Member-only story
Facts About Gene Barry
He had a couple of big time TV series.
I remember Gene Barry from a couple of TV series, Burke’s Law and Bat Masterson. Neither was a favorite of mine. His Amos Burke character was a rich cop, and Bat Masterson was a little bit of a dandy, but if I took another look at the show, I might be a little less harsh.
In addition to those two TV series, I know Barry had a long acting career, I just didn’t know much about it. Also, I didn’t know much about his background. So, after perusing some information, here are some things you probably didn’t know about Gene Barry.
1: Gene’s birth name was Eugene Klass.
It stands to reason he would go on to play dapper guys. He started with Klass.
2: Gene chose the last name Barry to honor John Barrymore.
Of course, in this case Barry was less.
3: Barry was the first murderer busted by Columbo.
I’m sure Amos Burke would have been appalled by Columbo’s wardrobe.
4: Barry also won a prize on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.
I assume the format was something like, America has Talent without the histrionics.
