Actor Gene Barry dead at 90 ("War of the Worlds," , "Bat Masterson", "Burke's Law,")

[The Straight Story]

Actor Gene Barry dead at 90



LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Actor Gene Barry, best known for his work in the U.S. television series "Bat Masterson" and "Burke's Law," has died at the age of 90, his family said.

EW.com reported Barry died Wednesday, but that the cause of his death has not been disclosed.

The New York Times said the actor died in an assisted living facility in Woodland Hills, Calif.

In addition to starring in the TV drama "The Name of the Game," Barry appeared in the films "War of the Worlds," "Soldier of Fortune" and "Thunder Road," as well as Broadway's "La Cage Aux Folles." He also performed cabaret acts in nightclubs throughout his decades-long career.

The Times said Betty, his wife of 58 years who acted under the name Julie Carson, died in 2003. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2009/12/11/Actor-Gene-Barry-dead-at-90/UPI-64951260553791/

[dembotoz]

1. its burkes law

Lordy i would have thoght he had died many years ago.

[LisaM]

2. I saw him a few years ago in a movie from the 1930s

I'm glad he lived such a long life.

[old mark]

3. A 58 year long marriage in Hollywood - a rarity for sure. I was a fan

when I was in grade school. He really had a full life.

mark

[Newsjock]

4. 'The Name of the Game'

A truly innovative series: three rotating stars, loosely connected by working at the same publishing company, of which Barry's character was the head honcho. Also innovative: The series was a 90-minute prime-time weekly series on NBC.

"The Name of the Game" has never been released on home video, although a few episodes are floating around in torrentland and are well worth the look. The first six minutes of the premiere episode are here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZqi6UI6Ku8
Worth the look just for the incredibly awesome opening theme by Dave Grusin.

Perhaps his most enduring episode was "L.A. 2017," the 1971 episode about an underground Los Angeles following an unspecified ecological apocalypse in the 1980s. The episode was directed by a very, very young Steven Spielberg.

[The Straight Story]

5. Wow

Cool info, thanks!

[StarfarerBill]

7. I was going to mention this! Good call. :)

I saw a couple of episodes from torrents, and thought it was marvelous; way ahead of its time.

RIP, Gene; you were one of the greats.

[valerief]

6. Good for him. I used to watch Burkes Law years ago. I thought he was handsome. nt

Edited to add: Good for him living so long, not for dying.

[tonysam]

10. The first season so far has been released on DVD. LOVE it.

n/t

[azmouse]

8. He was Dr Clayton Forrester in War of the Worlds.

For all the MST3K fans out there that is where the name came from.

[tonysam]

9. I love, love, LOVE "Burke's Law"

Barry, like Cary Grant, was the master of the double take. It came to great use in this series, whereby millionaire detective Amos Burke would solve a murder case but would encounter a whole army of weirdos (played by guest stars, a trademark of this show) along the way.

I was too young for "Bat Masterson" to appreciate him for that series.

[cynatnite]

11. I'll always remember him for "War of the Worlds"...

one of my favorite sci-fi films of all times.

RIP

[tonysam]

12. Kick for Gene Barry n/t

[TexasObserver]

13. His name was Bat ... Bat Masterson.

[Octafish]

14. Condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Barry was a great guy, which shined through his professionalism.

[Bluenorthwest]

15. He was an elegant performer

Said hi to him once on the lot when I was a kid. My Dad was crazy for Bat Masterson.

[immoderate]

16. He played a gym teacher on "Our Miss Brooks"

Richard Crenna played Walter Denton.

--imm