Don Barclay, born Donn Van Tassel Barclay, was a multifaceted individual who wore many hats - literally, as a comedian, caricaturist, cartoonist, and voice actor.
As a zany comedian, he entertained audiences with his humor, often incorporating his artistic talents into his performances.
In addition to his comedic endeavors, Don was an innovative caricaturist whose humorous depictions of celebrities adorned art galleries, museums, bars, and restaurants across the United States.
One of his most famous drawings, entitled 'SkiNose', is a cherubic-faced, red jump-suited skier jumping off the nose of none other than Bob Hope, and is proudly displayed at the Library of Congress.
During World War II, Don joined the USO one-man show, touring North Africa, the Middle East, China, and the Pacific, where he drew caricatures of over 10,000 servicemen and high-ranking military brass.
Before his USO tour, Don began his career as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Examiner, later transitioning into comedy and burlesque.
He was featured in the Ziegfeld Follies and Greenwich Village Follies of 1924, having previously worked on screen in silent comedies.
In 1914 to 1915, Don donned a Keystone Kop's uniform, and in 1918, he appeared in a series of one-reelers for Essanay, although these films are now believed to be lost.
The 1920s saw Don's output become sporadic, but in the 1930s, he occasionally appeared in short comedies for Hal Roach, including Air Fright (1933) and Mixed Nuts (1934).
Don's filmography was marked by bit parts, but in the early 1950s, he became a voice actor for Walt Disney, who considered him a 'good luck charm'.
His last featured appearance was as Mr. Binnacle in Mary Poppins (1964),after which he retired to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he became a regular at the Pink Pony, drawing caricatures of the patrons.
Don Barclay passed away in Palm Springs in October 1975, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as a talented comedian, caricaturist, and cartoonist.
