John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
Jenna Dewan Mourns: ‘You Showed Me I Could Become a Mother’
The 43-year-old actress Jenna Dewan is mourning the passing of Meeka, her cherished puppy. Meeka, who was eighteen, died on May 28. On May 29, Jenna posted a touching ode to her “first baby” on Instagram. Over the years, she shared a number of pictures of herself with Meeka, including ones of Meeka with Jenna’s kids, Callum Kazee, 4, and Everly Tatum, 10, who are Jenna’s children.
In the tearful message, Jenna talked about how much she loved her animal friend and how many memories they had made together. She made the amusing comment that Meeka and she have “more eras than” Taylor Swift. As Jenna had different experiences and became a mother, she also acknowledged Meeka’s important influence in her life.
Meeka was Jenna’s continuous comfort and support system during their 18-year journey. She traveled the world with the devoted puppy, who also supported her during the difficult postpartum and quarantine periods. Jenna will always treasure the memories she shared with Meeka, who was the queen of the house.
Jenna expressed thankfulness for the dog’s calm transition even in Meeka’s last hours. She feels that because Jenna is currently expecting a child with her fiancé, Steve Kazee, Meeka’s soul will continue to watch over them and the new member of their family.
This loss occurs after Wylie, a rescue dog, was adopted by Jenna and Steve in 2021. With their furry friends and kids by their sides, they are creating a loving family. Jenna is thankful for the wonderful gift Meeka was and their enduring relationship, even though she is greatly missed.
Let’s pay tribute to and remember Jenna’s cherished puppy, Meeka, who filled her life with so much happiness and company.
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