- Philip Van Zandt, Citizen Kane, 1940. The New Yorker was first thought of for the lawyer Rawlston in what was John Citizen, USA at the time. Barrier was part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre group, appearing in stage and radio shows – and a superb Banquo opposite Welles’ Macbeth, 1947.
- Lester Matthews, The Invisible Man’s Revenge , 1944. Pissed off with the way his Universal career was stagnating, Barrier walked out after four days as Sir Jasper Herrick – target of the invisible hero’s vengeance. Matthews was drafted in as Gale Sondergaard’s husband. But the Uni horror had lost their bsteam and this was the last of this guy until… Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man six years later. Barrier, the radio’s Saint, came from Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre troupe (and Macbeth film) and won better screen roles elsewhere, up to 215 credits by his 1975 demise.
- Lionel Barrymore, It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946.
Birth year: 1907Death year: 1964Other name: Casting Calls: 2