John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
Insider Leaks Ryan Seacrest’s True Feelings About ‘Wheel of Fortune’—Is He Ready to Replace Pat Sajak
Ryan Seacrest is a well-known figure in the entertainment world, but he’s feeling the pressure as he gets ready to take over from Pat Sajak as the host of *Wheel of Fortune*.
According to sources in the US, Radar Online reports that Seacrest is using special techniques to deal with his anxiety about this big new job.
Fans know that 77-year-old Sajak is stepping down after more than 40 years as the show’s host. Seacrest, who is 49, has been chosen to replace him, but taking over such an important role is a huge challenge.
Even though Seacrest has a long and successful career on TV, insiders say he still feels the pressure of taking on such an iconic job.
One source told Radar Online: “Ryan often takes on more than he can handle. He’s nervous right now, but he’s always wanted to be the next Dick Clark, and he’s become that. But he’s only human, and filling Pat Sajak’s shoes on *Wheel of Fortune* is a massive challenge.”
If anyone is right for the job, it’s Ryan Seacrest, who also hosts *American Idol*. But to prepare for hosting *Wheel of Fortune*, he’s using some tried-and-true methods to get ready. The first episodes with Seacrest as host are expected to air this September.
According to a source, “He’s doing everything he can to handle the nerves before his new job. That includes getting at least eight hours of sleep and listening to audiobooks for anxiety, because Ryan doesn’t know how to switch off by himself.”
The source added, “He has other helpful tricks, too. Just going outside for some fresh air and sunshine helps him relax. He’ll also have a cozy, air-conditioned trailer at the studio where he can unwind.”
Ryan Seacrest shared a heartfelt tribute to Pat Sajak three weeks ago. In his message, he praised the famous host’s partnership with Vanna White, 67, and said Sajak had “set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
On Instagram, Seacrest wrote, “Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with *Wheel of Fortune*! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”
He continued, “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
Leave a Reply