Anecdotes

When they were both 13 years old, he and his cousin, Dirk Drew Davenport, successfully enlisted in the US Navy (it was during WW2), presenting themselves as 17-year-olds. Being tall and well-built (especially for 13), it was several weeks before the Navy (and their family) uncovered their patriotic charade.

Had four children: son, John Blyth Barrymore (b. 5/15/54, as John Sidney Blyth Barrymore III) with first wife, Cara Williams and daughters, Blyth Dolores Barrymore (b. 10/28/62) with second wife, Gabriella Palazzoli, Brahma Jessica Blyth Barrymore (7/31-66-7/29/2014) with fourth wife, Nina Wayne and Drew Barrymore (b. 2/22/75) with third wife, Jaid Barrymore.

In 2003, wheelchair-bound, he appeared in a Los Angeles court hearing to determine who will act as his guardian. He suffered from both physical and mental illness.

In daughter Drew Barrymore's memoir "Little Girl Lost," she offered a blistering account of her absent father, including his considerable brushes with the law, his alcoholism, drug abuse and penchant for domestic violence. She summed up their relationship as "abusive" and "chaotic." She herself battled alcohol and substance abuse at age 12. Ironically, in his final years, she helped pay his bills for an assisted-living facility.

Daughter Jessica, whom he fathered with fourth wife, Nina Wayne, was found dead from a drug overdose in her car in July 2014. She was two days away from her 48th birthday.

Son of John Barrymore and Dolores Costello.

Was cast in the starring role of Lazarus in Star Trek. He didn't show up on the first day of filming. The producers subsequently filed and won a grievance with the Screen Actors Guild, which suspended his SAG membership for six months. Robert Brown was hired to replace him.

He inherited a chest full of family memorabilia and collectibles when his mother, actress Dolores Costello, died in 1979. They included family photos, journals, movie stills, and letters. He had a friend, Carol Stein Hoffman, turn the archives into a coffee table book entitled "The Barrymores: Hollywood's First Family," which was published in 2001.

Nephew of Lionel Barrymore and Ethel Barrymore--his father's siblings.

His career was ruined by drug busts.

Made his TV debut on Pantomime Quiz on February 22, 1952.

Grandfather of Olive Kopelman and Frankie Kopelman, Drew Barrymore's daughters.

Grandfather of John Sidney Blyth Barrymore IV, Sabrina Brooke Barrymore, and Blyth Lane Barrymore (John III's children).

Father-in-law of Will Kopelman third husband of his daughter Drew.

Nephew of Helene Costello--his mother's sibling.

Father-in-law of Antonio Gioffredi (Dolores' husband). Grandfather of Gabriella and Nicole Gioffredi.

Former father-in-law of Tom Green, Jeremy Thomas, Jacqueline Barrymore and Rebecca Pogrow.

Born at 3:42pm PDT.