The Academy Award Nomination That Marked His Fall

Hollywood Stars and Secrets · Sep 12, 2026 · 16m

A silent film idol earns an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, but his meteoric rise in Hollywood is about to face an unexpected challenge.

The Academy Award Nomination That Marked His Fall

This episode explores the life of Richard Barthelmess, a silent film star who achieved immense fame and influence in the 1920s before his career took a dramatic turn. How much of his eventual decline did he foresee, and how much did he choose?

Person: Richard Barthelmess

Period: 1919-1942

Event: First Academy Award

Status: Nominated for Best Actor (two films)

Mother: Caroline W. Harris

- Richard…