my work, my health, and my friends.

Acting is the most personal of all arts. You are the instrument, you are the canvas.

The theater is my life. It's been my life since I was a child. I don't know anything else.

In motion pictures, you have to be a little larger than life. On stage, you have to be life itself.

I never wanted to be a star. I only wanted to be a good actor.

The Barrymores don't act, we are. It's in our blood.

Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.

I've played everything but a woman, and if they'd asked me, I'd have tried that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Lionel Barrymore?

Lionel Barrymore was a legendary American actor and director, the eldest of the famous Barrymore acting family. His career spanned from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood, during which he won an Academy Award and appeared in over 200 films. He was known for his distinctive voice, versatile acting abilities, and memorable character roles.

What films is Lionel Barrymore best known for?

Barrymore is best known for his Academy Award-winning role in 'A Free Soul' (1931), his iconic portrayal of the villainous Mr. Potter in 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946), and his role as Dr. Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare film series. Other notable films include 'You Can't Take It with You' (1938), 'Grand Hotel' (1932), and 'Dinner at Eight' (1933).

When was Lionel Barrymore born and when did he die?

Lionel Barrymore was born on April 28, 1878, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died on November 15, 1954, in Van Nuys, California, at the age of 76. His career spanned nearly 50 years, from his film debut in 1905 until his death.

What awards did Lionel Barrymore win?

Barrymore won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'A Free Soul' (1931). He also received Oscar nominations for 'The Great Man Votes' (1939) and 'Cavalcade' (1933). Additionally, he won the Venice Film Festival's Volpi Cup for Best Actor and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for 'The Great Man Votes'.

What was Lionel Barrymore's acting style?

Barrymore's acting style combined theatrical gravitas with naturalistic emotion, characterized by his deep, resonant voice and subtle facial expressions. He excelled at conveying complex psychological states with minimal movement, especially after arthritis confined him to a wheelchair. His performances emphasized emotional authenticity and psychological depth, making him one of the most respected character actors of his era.

How did Lionel Barrymore's disability affect his career?

Despite being confined to a wheelchair from 1938 due to severe arthritis and hip injuries, Barrymore's career flourished. He adapted his acting style to rely more on voice and facial expression, and directors cleverly incorporated his wheelchair into his roles. His success demonstrated that physical limitations need not hinder a performer's ability to create compelling characters.

What was Lionel Barrymore's relationship with his famous siblings?

Lionel was the eldest of the three Barrymore siblings, alongside his brother John and sister Ethel. While all three became legendary actors, their relationships were often tumultuous, particularly between Lionel and John. Despite their famous feuds and personal conflicts, they remained one of Hollywood's most celebrated acting families, with Lionel often serving as the family's patriarchal figure.

Did Lionel Barrymore direct films?

Yes, Barrymore directed several films during his career, though he was far more prolific as an actor. His most notable directorial work was 'Madame X' (1929), starring Ruth Chatterton, which was critically acclaimed. He also directed other silent and early sound films in the 1920s, demonstrating his versatility behind the camera as well as in front of it.