James Barton, a celebrated American vaudevillian and character actor, made his debut on the national stage on November 1, 1890, in the charming city of Gloucester, New Jersey. With a family background steeped in the world of entertainment, Barton's entry into the industry was inevitable, and he began his illustrious career at a remarkably young age.
By 1898, Barton's talent had taken him on a journey across the country, with performances in minstrel shows and burlesque houses, showcasing his exceptional abilities to audiences nationwide.
As Barton's remarkable journey as a jazz dancer unfolded, his profound expertise in collaborating with African American performers eventually propelled him to become one of the pioneering figures in this esteemed genre, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. His extensive experience working with esteemed repertory companies in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States ultimately led him to make his triumphant Broadway debut in the spectacular musical revue The Passing Show of 1919, a role that was originally intended for the incomparable Ed Wynn.
Noted thespian, Barton, consistently drew attention to himself with outstanding performances in a series of unremarkable theatrical productions, ultimately garnering the admiration of esteemed critics and theatre aficionados.
Throughout his illustrious career, Barton's impressive range and versatility were showcased in a diverse array of productions, including the poignant drama Sweet and Low, the gritty and intense Tobacco Road, the thought-provoking The Iceman Cometh, and the lively and entertaining Paint Your Wagon.
Barton's cinematic journey traversed the silent era, a period marked by the absence of spoken dialogue, yet his presence on the big screen remained undeniable, with a slew of notable film credits to his name, including The Time of Your Life, a poignant drama that likely showcased his versatility as an actor, Here Comes the Groom, a romantic comedy that likely brought a smile to the faces of audiences everywhere, and The Misfits, a critically acclaimed drama that solidified his position as a talented thespian.
Meanwhile, his television career was a veritable smorgasbord of diverse roles, with appearances on a wide range of popular shows, including The Ford Television Theatre, a pioneering program that helped establish the medium, Lux Video Theatre, a groundbreaking series that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, Studio One, a respected anthology series that showcased his range as an actor, The Kaiser Aluminum Hour, a dramatic series that likely explored the complexities of human nature, Playhouse 90, a celebrated anthology series that featured a mix of drama, comedy, and music, Kraft Television Theatre, a popular series that showcased his versatility as an actor, The Rifleman, a classic western series that likely showcased his ability to play characters from all walks of life, Adventures in Paradise, a tropical drama series that likely took audiences on a journey of discovery, and Naked City, a gritty police procedural series that likely showcased his ability to play complex, multi-dimensional characters.
James Barton's life was tragically cut short on February 19, 1962, when he succumbed to a heart attack in Mineola, New York, leaving behind a legacy that continues to endure. Despite his untimely passing, his remarkable talent and contributions to the world of entertainment have not been forgotten, and he is still widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of all time. In fact, none other than the iconic Bing Crosby, a legendary entertainer in his own right, held James Barton in the highest esteem, counting him among his top ten favorite performers of all time, alongside an impressive array of other legendary performers, including the inimitable Al Jolson, the incomparable Frank Sinatra, the sultry Lena Horne, the incomparable Louis Armstrong, the radiant Judy Garland, and the smooth Nat King Cole.
