JOHN HARRON: Fame and Misfortune

Classic Images
Issue Number 453
Summer 2013

“[I] worked around with [my brother] Bob a little. Just bits. Never any real parts—too young. [I] had to go to school. I’m eighteen now. This part with Mary [Pickford] is my first one.

When older brother Bobby Harron, a huge star of the silent screen, suddenly died by his own hand in September of 1920, shocked audiences clamored for more Harron movie magic. As a result, lookalike kid brotherJOHN HARRON (1903-1939), whose only contribution to film was extra parts in his brother’s films, was chanced by Bobby’s close friend, Mary Pickford, to co-star in her next picture and fill the Bobby Harron void. Extremely likeable and camera-friendly, slim Johnny grew in stature with minor posh “jazz age” leads, but forever remained in his brother’s shadow. He lost ground with the advent of sound and was relegated to the world of extras. Died of meningitis at age 36.

For obtaining the issue or article on JOHN HARRON, please call Carol at Subscriptions at (866) 880-2108.

​