With effortless class and elegant charm Gene Barry took 50's and 60's TV by storm, after a rather lackluster start on the musical stage and in films. Born Eugene Klass in New York City on June 14, 1919, to Martin character's mother and father in-law. Gene was a political activist, a passion he shared with his wife Betty, who sadly died in 2003 after an almost 60 year marriage. The couple had two sons of their own, and later in life they adopted a daughter. Gene passed away on December 9, 2009 at the age of 90.
Father of director Michael Barry and Frederick Barry.
An avid political activist, he was among the many campaign supporters with Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when the politician was assassinated.
Met his wife, Betty Barry (her stage name was Julie Carson) during rehearsals of the 1944 Broadway show "Catherine Was Great". Betty was fired before opening night because she was a blonde and Mae West , the star, would not have competing blondes in her show. Betty had disguised her hair color with a dark black wig. Gene and Betty married later that year and lived a long happy life together until her death in 2003.
Sons Michael Barry and Frederick Barry were born in 1946 and 1953, respectively. They adopted a daughter Elizabeth Barry (Liza) in 1967.
Changed his name to Gene Barry in honor of his idol, John Barrymore.
Has also played Carnegie Hall.
Formed Barry Films in the early 1970s when his son Michael Barry served as writer/director of the film The Second Coming of Suzanne in which Gene appeared.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6555 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on May 5, 1998.
Was nominated for the 1984 Tony Award (New York City) for Actor in a Musical for "La Cage Aux Folles".
Has played the first ever murderer on "Columbo" , in the pilot episode Prescription: Murder .
Best remembered by the public for his starring roles as the title characters of "Bat Masterson" and in "Burkes Law" .
Former acting mentor of Gary Conway.
Following his death, he was interred at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Was also an ordained rabbi.
My earliest dreams were of acting, and I have never considered anything,else. .
