Lionel Barrymore was a distinguished American actor, director, and screenwriter from the legendary Barrymore acting family. Born in 1878, he had a prolific career in both silent and sound films, as well as on stage and radio. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as the miserly Mr. Potter in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and for his performances in A Free Soul (1931), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Barrymore was also known for his recurring role as Dr. Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare film series. Despite being confined to a wheelchair later in life due to arthritis and a hip injury, he continued acting and remained a beloved figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age.