Happy birthday to Gene Barry!
Born Eugene Klass on June 14, 1919, in New York City, he renowned for his suave on-screen presence and versatility. He showcased his artistic talents early on with singing and playing the violin. He attended New Utrecht High School and later studied at the Chatham Square School of Music on a scholarship.
Columbo fans know him as Dr. Ray Fleming, the smooth psychiatrist who murders his wife in Peter Falk's debut episode Prescription Murder.
Beyond Columbo
Barry's stage career began on Broadway with his debut in "The New Moon" in 1942. His film career took off in the 1950s, with notable roles in "The Atomic City" (1952) and the iconic science fiction film "The War of the Worlds" (1953). However, it was television where Barry truly shined. He captivated audiences as the dapper lawman in "Bat Masterson" (1958-1961) and as the sophisticated detective Amos Burke in "Burke's Law" (1963), for which he won a Golden Globe.
Barry married Betty Claire Kalb in 1944, and they remained together until her passing in 2003. The couple had three children. He passed away on December 9, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
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