Bobby Barber
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bobby Barber (December 18, 1894 – May 24, 1976) was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films. Barber is notable for his work as a foil for Abbott and Costello on and off screen. Barber was often used by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as a form of "court jester" on the set of their films. It was his job to keep the energy level up with pranks and practical jokes. Sometimes, he even suddenly appeared on camera during a take to break up the cast and crew. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Costello answers a knock at the door expecting to see large actor Lon Chaney Jr. Instead, the very short Barber walks in wearing a funny hat with a feather. In another outtake from that film, Bela Lugosi, in full Dracula regalia, is solemnly descending a staircase to meet Abbott and Costello when all of a sudden the actors and crew burst out laughing. Lugosi, annoyed, turns around to see Barber following right behind him, mimicking his steps. Barber also appeared in bit parts, such as a delivery boy, waiter, bellhop, or man on the street, often uncredited in movies, and in many of Abbott and Costello's films and about half their television shows. Sometimes his likeness was in a picture on a wall or a "wanted" poster in a post office. His final film appearance was in Lou Costello's last movie, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959). His film career included bit parts in over 100 (known) feature films.
Known for
ActingBirthday
December 17, 1894Deathday
May 24, 1976Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
96Place of birth
New York City, New York, USAAlso known as
Robert S. Barbera![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/hshe0L8zSxTEUuN1SPHRRoeOmSb.jpg)
Cast credits
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/lJYD3CMgKtv12hazSHc7xt3i2uq.jpg)
The Lady Eve
Ship's Waiter with Toupee (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/uINTStWWbJGQKQ58EsW1eAcha65.jpg)
History Is Made at Night
Paul - Waiter at Victor's (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/c9mbM1WbXopTO3XLDORFUe9XY1p.jpg)
Hit the Ice
Candy Butcher (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/eeBn5yhOBMBq2qQ9x2xQHyP1ZJk.jpg)
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
Birthday Cake Waiter (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/bILzdOT9I1BQ9Cs9O5ndNlKfh23.jpg)
Carefree
(uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/4zwhnbE1l9e5zOLxfmZeZTfX6Hm.jpg)
Having Wonderful Time
Bartender (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/4p3xBkHbviV0shBaDP4e9cbOdmZ.jpg)
And Now Tomorrow
Mill Worker![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/hwTczlJ1F6ZUSgUceFNxO9hsl4Q.jpg)
Super-Sleuth
Photographer![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/fqjVdkHNEl4GmG5z5UFSjOr4Lau.jpg)
Rainbow Island
Native Banana Man![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/bNgU22Owh0Api7CGorwI9dmgNN9.jpg)
I Love a Soldier
Funhouse Attendant![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/iInwmgYTgpoZU5WotRcwnCPvaZg.jpg)
Let's Dance
George - Bartender (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/7eNvEGuEIgnn1dwuVBpoQRYfhxH.jpg)
Topper Takes a Trip
Hotel Staffer Moving Bed (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/5CaJjN9FKSujvnTzbyhDF6ZJVjp.jpg)
Across the Wide Missouri
Gardipe (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/wU6EtdyRfHIRXHxLNW7SUnGYLjg.jpg)
The Sky's the Limit
Canteen Waiter (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/g9NwGrwZxNPRjpjLBVZ9PkZCpTm.jpg)
Anchors Aweigh
Salad Cook on Olvera Street (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/yLeEGQyFz9l8ZhjCxxxYFrcrgVf.jpg)
Spring Parade
Waiter Who Spills Tray (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/dMqoegFgS98sI6gqTeNyFcEdyDg.jpg)
Breakfast for Two
Window Washer (uncredited)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/ucj8CCfjxnxQCX5vg2aOyMeIFRK.jpg)
Vigilantes of Boomtown
Corbett's second![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/mxioZ2IHnZhO2V8KK6CAWB1oL3s.jpg)
We're Only Human
Counterman![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/d6ko5FqpkYbQxLKbGVxZDOoruOq.jpg)
Walking on Air
Silent Waiter at Beach Club (uncredited)