Lionel Barrymore

(1878-1954)

This fine original pencil portrait is inscribed “To H.E. Muller with best wishes from Lionel Barrymore” in a blank area below the portrait.

It is also signed and dated “8.26.33” by the highly skilled portrait artist H. E. Muller.

This is one of ten 'signed' beautifully executed Muller portraits of Hollywood legends being offered in this website. (See all10 signed portraits)

Eight (of the 10) are 8.5” x 11” and two are slightly smaller. In matching frames they would make an impressive display in a business, office or home.

The Barrymore family was noted for acting careers. Lionel was the older brother of John 1882-1942) and sister Ethel (1879-1959).

Although Lionel’s lifetime career was as an actor, he didn’t hesitate to state his hate for the business. The primary years of his very active movie career were 1914-1951. Lionel had many fine performances but his only ‘Best Actor’ Academy Award was in 1930-31 for his performance as a drunken defense attorney in the movie “A Free Soul”. Barrymore suffered from arthritis and in spite of spending the last 17 years of his life in a wheelchair he continued to perform in both movies and the radio.