Lionel Barrymore was an American actor of stage, screen, and radio who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘A Free Soul.’ Also well known for his performances in ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ and ‘The Mysterious Island’, he was one of the most versatile and talented character actors of the early 20th century. A member of the prominent theatrical family, the Barrymores, he was exposed to show business at a tender age and appeared in plays along with his parents while he was still an infant. Forced by his family to act on stage, as a six year old, he threw a tantrum and refused to perform. As a young man he wanted to stay away from acting and proceeded to study painting. But fate had other plans and he returned to the profession he initially detested. He eventually established himself as a very successful star on the Broadway which paved his way to Hollywood. Once he ventured into Hollywood, there was no looking back for the skilled actor who took the acting fraternity by storm with his powerful character roles. He enjoyed an extensive career that spanned six decades and was so committed to his profession that he continued acting even after being bound to a wheelchair in his later years.