John Barrymore (born
John Sidney Blyth; February 14 or 15, 1882 – May 29, 1942) was an American actor on stage, screen and radio. A member of the
Drew and Barrymore theatrical dynasties, he initially tried to avoid the stage, and briefly attempted a career as an artist, but appeared on stage together with his father
Maurice in 1900, and then his sister
Ethel the following year. He began his career in 1903 and first gained attention as a stage actor in light comedy, then high drama, culminating in productions of
Justice (1916),
Richard III (1920) and
Hamlet (1922); his portrayal of Hamlet led to him being called the "greatest living American tragedian".