Barret Oliver

Barret Oliver
Born
Barret Spencer Oliver

(1973-08-24) August 24, 1973 (age 51)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Former child actor, photographer
Years active1981–1989
AwardsSaturn Award 1986

Barret Spencer Oliver (born August 24, 1973) is an American photographer and a former child actor. He is best known for his role as Bastian Balthazar Bux in the film adaptation of Michael Ende's novel The Neverending Story, followed by roles in D.A.R.Y.L., Cocoon, and Cocoon: The Return.

Career

Oliver had minor roles in television and film, until starring as Bastian in the 1984 movie The NeverEnding Story. Subsequently, he was cast as the lead in Tim Burton's short film Frankenweenie[1] and as the cyborg "Daryl" in the 1985 film D.A.R.Y.L., a part for which he won a Saturn Award.[2]

His last role in a feature film was Willie Saravian in Paul Bartel's 1989 ensemble comedy Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills.[3]

Later Oliver became a printer and photographer, specializing in nineteenth-century processes such as collodion and Woodburytype. His work has been displayed in museum and gallery exhibitions and used in films. In 2007, his book A History of the Woodburytype was published by Carl Mautz Publishing.[4]

Personal life

Oliver was a member of Scientology, but his current affiliation is unclear.[5]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1982 Jekyll and Hyde...Together Again Child In Supermarket Film debut
Kiss Me Goodbye Little Boy
The Circle Family Q.P. Television Movie
1983 Uncommon Valor Kid #2
1984 The NeverEnding Story Bastian
Invitation to Hell Robbie Winslow
Frankenweenie Victor Frankenstein Short Film
1985 D.A.R.Y.L. Daryl Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor
Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture
Cocoon David
1986 Spot Marks the X Ken Miller Television Movie
1987 The Secret Garden Dickon Sowerby Television Movie
1988 Cocoon: The Return David
1989 Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills Willie Saravian Final film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1981 The Incredible Hulk Jimmy the Kid Episode: "Veteran"
1982 Knight Rider Buddy Episode: "Knight of the Phoenix - Part 1 & 2"
1983 Love, Sidney Unknown Episode: "Surprise Party"
1984 Lottery! Unknown Episode: "San Diego - Bingo!"
Highway to Heaven Arthur Nealy Episode: "To Touch the Moon"
Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Young Guest Actor in a Television Series
Finder of Lost Loves Matthew Powell Episode: "Portraits"
1986 The Twilight Zone Georgie Episode: "Gramma"
1987 Tall Tales & Legends Hendrick Van Tassel Episode: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
1988 Hooperman Anthony Episode: "Me and Mr. Magoo"

Awards and nominations

Year Award Work Category Result
1983 Young Artist Award The Circle Family Best Young Actor in a Television Special Nominated[6]
1985 Highway to Heaven Best Young Actor - Guest in a Television Series Nominated[7]
The NeverEnding Story Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama Nominated[7]
1986 D.A.R.Y.L. Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor - Motion Picture Nominated[8]
Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor Best Performance by a Younger Actor Won[9]

References

  1. ^ Mayo, Michael (May 1985). "Frankenweenie". Cinefantastique. 15 (2): 4–5, 61.
  2. ^ Lofficier, Randy; Lofficier, Jean-Marc (August 1985). "Call Him D.A.R.Y.L." Starlog. 9 (97). New York, NY: O'Quinn Studios, Inc.: 34–35. ISSN 0191-4626.
  3. ^ Canby, Vincent (9 June 1989). "Scenes From the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills". New York Times. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  4. ^ "about Barret Oliver". Carl Mautz Publishing. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  5. ^ ""NeverEnding Story" Star Joined Scientology's Sea Organization | Barret Oliver" – via www.youtube.com.
  6. ^ "Fourth Annual Youth in Film Awards, 1981–1982". Young Artist Awards. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Sixth Annual Youth in Film Awards, 1983–1984". Young Artist Awards. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
  8. ^ "Seventh Annual Youth in Film Awards, 1984–1985". Young Artist Awards. Archived from the original on 14 November 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
  9. ^ "Saturn Awards: Best Performance by a Younger Actor, 1985". Saturn Awards. Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. Archived from the original on 12 May 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2010.

Bibliography

  • Holmstrom, John. The Moving Picture Boy: An International Encyclopaedia from 1895 to 1995, Norwich, Michael Russell, 1996, pp. 393–394.