John Drew Barrymore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Drew Barrymore
Barrymore in 1964
Born	John Blyth Barrymore Jr. (1932-06-04)June 4, 1932 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	November 29, 2004(2004-11-29) (aged 72) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1949–1976
Family	Barrymore

John Drew Barrymore (born John Blyth Barrymore Jr.; June 4, 1932 – November 29, 2004) was an American actor. He came from the famous Barrymore family of actors. His father was John Barrymore, and his aunt and uncle were Lionel and Ethel. John Drew Barrymore had four children, including actor John Blyth Barrymore and actress Drew Barrymore. His half-sister was Diana Barrymore.

Early Life and Family History

John Drew Barrymore was born in Los Angeles, California. His parents were famous actors John Barrymore and Dolores Costello. When he was very young, his parents separated. He did not see his father often after that.

John Drew Barrymore went to private schools. He also attended the Hollywood Professional School. His mother tried to stop him from becoming an actor. She sent him to St. John’s Military Academy.

In 1945, when he was 13, John Drew Barrymore and his cousin joined the United States Navy. They pretended to be 17 years old to fight in World War II. They were tall for their age, so the military did not find out for several weeks. Once their real age was known, they were sent home.

Acting Career Begins

John Drew Barrymore started his film career at 17. He was called John Barrymore Jr. in his first roles. His mother had to give permission for him to act because he was a minor.

First Movies and TV Shows

His first movie was The Sundowners (1950). It was a Western film. He quickly got a main role in his second movie, High Lonesome (1950). He also starred in Quebec (1951) and The Big Night (1951). He appeared in Thunderbirds (1952).

Barrymore in 1953

His early films were not very successful. So, he started working in television. He appeared on shows like Schlitz Playhouse and The 20th Century-Fox Hour . He also acted in TV movies such as The Reluctant Redeemer (1954). He said that television gave him chances that movies did not.

In 1957, he directed an episode of Matinee Theatre. He also acted in plays, including Romeo and Juliet at the Pasadena Playhouse. He guest-starred on popular shows like Playhouse 90 and Wagon Train.

Changing His Name and Later Roles

In 1958, he changed his middle name to Drew. Before this, he was sometimes credited as Blyth. He had supporting roles in movies like While the City Sleeps (1956) and The Shadow on the Window (1957). He also starred in High School Confidential! (1958) and Night of the Quarter Moon (1959).

In 1967, he was supposed to play a character named Lazarus in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Alternative Factor. However, he did not show up for filming. Another actor, Robert Brown, took his place. This led to a temporary suspension from acting for six months.

Working in Europe

John Drew Barrymore traveled to Italy to act in movies. He starred in The Cossacks (1960). He stayed in Europe for about five years. During this time, he acted in many films. These included The Night They Killed Rasputin (1960), where he played Felix Yusupov. He also appeared in The Pharaohs' Woman (1961), The Centurion (1961), and The Trojan Horse (1961), where he played Ulysses. He even played both Judas and Jesus in Pontius Pilate (1961).

He also acted in a UK film called The Christine Keeler Story (1963).

Return to the United States

After his time in Europe, John Drew Barrymore returned to Los Angeles. He said he had made 16 films abroad. He wanted to focus on better projects and even started writing scripts.

He continued to guest star on many television series. These included Westerns like Gunsmoke and Rawhide. He also appeared in The Wild Wild West and Run for Your Life. In 1967, he was in the TV movie Winchester '73.

Later Years and Legacy

Barrymore in 2001

After his acting suspension in 1967, John Drew Barrymore worked less often. Sometimes, there were several years between his acting roles.

He eventually stopped acting regularly. His last two appearances were in a 1974 episode of Kung Fu and a small role in the 1976 film Baby Blue Marine. He became more private and spent time away from city life.

John Drew Barrymore was not close with his family for some time. In 2003, his daughter Drew Barrymore helped him move closer to her home. She paid for his medical care. He passed away the next year, in 2004, at age 72, from cancer. His daughter spread his ashes at Joshua Tree National Park, which was his favorite place.

John Drew Barrymore has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This star honors his work in television.

Personal Life and Family

John Drew Barrymore was married four times, and each marriage ended in divorce.

• His first wife was actress Cara Williams. They married in 1952 and had one child, John Blyth Barrymore (born 1954). They divorced in 1959.
• In 1960, he married Gabriella Palazzoli. They had a daughter named Blyth Dolores Barrymore, born that same year. Their marriage ended in 1970.
• His third wife was Ildiko Jaid Mako. They were married from 1971 to 1984. They had a daughter, the famous actress Drew Barrymore, born in 1975.
• His fourth wife was Nina Wayne. They were married from 1985 to 1994. They had a daughter named Brahma (Jessica) Blyth Barrymore.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: John Drew Barrymore para niños