Diana Barrymore was an American actress best known for her roles in “Nightmare,” “Eagle Squadron,” and “Ladies Courageous.” She came from a famous acting family and struggled with personal issues throughout her life.
Personal and Family Life
Diana Barrymore was born on March 3, 1921, in New York City to renowned actor John Barrymore and poetess Blanche Oelrichs, known as Michael Strange. She had a troubled childhood, often feeling neglected by her parents. Diana faced a tumultuous series of marriages, including a brief and problematic union with tennis player John R. Howard.
Career Struggles
Barrymore pursued acting, starting her career with a Broadway debut at 19. Despite early success, including a notable performance in “Nightmare,” her film career faded rapidly. Frequent suspensions due to her personal issues and struggles with alcoholism hindered her professional life. She turned to television with her own show, but it was canceled before it aired due to her drinking problems.
Death and Legacy
Diana Barrymore tragically took her own life on January 25, 1960, at the age of 38. Her struggles with alcohol and turbulent relationships left a mark on her legacy. In her autobiography, she expressed a poignant sense of wasted potential, describing her life as filled with unfulfilled dreams.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fired Wife | 1943-09-04 | Eve Starr |
| Frontier Badmen | 1943-08-05 | Claire |
| Ladies Courageous | 1944-02-02 | Nadine Shannon |
| Eagle Squadron | 1942-06-16 | Anne Partridge |
| Between Us Girls | 1942-09-04 | Caroline ‘Carrie’ Bishop |
| Nightmare | 1942-11-10 | Leslie Stafford aka Butch |
| Hollywood Canteen | 1944-12-15 | Junior Hostess (uncredited) |
| Manpower | 1941-08-09 | Girl (uncredited) |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Actress |