Barry Gordon

Barry Gordon is an American actor, singer, and former child star who achieved fame in the entertainment industry at a young age. Here are some key facts about him:

1. Early Career as a Child Actor: Barry Gordon was born on December 21, 1948, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He began his career in show business as a child actor, making his Broadway debut at the age of six in the musical "Auntie Mame". Gordon's precocious talent and natural charisma quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to numerous roles in film, television, and theater throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

2. Breakthrough Role: One of Barry Gordon's most notable early roles was in the 1960 film adaptation of the Broadway musical "A Thousand Clowns", in which he starred opposite Jason Robards. Gordon's portrayal of the wise-cracking, precocious young boy, Nick, earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the youngest actors ever to receive such recognition.

3. Versatility as an Entertainer: In addition to his acting career, Barry Gordon is also a talented singer and musician. He released several albums as a recording artist, showcasing his smooth vocals and versatile musical style. Gordon's musical repertoire encompasses a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and standards, allowing him to appeal to a diverse audience of fans.

4. Voice Acting Career: Barry Gordon is perhaps best known for his work as a voice actor in animated television series. He provided the voice of Donatello, the intellectual and tech-savvy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, in the original 1987 animated series, as well as in various spin-offs and adaptations. Gordon's distinctive voice brought the character to life and endeared him to generations of fans.

5. Continued Success and Advocacy Work: Despite starting his career as a child star, Barry Gordon has maintained a successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry as an adult. He has continued to work in film, television, and theater, appearing in a variety of roles that showcase his talent and versatility as an actor. Additionally, Gordon has been involved in advocacy work, serving as the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) from 1988 to 1995 and advocating for the rights and welfare of actors in the industry.

Overall, Barry Gordon's multifaceted career in entertainment, spanning acting, singing, and voice acting, has left a lasting impact on the industry and earned him a place in the hearts of fans worldwide.