Barry Sullivan - A Look At His Acting Life

For anyone who spent time watching films or television over many decades, the face of Barry Sullivan would, in a way, be quite familiar. He was, you know, a performer who showed up on screens for a truly long stretch, making his mark in countless stories. It's really something to think about how one person could be so consistently present in the entertainment world, giving audiences a chance to see his work again and again, more or less for half a century.

This individual, a rather steady presence in the acting community, had a career that stretched from the 1930s all the way through the 1980s. That's, you know, a good fifty years of showing up in front of the camera, giving life to all sorts of characters. He was, in some respects, a true workhorse of the screen, moving between leading parts and important supporting roles with what seems like considerable ease, always delivering his performance.

His path into the world of acting, as a matter of fact, began in a rather straightforward way, yet it led him to a career that was anything but small. From his beginnings in New York to his time on Broadway and then to the bright lights of Hollywood, Barry Sullivan really left a significant footprint. We will, obviously, explore some of the many fascinating aspects of his extensive career, looking at the different sorts of roles he took on and how he became such a recognizable figure.

Table of Contents

Barry Sullivan's Early Days and Acting Beginnings

Patrick Barry Sullivan, as a matter of fact, made his first appearance in the world on August 29, 1912, right there in New York City. It's interesting to think about how someone born in such a busy place might find their calling. For him, the spark for performing, his real deep interest in acting, kind of caught fire while he was still going through his college years. It was during that time, you know, that he figured out what he truly wanted to do with his life, a discovery that would shape everything that came after.

Before he became a familiar face on movie screens, Barry Sullivan, as it turns out, spent a good stretch of time performing on Broadway during the 1930s. This period was, well, quite important for him, giving him a solid foundation in the craft of acting. It was there, you know, on the stage, that he honed his skills and got a real feel for connecting with an audience in person. This experience, in some respects, laid the groundwork for his very long and successful career in front of the camera.

Interestingly enough, during the later part of the Depression years, Barry Sullivan received some rather unique advice. People apparently told him that because of his impressive height, standing at about 6 feet 3 inches, and his strong, appealing face, he could actually earn money just by, you know, standing somewhere. It seems his physical presence and handsome features were quite noticeable, suggesting he had a natural appeal that was recognized even before he became a household name. This certainly speaks to his commanding appearance, doesn't it?

Barry Sullivan - Personal Details

Full NamePatrick Barry Sullivan
BornAugust 29, 1912
BirthplaceNew York City
Height6 feet 3 inches (1.9 meters)
DiedMonday, at his home in Sherman Oaks
Passion DiscoveredWhile in college

How Did Barry Sullivan Become a Screen Fixture?

After his notable time performing on Broadway in the 1930s, Barry Sullivan, you know, began a very steady stream of appearances in Hollywood films. He started out taking on roles that supported the main characters, showing up alongside some of the best-known actresses of the time. This gradual entry into the movie world allowed him to build his experience and, in a way, get comfortable with the different demands of film acting compared to stage work.

His career, which basically spanned well over four decades, saw Barry Sullivan show up in more than a hundred films, and some records even suggest it was closer to over 170 movies and television programs. That's, honestly, quite a remarkable number of projects to be involved with. He started out, you know, as someone who played leading parts once he had made a name for himself in the business, and then later on, he moved into being a character performer, taking on those distinctive roles that really add something special to a story.

For fifty years, Barry Sullivan was, more or less, a constant presence as either a main character or a very important second lead in both movies and television. This consistent work shows, really, how much he was valued in the industry. He had, you know, that kind of reliable presence that producers and directors could count on, making him a go-to person for many different sorts of stories and situations. It's pretty clear he had a knack for making these parts his own.

What Kinds of Roles Did Barry Sullivan Play?

Barry Sullivan took on a variety of parts throughout his long career, showing his range as a performer. He was, for example, seen in a number of rather well-known films. Among these were "The Bad and the Beautiful," a story that, you know, gave him a chance to show his acting skills. He also had a part in "The Price," which was another significant piece of work for him. And then there was "The Tall Man," where he played a very important role, as we will get into a little more.

Beyond those specific films, Barry Sullivan also made appearances in a good number of other memorable productions. He was, in fact, seen in a version of "The Great Gatsby," bringing a character from that classic story to life. He also had a role in "The Virginian," a popular television program, and was part of "The Streets of San Francisco," another well-known show. These roles, you know, gave audiences many opportunities to see his work across different types of stories and settings.

In "The Tall Man," Barry Sullivan took on the character of Benjamin Pride. The story, as it goes, follows him and his family as they are making their way west. They decide to make a stop in Lawrence, Kansas, because they are quite drawn in by the promise of good land there. What's interesting is that they are not put off by the fact that Judd Barker, played by George C. Scott, and his group of rough characters are trying to keep people from the north out of that area. This, you know, really shows the kind of determined character he could portray.

Beyond Acting - Barry Sullivan's Other Creative Pursuits

It's interesting to note that Barry Sullivan's creative contributions weren't, you know, just limited to standing in front of the camera and speaking lines. He also ventured into other aspects of making films and television programs. For some of his projects, he actually took on the responsibility of directing, guiding the entire production. This means he was, essentially, shaping the story from a different perspective, making decisions about how everything would look and feel.

And if that wasn't enough, Barry Sullivan also had a hand in the musical side of things for some of his work. He composed soundtracks, which means he created the music that accompanied the stories. This is, honestly, a pretty neat detail, showing a different sort of talent he possessed. It suggests he had a deeper connection to the overall artistic process of filmmaking, going beyond just performing the parts he was given. It's like, you know, he was involved in the whole package.

Where Can You Find Barry Sullivan's Full Work?

For anyone interested in seeing the full breadth of Barry Sullivan's acting career, there are places where you can, you know, discover every movie and television program he was credited in. One such place is on Rotten Tomatoes, where you can explore his complete filmography. It's a handy way to get a good look at just how much work he put out over the years, giving you a full picture of his contributions to the screen.

When you are looking through his list of work, you might find that there are options to filter what you see. For instance, you could, perhaps, look at the top 10 movies that starred Barry Sullivan. Or, if you want a bit more, you could see the top 20 films where he had a leading part. And for those who are really keen to explore, there's even a way to check out the top 50 movies featuring Barry Sullivan. These sorts of filters, you know, make it easier to find some of his most notable performances.

Barry Sullivan's Lasting Presence

Barry Sullivan's career, as we've discussed, spanned well over forty years, a truly impressive length of time for anyone in the entertainment field. During this period, he was seen in more than a hundred movies, and some sources suggest the number of films and television programs he appeared in actually goes up to over 170. This sheer volume of work, you know, speaks volumes about his dedication and his consistent presence in Hollywood for many, many years.

He started out primarily as a leading actor once he had really made a name for himself in the business, which is quite a feat in itself. Later on, he transitioned into becoming a character actor, taking on those memorable, often distinctive, roles that support the main story. This adaptability, you know, allowed him to continue working steadily for decades, always finding new parts that suited his skills and presence. It's pretty clear he was able to adjust with the times.

Sadly, Barry Sullivan passed away on a Monday at his home, which was located in Sherman Oaks. His passing marked the end of a very long and productive life in front of the camera, leaving behind a vast collection of performances for people to enjoy. His contribution to both the big screen and the small screen was, in some respects, quite significant, leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment world for those who remember his work.

A Look Back at Barry Sullivan's Broadway Connections

Before he became such a recognizable face in films and on television, Barry Sullivan, you know, had a solid foundation in live theater. He acted in "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial," which was a well-known play on Broadway, giving him a chance to perform in front of live audiences. He also took part in other plays during his time there, showing his versatility on the stage before making the move to Hollywood.

His significant time performing on Broadway in the 1930s was, honestly, a very important part of his artistic journey. It was during this period that he honed his craft, learning the ins and outs of acting in a live setting, which is quite different from working on a film set. This early experience, you know, surely helped shape him into the seasoned performer he would become, giving him the skills to handle a wide range of roles later in his career. It's like, he really paid his dues.

Barry Sullivan - Hollywood Walk of Fame

Barry Sullivan - Hollywood Walk of Fame

Pictures of Barry Sullivan

Pictures of Barry Sullivan

Pictures of Barry Sullivan

Pictures of Barry Sullivan

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