Lionel Barrymore

American actor, director, screenwriter (1878-1954)

Lionel Barrymore was an acclaimed American actor who won an Oscar for Best Actor and is best known for playing the villainous Mr. Potter in the Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ He also famously portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in annual broadcasts of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the character Dr. Leonard Gillespie in the ‘Dr. Kildare’ film series.

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About the Lionel Barrymore

Lionel Barrymorewas an American actor of stage, screen and radio as well as a film director. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in A Free Souland is known to modern audiences for the role of villainous Mr. Potter in Frank Capra’s 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life.

He is also particularly remembered as Ebenezer Scrooge in annual broadcasts of A Christmas Carol during his last two decades. He is also known for playing Dr Leonard Gillespie in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s nine Dr Kildare films, a role he reprised in a further six films focusing solely on Gillespie and in a radio series titled The Story of Dr Kildare. He was a member of the theatrical Barrymore family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lionel Barrymore’s full name was Lionel Herbert Blyth.

Lionel Barrymore is known for playing the villainous role of Mr. Potter in the 1946 film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’

Lionel Barrymore won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 1931 film ‘A Free Soul.’

Lionel Barrymore was particularly remembered for playing Ebenezer Scrooge in annual broadcasts of ‘A Christmas Carol’ during his last two decades.

Lionel Barrymore played the role of Dr. Leonard Gillespie in the MGM’s nine Dr. Kildare films, and he reprised this role in a further six films and a radio series.

Lionel Barrymore was a member of the theatrical Barrymore family.

Lionel Barrymore was born on April 28, 1878.