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Richard Barthelmess

Richard Barthelmess

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Also Known As: Richard Semler Barthelmess Died: August 17, 1963
Born: May 9, 1895 Cause of Death: throat cancer
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA Profession: actor, producer
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Biography CLOSE THE FULL BIOGRAPHY

"The most beautiful face of any man who ever went before the camera," said Lillian Gish of her co-star in two D.W. Griffith films, "Broken Blossoms" (1919) and "Way Down East" (1920). Barthelmess remained popular in gentle, sometimes homespun roles in silent film and continued in leading roles through the mid-1930s until forced into supporting roles later in the decade. He wisely retired in 1942.

"The most beautiful face of any man who ever went before the camera," said Lillian Gish of her co-star in two D.W. Griffith films, "Broken Blossoms" (1919) and "Way Down East" (1920). Barthelmess remained popular in gentle, sometimes homespun roles in silent film and continued in leading roles through the mid-1930s until forced into supporting roles later in the decade. He wisely retired in 1942.

Filmographyclose complete filmography

CAST: (feature film)

1.
 The Great Chase (1962)
2.
 The Spoilers (1942) Bronco Kid [Farrow]
3.
 The Mayor of 44th Street (1942) Ed Kirby
4.
 The Man Who Talked Too Much (1940) J. B. Roscoe
5.
 Only Angels Have Wings (1939) Bat MacPherson
6.
 Four Hours to Kill! (1935) Tony Mako
7.
 Massacre (1934) Joe Thunder Horse
8.
 A Modern Hero (1934) Pierre [Radier later known as Paul Rader]
9.
 Midnight Alibi (1934) Lance McGowan/Robert Anders
10.
 Central Airport (1933) Jim [Blaine]
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Milestones close milestones

:
Began film career as an extra
1916:
Film acting debut (bit) in serial, "Gloria's Romance"
1916:
Discovered by Russian actress Nazimova while she was being taught English by his mother; cast in leading role opposite her in "War Brides"
1920:
Founded Inspiration Pictures which produced some 15 features in five years; 12 starring Barthelmess, eight directed by Henry King
1926:
Sold Inspiration to First National, though some films continued to be released as Inspiration productions
1927:
Received Oscar nomination for first film under acting contract to First National, "The Patent Leather Kid"
1929:
Acted in his first talking picture, "Weary River"
1936:
Appeared on the New York stage in "The Postman Always Rings Twice"
1939:
Returned to film after almost four years to play supporting role in Howard Hawks' "Only Angels Have Wings"
1942:
Last film, "The Spoilers"
1942:
Joined the Naval Reserve
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Education

Trinity College: Hartford , Connecticut -

Companions close complete companion listing

wife:
Mary Hay. Ziegfeld chorus girl. Born in Fort Bliss, Texas on August 22, 1901; married in June 1920; divorced in 1926; died in Inverness, California on June 4, 1957.
wife:
Jessica Stewart Sargent. Married in 1929; survived him.

Family close complete family listing

mother:
Caroline Harris. Actor, vocal coach.
daughter:
Mary Hay Bradley. Mother, Mary Hay.
son:
Stewart Barthelmess. Born to second wife and adopted by Barthelmess when they married.

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