Born Today: Barry Fitzgerald- L.A. Times

If Barry Fitzgerald had not existed, Hollywood would have invented him.

He played the exact kind of loveable priest and stage Irish character that fit the sentimentality of the times and also was what organizations like the Legion of Decency wanted to see.

In the light of all the sexual abuse scandals that have come to light in recent years, the mythological figure of Fitzgerald is amusing but today seems sort of embarrassing.

Hollywood Star Walk

Paramount Film South side of the 6200 block of Hollywood Boulevard TV North side of the 7000 block of Hollywood Boulevard

Barry Fitzgerald Actor Born William Joseph Shields on March 10, 1888 in Dublin, Ireland Died Jan. 4, 1961 in Dublin, Ireland Barry Fitzgerald turned to acting at the age of 41, when he quit a 20-year career as a civil servant in Dublin. He made his first hit in London with the Abbey Players' presentation of Sean O'Casey's "The Silver Tassie." He started his film success in 1937 when John Ford summoned him to Hollywood for a part in O'Casey's "The Plough and the Stars." His costarring role as a priest with Bing Crosby in 1944's "Going My Way" won him a supporting actor Oscar. His many other hits included "Dawn Patrol," "The Long Voyage Home," "How Green Was My Valley," "None But the Lonely Heart," "The Naked City" and "The Quiet Man." His last big film was "The Catered Affair," a 1956 movie with Debbie Reynolds. — Associated Press in the Los Angeles Times Jan. 5, 1961 Times Coverage Actor Barry Fitzgerald dies in Dublin » See more in Oscar Winners »

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Debbie Reynolds and Barry Fitzgerald were costars in "The Catered Affair" (1956).