Barry Kelley: From Broadway To Hollywood's Finest Character Actor
Ever find yourself captivated by a character actor, their face familiar but their name elusive? Barry Kelley was one of those actors, a man who, despite never reaching leading-man status, graced both stage and screen with his undeniable presence and ability to inhabit a role completely.
Born Edward Kelley on August 19, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, he honed his craft at the Goodman School of Drama before embarking on a career that spanned decades. From the bright lights of Broadway in the 1930s and 40s to the burgeoning world of film and television from the late 1940s through the 1960s, Kelley established himself as a dependable and versatile performer. While his birth name was Edward Kelley, he embraced the stage name Barry Kelley, which became synonymous with reliable character acting across various genres. His imposing stature and commanding presence often led him to be cast as figures of authority, particularly judges, detectives, and police officers, roles he embodied with a natural gravitas. His transition from stage to screen was seamless, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to the craft. Whether it was a gritty film noir, a sweeping Western, a lively musical, or a side-splitting comedy, Kelley lent his talent to a diverse range of projects. He created the role of Ike Skidmore in the original Broadway production of "Oklahoma!," a testament to his early theatrical success.
| Full Name | Edward Kelley (Stage Name: Barry Kelley) |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 19, 1908 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Death Date | June 5, 1991 (Some sources state June 15, 1991) |
| Occupation | Actor (Broadway, Film, Television) |
| Years Active | 1930s - 1960s |
| Spouse | Kathleen Dorothea Schmidt (Tadler) |
| Notable Roles | Ike Skidmore in "Oklahoma!," Detective Lt. Ditrich in "The Asphalt Jungle," roles in "The Manchurian Candidate," "Elmer Gantry," "Flying Leathernecks," "How to Murder Your Wife," "Robin and the 7 Hoods," "The Love Bug," "Boomerang," "Force of Evil," "Carrie," "The Tall Stranger," "South Sea Woman" |
| Known For | Character actor, often cast as judges, detectives, and police officers. |
| Find a Grave | Biography, photos, burial place and memorial id can be found on Find a Grave. |
| IMDb | Biography, credits, photos, videos and trivia can be found on IMDb. |
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