Lionel Barrymore

In the 1960s cartoon series Underdog (1964), Underdog's nemesis, Simon Bar Sinister, has a voice reminiscent of Barrymore.

His name appeared in the Looney Toons Cartoon One Froggy Evening (1955) (directed by Chuck Jones) in a newspaper on a park bench before the distraught man was sent to a psychiatric ward because the frog would not sing in front of anyone else.

Portrayed Dr. Gillespie on the syndicated radio show "The Story of Dr. Kildare" (1950-1951), and in the late 30s/40s movie series.

Acted from wheelchair from 1938 due to the effects of arthritis and hip injury.

He and Spring Byington played husband and wife in Ah Wilderness! (1935). Three years later, they played father and daughter in You Can't Take It with You (1938).

He played Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" on the radio annually for 20 years between 1934 and 1953. He missed only twice, In 1936 brother John replaced him because of the Christmas Eve death of his wife and in 1938 by Reginald Owen, whose MGM version was then in theatrical release.

The three Barrymore siblings appeared in only one film together: Rasputin and the Empress (1932). Lionel and John appeared without Ethel in Arsène Lupin (1932), Grand Hotel (1932), Night Flight (1933) and Dinner at Eight (1933). A decade after John's demise, Lionel and Ethel appeared in Main Street to Broadway (1953), Lionel's last film.

Counting unofficial nominees, is the first person to have Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (for A Free Soul (1931), which he won) and Best Director (for Madame X (1929)).

He was one of the very few screen actors in the 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s who had a prolific career despite being in a wheelchair. From 1938, his screen roles were written to accommodate his disability.

Directed 2 actors to Oscar nominations: Ruth Chatterton (Best Actress, Madame X (1929), technically not an official nominee), and Lawrence Tibbett (Best Actor, The Rogue Song (1930)).

Spent most of his screen career under contract to MGM (1926-52).

Barrymore was a member of the historical actor's club of New York, The Lambs, in 1900 and remained a member until his death.

Son of Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Barrymore; grandson of Louisa Drew and stage actor John Drew (1827-1862); nephew of Sidney Drew; cousin of S. Rankin Drew. Fathered two daughters: Ethel (1909-1910) and Mary (1916- 1917).

He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - for motion pictures at 1724 Vine Street and for radio at 1651 Vine Street.