Richard Barthelmess was born into a theatrical family, his mother being an actress, which would have a profound impact on his future endeavors. While attending Trinity College in Connecticut, he began to develop his acting skills by appearing in stage productions. However, his career took an unexpected turn in 1916 when a friend of his mother, the renowned actress Alla Nazimova, offered him a part in the film War Brides. This opportunity would mark the beginning of his journey in the film industry, and he would never return to college.
Before signing a contract with the legendary D.W. Griffith in 1919, Barthelmess appeared in a number of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Griffith would go on to team him up with the iconic Lillian Gish in Broken Blossoms, a film that would catapult Barthelmess to stardom. His uncanny ability to fully immerse himself in his characters would become a hallmark of his career.
The following year, Barthelmess would once again be paired with Gish in Way Down East, a film that would set a new standard for cinematic storytelling. The memorable river scene in which Barthelmess jumps over ice floes to rescue Gish as she heads towards the falls would become an iconic moment in film history.
In 1921, Barthelmess formed Inspiration Pictures and starred in Tol'able David, a film that would showcase his impressive range as an actor. He would go on to become one of the biggest stars at First National Pictures, receiving Academy Award nominations for his performances in The Patent Leather Kid and The Noose.
Despite his early success, Barthelmess struggled to adapt to the new medium of sound. He did make a few talkies in the early years of sound, but his acting technique was not well-suited for the new format, and his roles began to dwindle. By the mid-1930s, his career had slowed significantly, but he would make a triumphant return to the screen with a standout performance in Howard Hawks's Only Angels Have Wings in 1939.
In 1942, Barthelmess joined the Navy Reserve, and after the war, he retired to Long Island, where he lived off his real estate investments.
