Bobby Barber (December 18, 1894 â€" 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.Following the death of Lou Costello's father, Costello became
very close with Barber, including him in various antics off set, such
as going out for ice cream for breakfast. Barber died in 1976 in
California, at age 81.
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.Following the death of Lou Costello's father, Costello became
very close with Barber, including him in various antics off set, such
as going out for ice cream for breakfast. Barber died in 1976 in
California, at age 81.
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