How Old Was Lionel Barrymore When He Died
Lionel Barrymore was born on April 28, 1878, and died on November 15, 1954, making him 76 years old at the time of his death. He passed away in Hollywood, California, from complications related to arthritis and other age-related health issues. His death marked the end of a long career in film, radio, and stage that spanned more than five decades. Barrymore remained a recognizable figure in American entertainment until his final years, with his later roles often reflecting a distinguished, sometimes stern screen persona. His age at death is frequently cited in biographies and film histories when summarizing his legacy. For additional context on his later career, see the detailed filmography and biography sections on the official Academy Museum and Turner Classic Movies pages TCM Lionel Barrymore page.
The question of how old Lionel Barrymore was when he died is straightforward: he was 76. This figure is consistent across major reference sources such as the Internet Broadway Database and the American Film Institute catalog. His death certificate and contemporary news reports confirm the date and location, and his age is calculated from his birth and death dates. The consistency of this data across trusted entertainment and biographical databases helps verify the accuracy of the 76-year figure. Barrymore's longevity in the industry, from the silent era through the early television period, is often highlighted alongside his age at death as a measure of his sustained relevance.
Lionel Barrymore Age at Death and Cause of Death
The cause of death for Lionel Barrymore was recorded as natural causes, primarily related to severe arthritis and cardiovascular issues that worsened with age. He had suffered from arthritis for many years, which increasingly limited his mobility and influenced the roles he could accept in his later career. Medical reports from the mid-20th century note that his health declined steadily in his final years, though he continued to work in radio and film until shortly before his death. The combination of chronic illness and advanced age contributed to his passing at 76. This information is corroborated by archival medical summaries and biographical entries in the Library of Congress and the Paley Center for Media collections Library of Congress Lionel Barrymore entry.
Lionel Barrymore's age at death is often discussed in relation to his long career in entertainment, which included notable performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. His final film appearances came in the early 1950s, when he was in his mid-70s, demonstrating his continued presence in the industry despite his health challenges. The progression of his arthritis and its impact on his work is documented in several biographies and film histories. These sources confirm that his death at 76 was the result of cumulative health issues rather than a single acute event. The clarity of the cause-of-death records helps explain why his age at death is consistently reported as 76 across reliable references.
Lionel Barrymore Career Timeline and Legacy
Lionel Barrymore's career began on the stage in the early 1900s, and he transitioned to film during the silent era, becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "A Free Soul" in 1931, cementing his reputation as a versatile performer. His age at death of 76 reflects a career that lasted more than 50 years, encompassing film, radio, and television work. Barrymore's later radio series and television appearances kept him in the public eye during the 1940s and early 1950s. His legacy is often