Evening star., 1942-05-30
John Barrymore Dies at so
After Return to Catholic Faith
Continued From First Page.)

cause of death was myocarditis,
heart ailment, complicated by
chronic nephritis, cirrhosis of the
liver and gastric ulcers.
Mr.. Barrymore, who had been
frequently i'll in late years, suffered
his final collapse May 10. He ap-
peared at a broadcasting studio for
rehearsal that night, his face con-
torted with pain.
Mr.. Barrymore came from his
dressing room when the rehearsal
was about to start, then staggered
backward, tears of pain starting
from his eyes.
To Rudy Vallee, who rushed to
his aid, Mr.. Barrymore said:
Il guess this is one time I miss
my cue"
At the hospital he made a brave
fight, but years of the gay life of
which he often spoke jokingly on
his ra ''io programs, had taken their
toll, and at no time did his condi-
ton give his physician cause for en-
couragement.
Stimulants Fail.
For days he was conscious only
at Intervals. Several days ago his
doctor resorted to stimulants to keep
his tagging heart going, but it was
no use.
In a hospital ante-room when the
end came was his daughter, Diana
Barrymore, born of his marriage
to Michael Strange, writer. II
Mamaroneck, N. Y, it was an
nounced that his sister, Ethel Barry
more, would finish two stage per-
formances today in Boston.
Mr.. Barrymore once told friend
that every second of his life was
an interesting experience, and his
antics, on stage and off. bore him
out. He was married four times,
made fortunes and spent them, had
national reputation as a wit, and
was regarded as one of the most
competent actors of his time.
He was an unpredictable man,
sometimes aloof and reserved, then
roguiSh and jovial He was a IA
vorlte Of neWsmen, to whom he was
almost invariably cordial. When he
was in Chicago in 1889 he was be-
sieged by high school editors and
reporters and student actors seek
ing interviews. Refusing to disap-
point them, he held a press con-
ference for $50, and answered ques-
tions for SO minutes.
He reproved hotel manager who
tried to break it up, and later made
a typical Barrymore exit after apol-
igizing to the youngsters for taking
so much &c their time.
John is survived by his brother
Lionel, his sister Ethel and three
children, Diana, and Dolores Ethel
Mae Barrymore, II, and John Blythe
Barrymore, 10, born of his marriage
to Dolores Costello.
Mr.. Barrymore's last few years
were his most hectic. most exciting
and therefore most publicized.
His Caliban-Ariel romance with
Elaine Barrie. His financial difficult
ties-a Jurist put him on a 5000
weekly allowance, assigned the re-
mainder of his income to creditors;
then raised Johns share to S70O for
good behavior. His satirlzing of his
own life on stage, screen and radio.
And his frequent bouts with death
itself frequently stole headline ON
vastly more important, if less ri
GUS news.
Frequently Ribbed Himself.
Mr.. Barrymore seldom missed
chance to rib himself, and his antics
kept him well supplied with fresh
material
Nearing his 54th birthday ami
versary, in 1896, he told an inter-
viewer:
Il expect to live to be 1888. But
when my time comes, want to 60
like my uncle, John Drew. He died
like a gent. His death truly was
artistic"
Four times divorced John
quipped after Elaine Barrie cut their
marital ties in 1910 and was awarded
use of the name Elaine Barrymore,
but without the prefix Mrs:
There are so many Barrymores.
I have high regard for Elaines
talent and it might clutter up her
career to be mixed up with other
actresses"
He also suggested the divorce
might lead to friendship with
Elaine. I've really got to know my
wives better after we are divorced"
he explained:
The fact the orree-great lovers
name had not been linked WfrnaaY
womans since his divorce from
Elaine was contradictory to his as
sertion:
I've been in love heaven knows
how many times-Ill never stop
falling in love. Women to me are
as mysterious and charming and
wonderful as they were the day I
opened my eyes and realized they
were on earth"
John joked about his financial
troubles, which included suits to-
taling 100000 in 1887 and the sale,
by court order, of his famous yacht,
Intanta. John said it cost $150,000
to build in 1929 and he valued it at
100000. E. P. Lawson, New York
manufacturer, bought it for SIT 800
at the court sale.
MY life" quipped the great
profile, seems to be full of deduc-
tions-and take care not to spell