Edgar Barrier
Edgar Barrier (03/04/1907 - 08/20/1964) was an American actor whose rich, cultured voice and dignified presence made him particularly well-suited for classical and intellectual roles during radio's golden age. Born in New York City, Barrier developed his distinctive theatrical style through classical training and stage experience.
On radio, Barrier found his greatest success working with director Orson Welles. As a member of Welles' Mercury Theatre company, Barrier participated in many memorable broadcasts, including the groundbreaking 1938 "War of the Worlds" production that caused nationwide panic. His authoritative voice was perfectly suited to the Mercury Theatre's ambitious literary adaptations.
Barrier's most notable recurring radio role was as Professor Charles Gottschalk on the mystery series "The Saint," starring Vincent Price. His characterization of the erudite criminologist demonstrated his ability to convey intellectual authority through vocal performance alone. Barrier also made frequent appearances on prestigious anthology series such as "Suspense," "Escape," and "Lux Radio Theatre," often playing sophisticated villains or European characters.
Unlike many radio performers who specialized exclusively in voice work, Barrier maintained parallel careers in film and stage. His radio technique benefited from his broader acting experience, allowing him to bring theatrical depth to his microphone performances.