Bobby Barber
American character actor and on-set comedian who appeared in over 100 films, celebrated as an irreplaceable foil for comedy legends Abbott and Costello.
Bobby Barber - Personal Information
- Name: Bobby Barber
- Date of Birth: December 17, 1894
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Date of Death: May 24, 1976
- Gender: Male
- Job Title: Actor
Biography
Bobby Barber (December 18, 1894 – May 24, 1976) was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films. Barber is notable for his work as a foil for Abbott and Costello on and off screen.
Barber was often used by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as a form of “court jester” on the set of their films. It was his job to keep the energy level up with pranks and practical jokes. Sometimes, he even suddenly appeared on camera during a take to break up the cast and crew. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Costello answers a knock at the door expecting to see large actor Lon Chaney Jr. Instead, the very short Barber walks in wearing a funny hat with a feather. In another outtake from that film, Bela Lugosi, in full Dracula regalia, is solemnly descending a staircase to meet Abbott and Costello when all of a sudden the actors and crew burst out laughing. Lugosi, annoyed, turns around to see Barber following right behind him, mimicking his steps.
Barber also appeared in bit parts, such as a delivery boy, waiter, bellhop, or man on the street, often uncredited in movies, and in many of Abbott and Costello's films and about half their television shows. Sometimes his likeness was in a picture on a wall or a “wanted” poster in a post office. His final film appearance was in Lou Costello's last movie, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959). His film career included bit parts in over 100 (known) feature films.
Selected Filmography
A selection of Bobby Barber's screen appearances across film and television.
- The Wheeler Dealers (1963) as Workman in Night Club (uncredited)
- To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (TV - 1962) as Juror (uncredited)
- The Joker is Wild (1957) as Waiter (uncredited)
- Wagon Train (TV - 1957) as Wagon Train Member (uncredited)
- Have Gun, Will Travel (TV - 1957)
- Man of a Thousand Faces (1957) as The Miracle Man Extra (uncredited)
- The Midnight Story (1957) as Party Guest (uncredited)
- The Buster Keaton Story (1957) as Soda Fountain Customer (uncredited)
- Pardners (1956) as Townsman (uncredited)
External Links
Explore Bobby Barber's career further through these authoritative resources.