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Bobby Barber

Acting Born Dec 17, 1894 New York City, New York, USA 24 credits

Biography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

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Known for

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour

as Juror (uncredited)

Wagon Train

as Wagon Train Member (uncredited)

Have Gun, Will Travel

1957

Full filmography

  • The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962) as Juror (uncredited)
  • Wagon Train (1957) as Wagon Train Member (uncredited)
  • Have Gun, Will Travel (1957)
  • Adventures of Superman (1952) as Tony the Masseur
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Chauffeur
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man with Overcoat
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man in Pajamas
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Angry Pedestrian
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man with Balloon
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Barfly
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man in Grandfather Clock
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Crazy Concert Pianist
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man Phoning Australia
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Second Man with Cigar
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Restaurant Customer
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as John Rednose
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Tout
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Hercules
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Newspaper Vendor
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Janitor
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Jake
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Nightclub Bouncer
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Pete
  • The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) as Man with Cake