Binnie Barnes

Biography

Gittel Enoyce "Binnie" Barnes (May 25, 1903 – July 27, 1998), known later as Gertrude Maude Barnes, was a notable English actress whose career spanned several decades and various artistic disciplines. Born in Islington to a Jewish father and an Italian mother, she was raised in the Jewish faith. Before entering the entertainment industry, she worked on a farm and served as a probationer in a hospital, later transitioning to the world of performance as a ballroom dancer and stage partner to Tex McLeod.

Barnes’ acting journey began in 1923 with a short film created by Lee De Forest, utilizing his innovative Phonofilm sound-on-film technique. She enjoyed a successful film career that began in Britain and later flourished in Hollywood, lasting until 1973, with her last appearance in the comedy "40 Carats." Among her most recognized performances is her role as Katherine Howard in the iconic film "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933), featuring Charles Laughton.

Throughout her life, Barnes was married to film producer Mike Frankovich, with whom she became an American citizen and adopted three children. She passed away at the age of 95 due to natural causes in Beverly Hills, California. She is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, leaving behind a legacy marked by her significant contributions to film and theater.