John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
Everyone is wondering what he saw in her. This lady is married to one of the most beautiful actors in the world
Pierce Brosnan’s love story defies Hollywood stereotypes of romances involving younger co-stars or older men dating much younger women. After becoming a widower in 1991, Brosnan found love with American journalist Keely Shaye Smith, and they’ve been happily married for 20 years, raising their children together.
Despite their strong relationship, some critics have targeted Keely’s appearance and weight. In response, Brosnan passionately defended his wife, emphasizing that he loves her for who she is, cherishing every aspect of her, regardless of her physical appearance.
Brosnan’s choice to remain committed to the same woman challenges the norm in Hollywood, where older men often date much younger women. This highlights the unrealistic expectations placed on women’s looks, suggesting they must always outshine men and never “let themselves go.”
His love for his wife sets an example that goes beyond physical appearance, emphasizing the value of supporting and appreciating a partner for who they truly are. Pierce Brosnan’s relationship stands as a testament to the depth and authenticity of true love.
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