Barry Kelley was an American actor in film, television, and on stage from the 1940s to the 1970s. Kelley’s physical presence of 6’4’’ and weight of 230 pounds defined his career in Hollywood. He played an important role in shaping the backbone of American film and television in the mid-20th century. Kelley’s legacy lives on in the films and television shows that continue to be watched and studied.
Barry Kelley’s Early Life and Background
Edward Barry Kelley was born on August 19, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois. His early interest in the performing arts led him to study at the Goodman School of Drama, part of the Art Institute of Chicago. He graduated from Loyola University in Chicago. Barry Kelley was married to Hildegarde Pabst in the 1930s. They were together until Kathleen died in 1991, just weeks before Kelley’s own passing. They had one child and lived in Los Angeles.
Despite his public career, Kelley maintained a low profile off-screen. He was known to be a dedicated husband and father in a long marriage, suggesting a stable and supportive family environment. After retiring from acting, Kelley spent his remaining years in California. He passed away on September 5, 1991, in Los Angeles, at the age of 83. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. His stern voice, tall stature, and ability to bring authority to life gave credibility to countless films and shows.
Details of Barry Kelley’s Career Life
After completing his education, Kelley moved to New York City, where he began his journey as a stage actor. His classical training and baritone voice made him a natural fit for serious dramatic roles, and he quickly found work in Broadway productions. Some of his Broadway credits include Parnell, Saint Joan, Within the Gates, Mamba’s Daughters, Loco, Portrait in Black, and Strip for Action. His role as Ike in Oklahoma showcased his skills to blend humour and authority, and gave him recognition.
Kelley’s voice and stature impressed director Elia Kazan, who cast him in the film Boomerang in 1947. Kelley became a familiar face to audiences due to his frequent roles as judges, police officers, detectives, and politicians in films, westerns, and crime dramas. Some of his most popular roles include Force of Evil, Ma and Pa Kettle, South Sea Woman, How to Murder Your Wife, The Love Bug, and The Extraordinary Seaman in 1969. He has had a successful career in film for over two decades.
During the 1950s and 1960s, he made television appearances, mostly in crime dramas and westerns. His roles on TV include Lawman, The Lone Ranger, Have Gun, Bat Masterson, Going My Way, The Tom Ewell Show, and Have Gun. His skills and adaptability made it easier for him to switch genres, and he became a reliable actor in the golden age of television. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Kelley’s screen appearances slowed. His last film role came in Love and Death, Woody Allen’s period comedy, where Kelley fittingly played a general.
