Rayford Barnes (October 23, 1920 – November 11, 2000) was an American film and TV character actor from Whitesboro, Texas.[1][2]
Early years
Barnes was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended the University of Texas. He acted in plays at the university and at little theaters in Dallas and San Antonio. After he moved to Oakland, California, he performed at the Pasadena Community Playhouse.[3]
He had a younger brother, Lou Dupont, who was also an entertainer.
During World War II, Barnes served 4+1⁄2 years in the Navy, working as a navigator.[3]
Career
Barnes worked as a disc jockey at radio stations KTSA and WOAI.[3]
After his military service, Barnes was a stagehand at three theaters in the San Francisco area, and he developed "a healthy respect for all the items actors depend upon for support ..."[3]
In 1950, Barnes gained membership in Actors Equity and began to act on stage in Repertory Theater productions, including Three's a Family and Hasty Heart. He also worked off-stage there, creating staging and scenes for two other plays.[3]
In 1950, Barnes married Betty, and the next year they had a son.[3]
Barnes lived in Manhattan Beach, California, with his long-time companion, Debbie. He often spoke about his movie making experiences with John Wayne, for whom he had great admiration.
