Spotlight on
Ethel Barrymore
(1879 - 1959)
Ethel Barrymore was born into an acting family. Her grandmother, Louisa Lane Drew, ran a theater company in Philadelphia, and cared for Ethel (along with her older brother Lionel, and younger brother John) while her parents, Maurice Barrymore and Georgianna Drew performed in tours. Ethel studied music, and dreamed of one day becoming a concert pianist.
Misfortune struck the family. After Ethel’s mother died, her grandmother lost her theater company, and the Barrymore children had to find jobs. The only work they were trained for was the theater, so Ethel gave up her dreams of serious music, and began playing piano in the orchestra pit, as well as bit parts on stage.
She progressed steadily in her new profession, taking on larger roles, until at the age of 20 she was cast in the lead role of Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines. Failing in Philadelphia, it became a smash success in New York securing her stardom.
In recognition of her achievements, the Shuberts built a theater for Ethel Barrymore; she opened the theater on December 20, 1928, starring in The Kingdom of God.
Ethel Barrymore
(1879 - 1959)
Ethel Barrymore was born into an acting family. Her grandmother, Louisa Lane Drew, ran a theater company in Philadelphia, and cared for Ethel (along with her older brother Lionel, and younger brother John) while her parents, Maurice Barrymore and Georgianna Drew performed in tours. Ethel studied music, and dreamed of one day becoming a concert pianist.
Misfortune struck the family. After Ethel’s mother died, her grandmother lost her theater company, and the Barrymore children had to find jobs. The only work they were trained for was the theater, so Ethel gave up her dreams of serious music, and began playing piano in the orchestra pit, as well as bit parts on stage.
She progressed steadily in her new profession, taking on larger roles, until at the age of 20 she was cast in the lead role of Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines. Failing in Philadelphia, it became a smash success in New York securing her stardom.
In recognition of her achievements, the Shuberts built a theater for Ethel Barrymore; she opened the theater on December 20, 1928, starring in The Kingdom of God.
