Who is Jessica Blyth Barrymore?
Jessica Blyth Barrymore is an American actress. She is the daughter of actor John Barrymore and actress Dolores Costello. Barrymore began her acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946) and Secret Beyond the Door (1948).
In the 1950s, Barrymore began to take on more prominent roles in films such as The Cobweb (1955) and Peyton Place (1957). She also appeared in several television shows, including the anthology series Playhouse 90.
In the 1960s, Barrymore's career began to decline. She appeared in fewer films and television shows, and her personal life became increasingly troubled. In 1970, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized for several months.
After her release from the hospital, Barrymore made a comeback in the film industry. She appeared in several films, including The Last Tycoon (1976) and Altered States (1980). However, her career never regained its former glory.
Barrymore died of liver disease in 1985 at the age of 59.
Personal details and bio data
Name: | Jessica Blyth Barrymore |
Born: | December 14, 1925 |
Birthplace: | Los Angeles, California |
Died: | July 19, 1985 |
Cause of death: | Liver disease |
Parents: | John Barrymore, Dolores Costello |
Spouse: | William Asher (1951-1960) |
Children: | None |
Jessica Blyth Barrymore
Jessica Blyth Barrymore was an American actress who starred in films and television shows from the 1940s to the 1970s. She was the daughter of actor John Barrymore and actress Dolores Costello.
- Actress
- Daughter
- Starred
- Films
- Television
- 1940s
- 1970s
Barrymore began her acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946) and Secret Beyond the Door (1948). In the 1950s, she began to take on more prominent roles in films such as The Cobweb (1955) and Peyton Place (1957). She also appeared in several television shows, including the anthology series Playhouse 90.
In the 1960s, Barrymore's career began to decline. She appeared in fewer films and television shows, and her personal life became increasingly troubled. In 1970, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized for several months.
After her release from the hospital, Barrymore made a comeback in the film industry. She appeared in several films, including The Last Tycoon (1976) and Altered States (1980). However, her career never regained its former glory.
Barrymore died of liver disease in 1985 at the age of 59.
1. Actress
Jessica Blyth Barrymore was an American actress who starred in films and television shows from the 1940s to the 1970s. She was the daughter of actor John Barrymore and actress Dolores Costello.
- Early career
Barrymore began her acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946) and Secret Beyond the Door (1948). In the 1950s, she began to take on more prominent roles in films such as The Cobweb (1955) and Peyton Place (1957). - Television work
Barrymore also appeared in several television shows, including the anthology series Playhouse 90. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance in the episode "The Comedian" in 1957. - Personal life
Barrymore's personal life was often troubled. She married three times, and her third marriage to William Asher ended in divorce. She also struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. - Later career
In the 1960s, Barrymore's career began to decline. She appeared in fewer films and television shows, and her personal life became increasingly troubled. In 1970, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized for several months.
After her release from the hospital, Barrymore made a comeback in the film industry. She appeared in several films, including The Last Tycoon (1976) and Altered States (1980). However, her career never regained its former glory.
Barrymore died of liver disease in 1985 at the age of 59.
2. Daughter
Jessica Blyth Barrymore was the daughter of actor John Barrymore and actress Dolores Costello. Her parents' divorce when she was a child had a profound impact on her life. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, and she had a difficult relationship with her father.
- Family background
Jessica Blyth Barrymore came from a family of actors. Her father, John Barrymore, was a famous stage and screen actor. Her mother, Dolores Costello, was also a successful actress. Jessica's parents divorced when she was a child, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather. - Difficult relationship with father
Jessica Blyth Barrymore had a difficult relationship with her father. John Barrymore was an alcoholic and drug addict, and he was often absent from Jessica's life. Jessica resented her father for his neglect, and she often spoke out about his behavior. - Influence on career
Jessica Blyth Barrymore's family background had a significant influence on her career. She began acting as a child, and she often appeared in films with her parents. Jessica's early success as an actress helped her to overcome some of the challenges she faced in her personal life. - Legacy
Jessica Blyth Barrymore is remembered as a talented actress who overcame adversity to achieve success. Her story is an inspiration to others who have faced difficult challenges in their lives.
3. Starred
Jessica Blyth Barrymore starred in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. Her most notable roles include:
- The Spiral Staircase (1946)
Barrymore played a young woman who is terrorized by a killer in this classic horror film.
- Secret Beyond the Door (1948)
Barrymore played a young woman who investigates the mysterious death of her sister in this psychological thriller.
- The Cobweb (1955)
Barrymore played a young woman who is struggling to cope with her husband's mental illness in this drama.
- Peyton Place (1957)
Barrymore played a young woman who is caught up in a web of small-town secrets and scandals in this soap opera.
- The Last Tycoon (1976)
Barrymore played a young woman who is torn between her love for a Hollywood producer and her desire for a more meaningful life in this drama.
- Altered States (1980)
Barrymore played a young woman who is subjected to a series of experiments that alter her state of consciousness in this science fiction film.
Barrymore's performances in these films and television shows earned her critical acclaim and made her one of the most popular actresses of her generation.
4. Films
Jessica Blyth Barrymore starred in numerous films throughout her career, from classic horror films to psychological thrillers to dramas. Her performances in these films earned her critical acclaim and made her one of the most popular actresses of her generation.
- Early career
Barrymore began her acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946) and Secret Beyond the Door (1948). In the 1950s, she began to take on more prominent roles in films such as The Cobweb (1955) and Peyton Place (1957).
- Genre versatility
Barrymore was known for her versatility as an actress, and she appeared in a wide range of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, and comedy. She was equally adept at playing both leading and supporting roles.
- Critical acclaim
Barrymore's performances in films earned her critical acclaim. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in The Cobweb (1955), and she won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Peyton Place (1957).
- Influence on popular culture
Barrymore's films were not only critically acclaimed, but they were also popular with audiences. Her films helped to shape popular culture, and she is remembered as one of the most iconic actresses of her generation.
Barrymore's films continue to be enjoyed by audiences today, and they are a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress.
5. Television
Jessica Blyth Barrymore had a successful career in television, appearing in numerous shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Her work on television helped to make her a household name and earned her critical acclaim.
- Early career
Barrymore began her television career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles on anthology series such as The Ford Television Theatre and Studio One. In 1955, she landed a starring role in the sitcom My Friend Flicka, which ran for three seasons.
- Dramatic roles
In addition to her work in comedy, Barrymore also appeared in a number of dramatic television roles. In 1957, she starred in the television adaptation of the novel Peyton Place, which was a huge success and earned Barrymore a Golden Globe Award. She also appeared in several made-for-television movies, including The Spiral Staircase (1963) and The Stranger Within (1974).
- Later career
Barrymore continued to appear on television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but her career began to decline in the late 1970s. She made her final television appearance in the miniseries The Last Convertible in 1979.
Barrymore's work on television was significant for a number of reasons. First, it helped to make her a household name. Second, it earned her critical acclaim and won her several awards. Third, it allowed her to showcase her versatility as an actress. Barrymore was equally adept at playing comedy and dramatic roles, and she always brought a sense of realism and depth to her performances.
6. 1940s
The 1940s was a significant decade in the life of Jessica Blyth Barrymore. It was during this time that she began her acting career and achieved her first major successes.
- Early career
Barrymore began her acting career as a child in the early 1940s. She appeared in small roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946) and Secret Beyond the Door (1948). These early roles helped her to gain experience and develop her craft.
- Breakthrough role
Barrymore's breakthrough role came in the film Peyton Place (1957). She played the role of Selena Cross, a young woman who is caught up in a web of small-town secrets and scandals. Barrymore's performance in the film was critically acclaimed and earned her a Golden Globe Award.
- Established star
The success of Peyton Place made Barrymore a star. She went on to appear in a number of other successful films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She became one of the most popular actresses of her generation.
The 1940s was a time of great change and upheaval in the world. The decade saw the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. It was also a time of great social and cultural change. Barrymore's career reflected the changes that were taking place in the world around her.
7. 1970s
The 1970s was a significant decade in the life of Jessica Blyth Barrymore. It was a time of both personal and professional challenges, but it was also a time of growth and change.
- Decline in career
Barrymore's career began to decline in the 1970s. She appeared in fewer films and television shows, and her personal life became increasingly troubled. In 1970, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized for several months.
- Personal struggles
Barrymore struggled with alcohol and drug addiction throughout her life. Her addiction problems worsened in the 1970s, and she was arrested several times for drunk driving and drug possession.
- Comeback
After her release from the hospital, Barrymore made a comeback in the film industry. She appeared in several films, including The Last Tycoon (1976) and Altered States (1980). However, her career never regained its former glory.
- Death
Barrymore died of liver disease in 1985 at the age of 59. Her death was a tragic end to a life that had been marked by both success and struggle.
The 1970s was a difficult decade for Jessica Blyth Barrymore. She struggled with personal and professional problems, but she never gave up on her dreams. Her story is an inspiration to others who are facing challenges in their own lives.
FAQs on Jessica Blyth Barrymore
This section addresses frequently asked questions and clears up common misconceptions about Jessica Blyth Barrymore, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: When and where was Jessica Blyth Barrymore born?
Answer: Jessica Blyth Barrymore was born on December 14, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Question 2: What was Jessica Blyth Barrymore's most notable role?
Answer: Jessica Blyth Barrymore is best known for her portrayal of Selena Cross in the film Peyton Place (1957), for which she won a Golden Globe Award.
Question 3: Did Jessica Blyth Barrymore struggle with personal issues?
Answer: Yes, Jessica Blyth Barrymore faced personal challenges, including alcohol and drug addiction, which affected her career and well-being.
Question 4: When did Jessica Blyth Barrymore pass away?
Answer: Jessica Blyth Barrymore passed away on July 19, 1985, at the age of 59 due to liver disease.
Question 5: What was Jessica Blyth Barrymore's relationship with her father?
Answer: Jessica Blyth Barrymore had a strained relationship with her father, actor John Barrymore, due to his alcoholism and absenteeism.
Summary: Jessica Blyth Barrymore's life and career were marked by both success and challenges. She achieved fame as an actress, but also struggled with personal issues. Her legacy as a talented performer continues to inspire.
Transition: Explore the impact and contributions of Jessica Blyth Barrymore in the following sections.
Conclusion
Jessica Blyth Barrymore's legacy extends beyond her filmography. She was a pioneer for women in the entertainment industry. She was also a talented actress who brought a sense of realism and depth to her roles.
Barrymore's story is both inspiring and tragic. She struggled with personal demons throughout her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
We can all learn from Jessica Blyth Barrymore's story. She teaches us to never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult things may seem. She also teaches us that it is important to seek help when we are struggling.Jessica Blyth Barrymore was a true star, both on and off the screen. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.