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…
Barbara Eden: A Hollywood Icon Who Defies Age
Barbara Eden, who is most recognized for playing Jeannie in the hit television series “I Dream of Jeannie,” is 92 years old and still radiates beauty and vitality. Barbara Jean Morehead, who was born on August 23, 1931, came to the public’s notice when she won the Miss San Francisco title in 1951.
Eden’s acting career took off after that, beginning in 1955 with “The Johnny Carson Show” and culminating with her legendary portrayal of the alluring Jeannie. She received recognition for her skill and adaptability and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988. Her memoir, “Jeannie Out of the Bottle,” which was released in 2011, details the highs and lows of her professional life as well as her personal hardships, which include the untimely death of her son.
Despite her advanced age, Eden, who is currently in her nineties, is still very much involved in her work and stays busy. She is adamant about finding fulfillment in her profession and continuing to pursue her passions. She works with a personal trainer and maintains a strict diet and fitness regimen to keep up her gorgeous appearance.
Eden recently graced a Beverly Hills function, and her classic elegance and upbeat demeanor amazed the guests. She serves as a great example to us with her job and attitude to life, showing us that age is just a number. Barbara Eden is an inspiration, showing that no matter our age, we can live life to the utmost.
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