Don "Red" Barry, American actor, producer, and screenwriter (d. 1980)

Donald Barry de Acosta (January 11, 1912 – July 17, 1980) was a prolific American film and television actor, recognized for his extensive career across various genres. Throughout his professional life, he was known by several monikers, most notably "Red Barry" and, in his later years, "Milton Poimboeuf."

The Defining Role: Red Ryder and the Origin of "Red Barry"

Barry achieved significant initial fame and earned his lasting nickname, "Red," following his portrayal of the iconic Western hero, Red Ryder. He was the very first actor to bring the popular comic strip character to the silver screen in the highly successful 1940 Republic Pictures serial, Adventures of Red Ryder. This landmark production saw Barry starring alongside Noah Beery Sr., a veteran character actor who played the role of Red Ryder’s sidekick, Bearclaw. The serial’s popularity significantly elevated Barry’s profile, making him synonymous with the courageous cowboy character.

While Donald Barry originated the role, the character of Red Ryder was subsequently played by other notable actors in later film adaptations. These included "Wild Bill" Elliott, who took over the role in several Republic Pictures films from 1944 to 1947, and Allan Lane, who continued the series for Republic from 1947 to 1950. Barry's initial portrayal, however, established the cinematic presence of Red Ryder and cemented his place in Western film history.

Post-Red Ryder Career: Navigating Hollywood's Landscape

Following the considerable success of Adventures of Red Ryder, Donald Barry transitioned into what were often perceived as "bigger budget" films, attempting to capitalize on his newfound recognition. However, none of these subsequent roles or productions achieved the same level of widespread public acclaim or career momentum that his portrayal of Red Ryder had. While he continued to work consistently, appearing in numerous B-Westerns, war films, and crime dramas, he largely shifted from leading man status to a prominent character actor, often playing supporting roles or villains.

His post-Red Ryder filmography includes a wide array of titles, demonstrating his versatility. For instance, he starred in Westerns like The Tulsa Kid (1940) and Jesse James Jr. (1942), and also ventured into other genres with films such as the crime drama A Man Betrayed (1941) and the war-themed The Leather Burners (1943). Despite these efforts, the singular impact of his Red Ryder debut proved challenging to replicate.

Transition to Television and Later Career

As the Golden Age of Hollywood waned and television emerged as a dominant medium, Donald Barry seamlessly transitioned his talents to the small screen. He became a familiar face in numerous popular television series, showcasing his enduring versatility and adaptability. A notable appearance was his role as Red Doyle in the 1964 Perry Mason episode, 'The Case of the Simple Simon,' which highlighted his continued ability to deliver compelling performances in a dramatic setting.

His television credits are extensive, encompassing guest roles in many iconic Westerns and crime dramas of the era. He appeared in shows like Maverick, Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Wild Wild West, Death Valley Days, Adam-12, Kung Fu, and Little House on the Prairie, among many others. These roles, often as rugged cowboys, troubled figures, or authoritative characters, allowed him to sustain a long and active career up until his passing in 1980.

FAQs About Donald Barry de Acosta

Why was Donald Barry known as "Red Barry"?
Donald Barry earned the nickname "Red" primarily after his breakout role as the titular character in the 1940 Republic Pictures serial, Adventures of Red Ryder. This highly successful portrayal indelibly linked him to the popular Western hero, leading to the adoption of "Red Barry" as his professional moniker for a significant part of his career.
What was Donald Barry's most famous role?
Without a doubt, Donald Barry's most famous and career-defining role was his portrayal of Red Ryder in the 1940 serial Adventures of Red Ryder. This was significant as he was the first actor to embody the popular comic strip character on film.
Did Donald Barry appear in other Red Ryder films?
No, Donald Barry only played Red Ryder in the original 1940 serial, Adventures of Red Ryder. The character was subsequently portrayed by other actors, including "Wild Bill" Elliott and Allan Lane, in later film adaptations and serials.
What kind of films did Donald Barry make after Red Ryder?
After his success as Red Ryder, Donald Barry primarily continued to star in B-Westerns, but also expanded his repertoire to include roles in war films, crime dramas, and adventure movies. While he sought more prominent roles in "bigger budget" productions, he largely transitioned into a reliable and versatile character actor, often playing supporting roles or antagonists across various genres.
When did Donald Barry transition to television, and what were some of his notable TV appearances?
Donald Barry began transitioning to television in the 1950s as the medium grew. He became a prolific guest star on many popular TV series throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Notable appearances include episodes of Perry Mason, Maverick, Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Wild Wild West, Death Valley Days, and Little House on the Prairie, among others.