Biography
With his deep voice and imposing physique, character actor Robert Barrat made a name for himself by portraying dozens of supporting roles in the 1930s. After beginning his acting career in a small Massachusetts theatrical company, Barrat found success on the Broadway stage before discovering endless opportunities in the Hollywood film industry. His colorful vocal techniques helped him stand out among his peers with roles like the gruff Wolverstone in the 1935 swashbuckling adventure, "Captain Blood," starring Errol Flynn. His ability to create memorable characters and perform intricate stunts led Barrat to star alongside James Cagney in seven films throughout the 1930s, and the two actors became close friends -- despite their numerous on-screen fist fights. But while he took advantage of his talents as a physical actor, Barrat most enjoyed creating elaborate accents and building his characters through eccentric details, such as in the role of the Mohican chief Chingachgook in the 1936 film, "The Last of the Mohicans." When Barrat's career slowed after performing in more than 150 films, he found work on the television screen portraying more subtle, quiet characters, and he continued acting in television playhouse roles on an irregular schedule before retiring in 1964, six years before his death.
