What Happened to Diana Barrymore? Who was Diana Barrymore? How Did Diana Barrymore Die?
by Hemaasri | Updated Jul 20, 2023
What Happened to Diana Barrymore?
Diana Barrymore, whose full name was Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe, was an American actress and member of the famous Barrymore family. She was born on March 3, 1921, and had a tumultuous life marked by personal struggles, including issues with alcohol and relationships.
Tragically, Diana Barrymore passed away on January 25, 1960, at the age of 38 due to an accidental overdose of alcohol and drugs. Her death was ruled as acute barbiturate poisoning. Diana's life and struggles were chronicled in her autobiography, "Too Much, Too Soon," which was later adapted into a film in 1958, where Dorothy Malone portrayed her on-screen.
Who was Diana Barrymore?
Diana Barrymore, the renowned American stage and film actress, was born Diana Strange Blythe on March 3rd 1921. Her parents were the famous John Barrymore, a matinee idol, and Michael Strange, who was not only a poet but also a playwright and used the pseudonym "Michael Strange." Diana's early life was marked by her parents' separation shortly after her birth, leading her to have limited contact with her father until she reached the age of 14.
Growing up, Diana faced a somewhat solitary existence as her mother remarried, and she was sent off to boarding schools, totaling to 16 in her lifetime. However, she possessed a rebellious nature and a strong desire to pursue a career in acting.
At the age of 16, Diana Barrymore embarked on her acting journey by enrolling at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She embraced her identity as the daughter of the charismatic and unpredictable John Barrymore and the gifted Michael Strange, whom Vin Packer describes as having a unique sense of style, including wearing jackets in the style of Alfred de Musset, open-collar shirts, a man's soft fedora, and carrying a man's walking stick.
In 1938, Diana gained significant attention when she was named "Debutante of the Year" by columnist Cholly Knickerbocker. Her career in the spotlight took off when she signed for a season of summer stock at the Ogunquit Playhouse in 1939. The playhouse's publicity director recognized the opportunity for national publicity, and in July of that year, Diana found herself on the cover of Life magazine, captivating readers while dressed in a bathing suit.
Throughout her life, Diana Barrymore's personal struggles, including difficult relationships and her own demons, overshadowed her talent and potential. She married three times, first to Bramwell Fletcher, then to John Howard, a tennis player, and finally to Bob Wilcox.
Tragically, Diana Barrymore's life took a dark turn, and on January 25, 1960, she committed suicide in New York City. Her passing marked the end of a brilliant yet tumultuous life, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actress whose journey was intertwined with personal challenges and public fascination.
How Did Diana Barrymore Die?
Diana Barrymore's cause of death was officially ruled as an accidental drug overdose. There were no indications of suicide or murder in her case, and her death was not classified as a poisoned murder. The circumstances surrounding her passing point to a tragic accident related to her struggles with substance abuse.
Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe, known professionally as Diana Barrymore, was an American film and stage actress. Throughout her life, she battled with alcohol and drug addiction, which led to significant personal challenges and setbacks in her career.
On January 25, 1960, Diana Barrymore was found dead in her apartment in New York City at the age of 38. The specific drugs involved in her overdose were not mentioned in the information available up to my last update.Her autopsy report likely included details of her physical condition, toxicology results, and any evidence of drugs or substances in her system.
When Did Diana Barrymore Die?
Diana Barrymore, whose full name was Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe, died on January 25, 1960. She passed away at the relatively young age of 38.
The reason for Diana Barrymore's death was attributed to a drug overdose. However, her autopsy failed to provide a definitive cause of death, and it did not find any clear indications of an overdose. This uncertainty has led to some speculation and mystery surrounding the exact circumstances of her passing.
Throughout her life, Diana Barrymore faced numerous personal struggles, including battles with alcohol and drug addiction. She experienced bouts of severe depression and made several suicide attempts. These issues were further complicated by the tragic deaths of her father, actor John Barrymore, in 1942 due to complications from alcoholism, and her third husband, actor Robert Wilcox, who died of a heart attack while traveling by train in 1955.
Diana's life was marked by a series of unfortunate events, and her struggles with addiction and emotional turmoil took a toll on her career and personal life. Her autobiography, "Too Much, Too Soon," published in 1957, offered insights into her turbulent journey and received public attention.
Despite her family's prominent name in the entertainment industry and her own early success on stage and in films, Diana Barrymore's life was fraught with challenges that ultimately led to her untimely death in 1960. The exact circumstances surrounding her passing remain uncertain, but her struggles and tragic end continue to be remembered as part of the legacy of the famous Barrymore family.
Diana Barrymore Wiki
Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe, born on March 3, 1921, was an acclaimed American actress known for her work in both films and on stage. Born in New York City to actor John Barrymore and poet Blanche Oelrichs, Diana faced early challenges as her parents divorced when she was only four years old. She received an education in both Paris and New York City, but her relationship with her father remained distant.
In her teenage years, Diana decided to pursue acting and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her association with the renowned Barrymore family brought significant media attention when she made her debut on Broadway in 1939, even gracing the cover of Life magazine.
The following year, she ventured into the world of cinema with a minor role in a Warner Bros. production after signing a contract with Universal Studios in 1942. The studio promoted her as "1942's Most Sensational New Screen Personality," capitalizing on the Barrymore name.
Unfortunately, Diana's career was hindered by her struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, which led to negative media coverage and eventually resulted in the premature end of her Hollywood journey, lasting less than three years with six notable film roles.
In 1942, Diana's father, John Barrymore, passed away due to cirrhosis of the liver brought on by years of alcoholism, further exacerbating her personal challenges. Her life became a series of tragedies, marked by severe depression, suicide attempts, and extended stays in sanitariums due to her alcohol and drug-related issues. Her inherited wealth was squandered, leaving her with little after her mother's death in 1950.
In 1949, she was offered a television talk show, "The Diana Barrymore Show," which she ultimately did not pursue, missing the opportunity to have the first talk show in television history. She later toured Australia with her third husband, expressing her disdain for the continent upon their return to the United States.
Diana had three failed marriages, the first to actor Bramwell Fletcher, the second to tennis player John Howard, and the last to actor Robert Wilcox, who passed away from a heart attack while traveling by train in June 1955.Seeking help for her addiction issues, Diana spent nearly a year hospitalized for treatment in 1955. She later wrote her autobiography, "Too Much, Too Soon," with the assistance of ghostwriter Gerold Frank, and the book was promoted during her appearance on Mike Wallace's TV show, "The Mike Wallace Interview."
In 1960, Diana Barrymore passed away at the age of 38. Her cause of death was attributed to a drug overdose, but her autopsy failed to determine the exact cause. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York, next to her mother.
Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe, born on March 3, 1921, was an acclaimed American actress known for her work in both films and on stage. Born in New York City to actor John Barrymore and poet Blanche Oelrichs, Diana faced early challenges as her parents divorced when she was only four years old. She received education in both Paris and New York City, but her relationship with her father remained distant.
In her teenage years, Diana decided to pursue acting and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her association with the renowned Barrymore family brought significant media attention when she made her debut on Broadway in 1939, even gracing the cover of Life magazine.
The following year, she ventured into the world of cinema with a minor role in a Warner Bros. production after signing a contract with Universal Studios in 1942. The studio promoted her as "1942's Most Sensational New Screen Personality," capitalizing on the Barrymore name.
Unfortunately, Diana's career was hindered by her struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, which led to negative media coverage and eventually resulted in the premature end of her Hollywood journey, lasting less than three years with six notable film roles.
In 1942, Diana's father, John Barrymore, passed away due to cirrhosis of the liver brought on by years of alcoholism, further exacerbating her personal challenges. Her life became a series of tragedies, marked by severe depression, suicide attempts, and extended stays in sanitariums due to her alcohol and drug-related issues. Her inherited wealth was squandered, leaving her with little after her mother's death in 1950.
In 1949, she was offered a television talk show, "The Diana Barrymore Show," which she ultimately did not pursue, missing the opportunity to have the first talk show in television history. She later toured Australia with her third husband, expressing her disdain for the continent upon their return to the United States.
Diana had three failed marriages, the first to actor Bramwell Fletcher, the second to tennis player John Howard, and the last to actor Robert Wilcox, who passed away from a heart attack while traveling by train in June 1955.Seeking help for her addiction issues, Diana spent nearly a year hospitalized for treatment in 1955. She later wrote her autobiography, "Too Much, Too Soon," with the assistance of ghostwriter Gerold Frank, and the book was promoted during her appearance on Mike Wallace's TV show, "The Mike Wallace Interview."
In 1960, Diana Barrymore passed away at the age of 38. Her cause of death was attributed to a drug overdose, but her autopsy failed to determine the exact cause. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York, next to her mother.
What Happened to Diana Barrymore? - FAQ
Diana Barrymore, born Diana Strange Blythe, was a renowned American stage and film actress, known for being a member of the famous Barrymore family.
Diana Barrymore passed away on January 25, 1960, in New York City.
Diana Barrymore's cause of death was ruled as an accidental drug overdose.
Throughout her life, Diana Barrymore battled with personal struggles, including issues with alcohol and relationships, as well as bouts of severe depression.
Diana Barrymore left behind a legacy as a talented actress, but her life was also marked by personal challenges that overshadowed her potential success in the entertainment industry.