John Drew Barrymore, the American actor, had a tumultuous career marked by sporadic appearances on screen. As the son of legendary stage and screen actor John Barrymore, he was born into a family of theatrical royalty, but his parents, Dolores Costello and John Barrymore, divorced when he was just an infant. His father, whom he claimed to have only seen once, was a significant influence on his life, despite their brief time together.
Barrymore's mother, Dolores Costello, attempted to shield him from the acting life, sending him to St. John's Military Academy with the intention that he attend college. However, the young actor had other plans, and at the age of 17, he signed a movie contract, choosing to leap into leading roles without any prior experience or apprenticeship.
Despite his family's initial embarrassment at his early failures, Barrymore received encouragement from his aunt, Ethel Barrymore, and other relatives. His rebellious nature, however, would eventually lead to significant personal and professional difficulties. He had numerous run-ins with the law, including arrests for drunkenness and spousal abuse, and was even jailed on multiple occasions.
In 1958, Barrymore changed his name to John Drew Barrymore, marking a brief resurgence in his film career, during which he appeared in several notable projects. However, his social behavior continued to hinder his professional progress, and he was arrested again in the 1960s for drug-related offenses.
As his career began to dwindle, Barrymore became increasingly reclusive, eventually disappearing into the wilderness to live a mystical existence that has been described as derelict. He was estranged from his family, including his children, actress Drew Barrymore and actor John Blyth Barrymore, who have both followed in his footsteps, albeit with varying degrees of success.
Throughout his life, Barrymore struggled with addiction and personal demons, ultimately leading to a life of isolation and obscurity. Despite his early promise and family connections, his career was marked by repeated failures and personal struggles, leaving behind a legacy that is both fascinating and tragic.
