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Bobby Barber

Bobby Barber

Birthday: 1894-12-18 | Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bobby Barber (December 18, 1894 – May 24, 1976) was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films. Barber is notable for his work as a foil for Abbott and Costello on and off screen. Barber was often used by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as a form of "court jester" on the set of their films. It was his job to keep the energy level up with pranks and practical jokes. Sometimes, he even suddenly appeared on camera during a take to break up the cast and crew. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Costello answers a knock at the door expecting to see large actor Lon Chaney Jr. Instead, the very short Barber walks in wearing a funny hat with a feather. In another outtake from that film, Bela Lugosi, in full Dracula regalia, is solemnly descending a staircase to meet Abbott and Costello when all of a sudden the actors and crew burst out laughing. Lugosi, annoyed, turns around to see Barber following right behind him, mimicking his steps. Barber also appeared in bit parts, such as a delivery boy, waiter, bellhop, or man on the street, often uncredited in movies, and in many of Abbott and Costello's films and about half their television shows. Sometimes his likeness was in a picture on a wall or a "wanted" poster in a post office. His final film appearance was in Lou Costello's last movie, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959). His film career included bit parts in over 100 (known) feature films.

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Known For

Acting

Year
Title

Role

1947
Vigilantes of Boomtown

as    Corbett's second

1943
Hit the Ice

as    Candy Butcher (uncredited)

1943
The Sky's the Limit

as    Canteen Waiter (uncredited)

1942
A Date with the Falcon

as    Spectator (uncredited)

1940
Road to Singapore

as    Man Hit with Soap Suds (uncredited)

1937
History Is Made at Night

as    Paul - Waiter at Victor's (uncredited)

1937
Breakfast for Two

as    Window Washer

1930
The Life of the Party

as    Waiter