Written by: Emily Carter

Ethel Barrymore: The First Lady of the American Theatre

Ethel Barrymore, born Ethel Mae Blythe, was a renowned American actress who left an indelible mark on the world of stage, screen, and radio. With a career spanning six decades, she was regarded as the First Lady of the American Theatre, earning four nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and winning for her role in None but the Lonely Heart (1944).

Early Life and Family

Born on August 15, 1879, in Philadelphia, Ethel was the second child of actors Maurice Barrymore (born Herbert Blythe) and Georgiana Drew. She was named after her father's favorite character in William Makepeace Thackeray's The Newcomes. Ethel was part of a celebrated theatrical family, with brothers John and Lionel Barrymore, and was the aunt of actor John Drew Barrymore and great-aunt of actress Drew Barrymore.

Her childhood was filled with performances, as her family frequently traveled between Philadelphia and England. In 1884, they spent two years in England, where her father exhibited a play and starred on stage plays at London's Haymarket Theatre. This experience had a profound impact on Ethel, shaping her future in the world of theatre.

Rise to Fame

The summer of 1893 marked a turning point in Ethel's life. Her mother, ailing from tuberculosis, took a curative sabbatical to Santa Barbara, California, accompanied by Ethel. Unfortunately, Georgie did not recover and passed away in July 1893, at the age of 36. This tragic event forced Ethel and her brother Lionel to abandon their studies and pursue careers in theatre at a tender age.

Ethel's first appearance on Broadway was in 1895, in the play The Imprudent Young Couple. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that would see her perform in numerous stage productions, films, and radio shows.

Awards and Honors

Ethel Barrymore received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including four Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Her winning performance in None but the Lonely Heart (1944) cemented her status as a cinematic legend. She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

Legacy and Impact

Ethel Barrymore's contributions to the world of theatre and cinema are immeasurable. She was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of actresses. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for performing inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.

Today, Ethel Barrymore remains an icon of American theatre, remembered for her remarkable talent, her tireless work ethic, and her enduring legacy. Her story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a passion for the arts.

• Did you know that Ethel Barrymore was a lifelong fan of baseball, thanks to her father taking her to her first game in 1886?
• Ethel was known for her strong personality and was often referred to as "The Great Ethel."
• She was a pioneer for women in radio, starring in numerous radio plays and dramas throughout the 1930s and 1940s.