A talented American actor and singer, Gene Barry was a prominent name back in the 50s, the period when he rose to fame for his strong on-screen presence and acting skills. From early roles in science fiction films to starring in hit television series, Barry’s career was long and varied.
Entering the industry in 1942, he became a household name with his performances in films like The War of the Worlds and The Atomic City and later won the hearts of TV viewers with his leading roles in Burke’s Law and Bat Masterson.
Spending over five decades in Hollywood, Barry left a lasting mark on the hearts of his fans. To dive deeper into his life and career journey, we suggest you to give this post a read.
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Early Life
Gene Barry was born Eugene Klass on 14th June 1919, in New York City, to parents Martin Klass and Eva Klass. He grew up in Brooklyn and was the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland and Latvia.
From an early age, Barry developed an interest in music and the arts, which led him to take violin lessons as a child. He completed his studies at New Utrecht High School and later won a scholarship to Chatham Square School of Music.
Beginning of Career
Talking about Gene Barry’s professional career, he entered Hollywood in the 1940s. Back then he performed in Broadway productions, including The New Moon which helped him gain experience and confidence as a performer.
Later he transitioned into television, where he was praised for his on-screen presence and good looks. His first major break in Hollywood came in early 1952 when he starred in The Atomic City. The film received critical praise, opening doors for new opportunities.
Shot to Fame
Gene Barry’s rose to fame because of his work in The Atomic City. But it was his leading role in The War of the Worlds that truly established him in the industry.
He later found success on television, where he appeared in Bat Masterson from 1958 to 1961. Following that, Barry starred in Burke’s Law that helped him earn a Golden Globe Award and also solidified his place in the industry further.
Relationship
Gene Barry was married to Betty Claire Kalb, whom he met while performing on stage. The couple tied the knot in 1944 and remained married until she passed away in 2003. The two shared a strong bond and had three children together. Few years later after his wife’s death in 2009, Barry breathed his last at the age of 90.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
Gene Barry’s net worth at the time of his death was somewhere between $1-12 million. His main source of income came from his work in theatre, film, and television, where he played several hit roles and was even awarded for it. In addition, he made guest appearances on many TV shows well into the 1980s and 1990s. He spent five decades in the industry, playing various roles and characters, proving himself to be one of the legendary actors of his time.
