Barry Sullivan (American actor)
A durable and commanding Hollywood leading man who smoothly transitioned into a respected character actor across five decades of film and television.
1912–1994 (age 82)·American actor·Birthday: August 29·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Barry Sullivan possessed the sharp, handsome features and authoritative voice of a natural leading man, but it was his understated intelligence that gave his performances lasting weight. After stage work, he signed with Hollywood in the early 1940s and quickly found his niche in noirs and westerns, often playing the tough, morally ambiguous hero or the sleek, untrustworthy heavy. He stood out in films like 'The Gangster' and 'The Great Gatsby,' bringing a world-weary credibility to his roles. As the studio system waned, Sullivan seamlessly pivoted to television, becoming a familiar face in anthology series and, later, as a guest star on countless shows from 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' to 'Murder, She Wrote.' His career was a masterclass in longevity, defined not by flashy stardom but by consistent, reliable craft that made him a welcome presence in any scene.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Barry was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Barry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Barry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Died at 82
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
Key Achievements
- Starred in over 100 films, including notable roles in 'The Bad and the Beautiful' (1952) and 'The Great Gatsby' (1949).
- Had a prolific television career, appearing in hundreds of episodes across major series from the 1950s through the 1980s.
- Maintained a successful career as a working actor for over 40 years, transitioning from leading man to esteemed character actor.
Did You Know?
He was a semi-professional boxer before turning to acting.
Sullivan served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
He was considered for the role of Matt Dillon in the TV series 'Gunsmoke' before James Arness was cast.
Sullivan was a skilled golfer and often participated in celebrity tournaments.
“The camera doesn't lie, and it doesn't forgive a false move either.”
