BIRTH 17/12/1894
DEATH 24/05/1976
Country United States
SHOWS 4
MOVIES 34

Bobby Barber

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.

Shows Movies Partners

Shows (4)

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour

Juror (uncredited)

1962

Adventures of Superman

Tony the Masseur

1952

The Abbott and Costello Show

Angry Pedestrian / Barfly / Chauffeur / Crazy Concert Pianist / Delivery Man with Box / Guess-Your-Weight Customer / Hercules / Jake / Janitor / John Rednose / Man in Grandfather Clock / Man in Pajamas / Man Phoning Australia / Man with Balloon / Man with Cake / Man with Overcoat / Newspaper Vendor / Nightclub Bouncer / Painter / Pete / Restaurant Customer / Second Man with Cigar / Tout

1952

Wagon Train

Wagon Train Member (uncredited)

1957