John Barrymore Biography

John Barrymore

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).

Maurice Barrymore

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.

Georgianna Drew

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

Lionel Barrymore

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

Ethel Barrymore

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).

John Drew

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