theatrical family of two brothers and a sister. Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959), a much-admired beauty, appeared initially on Broadway in Captain Jinks and the Horse Marines (1901). She also acted in many films, including Rasputin and the Empress (1932) with her brothers and None But the Lonely Heart (1944), for which she won an Academy Award. John Barrymore (1882-1942) earned distinction for his performance of Hamlet (1922) on the stage. Dubbed "the Great Profile," he became a matinee idol during his years in motion pictures. His tumultuous personal life was the subject of much comment. Lionel Barrymore (1878-1954) won an Academy Award for his performance in A Free Soul (1931). He played Scrooge in annual radio broadcasts of A Christmas Carol for many years and starred in the "Dr. Kildare" series in movies and on radio. Another notable role was that of Mr. Potter in Frank Capra's 1946 film, It's a Wonderful Life.
