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…
She was once a movie star whose intense gaze and sky-blue eyes drove fans wild. But now, age has taken its toll, and she has aged significantly…
Once upon a time, an exceptionally talented American actress captured the hearts of millions with her outstanding performances and captivating azure eyes reminiscent of an icy princess, leaving audiences spellbound.
This extraordinary woman, known as Foster, embarked on her acting journey during her formative years at boarding school, where she participated in theater productions, refining her craft and conquering stage fright.
Her cinematic debut came swiftly alongside Michael Douglas in the film “Adam at 6 am,” garnering attention in professional circles for her distinctive appearance and entrancing gaze.
Throughout her illustrious career, Foster earned critical acclaim for her roles, even securing a nomination for the Canadian film award “Genie” for her performance in the drama “Ticket to Heaven.” Notable credits include appearances in “Master of the Universe,” “Strangers Among Us,” “Another Story,” and “Blind Fury.”
Beyond the silver screen, Foster found success in television series such as “Cagney and Lacey,” “Xena – Warrior Queen,” “ER,” “Quantum Leap,” and “The Amazing Wanderings of Hercules,” among others.
Despite her popularity, Foster’s romantic life saw her married only once to colleague Stephen McHattie, though the union eventually dissolved. Today, she resides alone on her expansive ranch, dedicated to horse breeding.
As time passed, Foster’s film appearances dwindled, and the natural aging process became evident, with deep wrinkles gracing her face. Nonetheless, she remains unapologetic about her appearance, choosing to embrace the aging process without resorting to plastic surgery.
With her distinctive appearance and commanding presence, Foster continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating that age cannot diminish her enduring allure. Her performances and unwavering spirit stand as a testament to her remarkable talent and timeless appeal.
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