John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
17 Tricks That Celebrities Use to Look Unique in Photos
Celebrities often make the same movements on the red carpet: confident gait, neat smile, graceful pose. But some celebrities have their own unique tricks that make their photos recognizable.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s open mouth
Nicole Kidman’s signature greeting gesture
Jennifer Lawrence’s signature eye makeup
Anne Hathaway’s love for mini handbags
Helena Bonham Carter’s win-win photo pose
Emma Stone’s revealing necklines
Cate Blanchett’s accentuated shoulders
Jessica Chastain’s folded arms
Jennifer Aniston’s love for outfits with pockets
Margot Robbie’s fiery cheers
Blake Lively’s ability to combine shades of gold and blue in her outfits
Natalie Portman’s strapless outfits
Kate Moss’ feathered outfits
Elle Fanning’s open smile.
Paris Hilton’s favorite red carpet pose
Jenna Ortega’s love for lace outfits
Millie Bobby Brown’s spectacular gestures at premieres
that have transformed slightly with age
And here are some celebrities who walked the red carpet without wearing makeup. Check it out.
Preview photo credit www.vlecaer.com / Invision / East News, TOLGA AKMEN / AFP / East News, Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News
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