Bobby Barber

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.

Bobby Barber
Barber in Second Chorus, 1940
Born(1894-12-18)December 18, 1894
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedMay 24, 1976(1976-05-24) (aged 81)
Seal Beach, California, U.S.
Years active1926–1963
SpouseMaxine Barber

Biography

Barber was born Robert S. Barbera in New York.[1] His film career included bit parts, often uncredited, in over 250 (known) films and television shows. Barber appeared in many Abbott and Costello films and about half their television shows. Following the death of Lou Costello's father in 1947, Costello became very close with Barber, including him in various antics off set as a form of "court jester." It was his job to keep the energy level up between shots with pranks and practical jokes. Sometimes, he even interrupted a take to break up the cast and crew. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Costello opens a door expecting to see Lon Chaney Jr. Instead, Barber enters and breaks up the scene. In another outtake from that film, Bela Lugosi solemnly descends a staircase to meet Abbott and Costello's characters. Unbeknownst to him, Barber follows behind him, mimicking his steps. The prank breaks up the cast and crew, but Lugosi did not appear amused.

Among his final film appearances was in Lou Costello's last movie, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959). Barber also turned up as an extra in episodes of Leave It to Beaver. Barber died in 1976 in California, at age 81.[2]

Selected filmography

References
  1. "California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPC6-971 : 26 November 2014), Robert S Barbera, 24 May 1976; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
  2. Chris Costello & Raymond Trait (1981). Lou's On First. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0312499132.


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