Don Barclay

Biography

Besides being a zany comedian, Don Barclay (born Donn Van Tassel Barclay) was an innovative caricaturist whose humorous depictions of celebrities can be found in countless art galleries, museums, bars and restaurants across the United States. His most famous drawing (entitled 'SkiNose', displayed at the Library of Congress) has a cherubic-faced, red jump-suited skier jumping off Bob Hope's nose. During World War II, Don toured North Africa, the Middle East, China and the Pacific as part of a USO one-man show, drawing caricatures of more than 10,000 servicemen as well as of high ranking military brass. Don began his career as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Examiner, then segued 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. He was a Keystone Kop sometime around 1914 to 1915. In 1918, he appeared in a series of one-reelers for Essanay which are now believed to be lost. His output in the 20s was sporadic at best, but in the 30s he was occasionally featured in short comedies for Hal Roach, including Air Fright (1933) (with Thelma Todd) and Mixed Nuts (1934). His remaining filmography consisted primarily of bit parts. From the early 50s, he was a voice actor for Walt Disney who apparently regarded him as something of a 'good luck charm'. His last featured appearance was as Mr. Binnacle in Mary Poppins (1964). Don retired to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he became a regular visitor to the local hangout, the Pink Pony, drawing caricatures of the regular patrons. He died in Palm Springs in October 1975, aged 82.