Bobby Barber profile
Actor profile

Bobby Barber

17th December 1894 New York City, New York, USA Acting

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.

105 Movies 27 TV Shows 136 Credits
Filmography

Movies & TV Shows

Pardners poster
Pardners 1st August 1956 as Townsman (uncredited)
Riff-Raff poster
Riff-Raff 28th June 1947 as Customs Inspector (uncredited)
Calcutta poster
Calcutta 20th December 1946 as Taxi Driver (uncredited)
Laura poster
Laura 11th October 1944 as Newsboy (uncredited)
Swing Fever poster
Swing Fever 1st November 1943 as Soft Drink Vendor (uncredited)
Who Done It? poster
Who Done It? 30th October 1942 as Test Technician in Booth (uncredited)
Roxie Hart poster
Roxie Hart 20th February 1942 as Bald Juror (uncredited)
In the Navy poster
In the Navy 30th May 1941 as Sailor in Finale (uncredited)
The Lady Eve poster
The Lady Eve 25th February 1941 as Ship's Waiter with Toupee (uncredited)
Spring Parade poster
Spring Parade 27th September 1940 as Waiter Who Spills Tray (uncredited)
Carefree poster
Carefree 2nd September 1938 as (uncredited)
Great Guy poster
Great Guy 1st December 1936 as Grocery Clerk (Uncredited)
Dodsworth poster
Dodsworth 23rd September 1936 as Italian Taxi Driver (uncredited)
Walking on Air poster
Walking on Air 11th September 1936 as Silent Waiter at Beach Club (uncredited)
Doughboys poster
Doughboys 30th August 1930 as Doughboy (uncredited)
Wagon Train poster
Wagon Train 18th September 1957 as Wagon Train Member (uncredited)