Ethel Barrymore

Date of Birth: August 15, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 18, 1959

Biography

Ethel Barrymore, born Ethel Mae Blythe, was an iconic American actress and a member of the Barrymore family of actors. Born on August 15, 1879, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the second child of Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Drew, both of whom were prominent stage actors. Ethel Barrymore began her acting career in the theater, making her debut in a London production of “The Bells” in 1894. She quickly established herself as a leading lady in American theater, known for her elegance, poise, and versatility as an actress. Barrymore’s career spanned several decades, and she transitioned successfully from stage to screen. She appeared in numerous films, including “None But the Lonely Heart” (1944), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Ethel Barrymore also had a notable career on television, appearing in various productions throughout the 1950s. Barrymore’s influence extended beyond her performances. She was a prominent figure in the Broadway community and was instrumental in the development of the Actors’ Equity Association, advocating for the rights and working conditions of actors. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and she remains a revered figure in the history of American theater and cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Ethel Barrymore

1. Ethel Barrymore was known as the “First Lady of the American Theater” due to her significant contributions to the performing arts.

2. She was part of the legendary Barrymore family, with siblings Lionel and John Barrymore, who were also prominent actors.

3. Ethel Barrymore was a founding member of the Actors’ Equity Association, which was established to protect the rights of stage actors.

4. She made a successful transition to Hollywood and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “None But the Lonely Heart” (1944).

5. Barrymore was known for her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence, which made her a beloved figure in both theater and film.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ethel Barrymore

1. “You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about, the more you have left when anything happens.”

2. “The best time to make friends is before you need them.”

3. “That’s all there is; there isn’t any more.”

4. “The great actors are the luminous ones. They are the great conductors of the stage.”

5. “We who play, who entertain for a living, we are a breed apart.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Ethel Barrymore achieved is estimated to be around $2 million at the time of her death in 1959, which would be equivalent to over $18 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Ethel Barrymore had three children with her husband, Russell Griswold Colt: 1. Samuel Colt (1909–1986) 2. Ethel Barrymore Colt (1912–1977), who also pursued a career in acting. 3. John Drew Colt (1913–1975)