Trivia

An avid political activist, he was among the many campaign supporters with Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when the politician was assassinated.

Has played the first ever murderer on Columbo (1971), in the pilot episode Prescription: Murder (1968).

Met his wife, Betty Barry (her stage name was Julie Carson) during rehearsals of the 1944 Broadway show "Catherine Was Great". Betty was fired before opening night because she was a blonde and Mae West, the star, would not have competing blondes in her show. Betty had disguised her hair color with a dark black wig. Gene and Betty married later that year and lived a long happy life together until her death in 2003.

Was also an ordained rabbi.

His last appearance on screen was in the remake of War Of the Worlds, directed by Steven Spielberg, in which he makes a cameo. He was the lead character in the first War Of the Worlds, (1953).

Has also played Carnegie Hall.

Following his death, he was interred at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.

Changed his name to Gene Barry in honor of his idol, John Barrymore.

Formed Barry Films in the early 1970s when his son Michael Barry served as writer/director of the film The Second Coming of Suzanne (1974) in which Gene appeared.

Was nominated for the 1984 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for "La Cage Aux Folles".

Best remembered by the public for his starring roles as the title characters of Bat Masterson (1958) and in Burke's Law (1963).

Former acting mentor of Gary Conway.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6555 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on May 5, 1998.

Sons Michael Barry and Frederick Barry were born in 1946 and 1953, respectively. They adopted a daughter Elizabeth Barry (Liza) in 1967.

Gene Barry's voice was used in the popular Christmas commercial for Miller High life during the 1970's and 1980's. The commercial confused viewers which brand was used because of the horse drawn sleigh yet very classy.

Father of director Michael Barry and Frederick Barry.

He was a lifelong Democrat.

Born on exactly the same date as Sam Wanamaker (of "Superman 4" and "Raw Deal" fame).