Maurice Barrymore

Maurice Barrymore (September 21, 1847 - March 26, 1905) was the forefather of the Barrymore family of American actors.

Related Topics:
September 21 - 1847 - March 26 - 1905 - Barrymore family - American

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Born Herbert Arthur Chamberlayne Blyth, in Fort Agra, India, he was educated at Harrow School, England and subsequently studied Law at Oxford University. On March 21, 1872 he won the middleweight boxing championship of England. In 1873 he took the stage name of Maurice Barrymore, inspired by an old playbill hanging in the Haymarket Theatre, London featuring the actor William Barrymore. On December 29, 1874 he set sail on board the SS America for Boston, United States and in 1875 joined Augustin Daly's troupe and made his first appearance in Daly's Under the Gaslight.

Related Topics:
Agra - India - Harrow School - England - Oxford University - March 21 - 1872 - Middleweight - 1873 - Haymarket Theatre - London - William Barrymore - December 29 - 1874 - SS America - Boston - United States - 1875 - Augustin Daly

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In 1876, he married actress Georgianna "Georgie" Emma Drew, daughter of the Irish born actor, John Drew.

Related Topics:
1876 - Irish - John Drew

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On March 19 1879, in Marshall, Texas, he and fellow actor Ben Porter were shot by Texas and Pacific engineer and railroad detective, Jim Currie (who shared a cell with the accused killer of Diamond Bessie).

Related Topics:
March 19 - 1879 - Marshall, Texas - Ben Porter - Texas and Pacific - Jim Currie - Diamond Bessie

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Porter was killed, but Barrymore was only injured and he returned to Marshall for trials and retrials but Currie's brother was sheriff in nearby Shreveport, Louisiana and apparently that influence was enough to get juries not to convict.

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After the not-guilty verdict Barrymore vowed never to return to Texas.

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After 1890, Maurice and Georgie toured the United States with Helena Modjeska. Maurice was leading man for other stars of the time including Minnie Maddern Fiske, and British actress Lillie Langtry.

Related Topics:
Helena Modjeska - Minnie Maddern Fiske - British - Lillie Langtry

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Barrymore became infected with syphilis causing him to become violently insane, he died on March 25, 1905 and was interred in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Related Topics:
Syphilis - March 25 - 1905

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From the March 25 New York Times:

Related Topics:
March 25 - New York Times

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• "On March 27, 1901, Barrymore suddenly became insane. He was playing a vaudeville engagement at a Harlem theatre when he suddenly dropped his lines and began to rave. The following day he became violent and was taken to Bellevue insane ward by his son John. Later he was transferred to the Long Island Home at Amityville, where he remained until his death."

The couple had three famous children, all renowned actors:

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• Lionel Barrymore
• Ethel Barrymore
• John Barrymore

Maurice Barrymore is also the great-grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore.

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