BARRY, DON “RED”

(1912–1980)

   Born Donald Barry De Acosta, Red Barry was an exceptionally short actor for leading roles. Atypically prolific contract player for Republic Studios, he was the first star of the popular Red Ryder series, which started in 1940. After the Red Ryder series, he appeared regularly in character parts, notably in Roy Rogers films. Barry’s character was usually wound tight, ready to fight at any moment. Evidently his off-screen personality fit his screen persona. After his B Western days, Barry continued playing supporting roles in feature Westerns as well as television Westerns. Plainsman and the Lady (1946) is sometimes considered his best Western film although he also played a prominent role in Seven Men from Now (1956), opposite Lee Marvin. In 1980 he committed suicide by shooting himself.