Strange, Michael, 1890-1950

Michael Strange, playwright and poet is probably best known as the second wife of John Barrymore.

She was born Blanche Oelrichs in Newport, Rhode Island in 1890. After meeting John Barrymore in 1917, she divorced her first husband, Leonard Thomas and married Barrymore in 1920. Their marriage lasted until 1928. It was during this period that Barrymore acted in his greatest role as Hamlet.

Blanche Oelrichs took the name Michael Strange at the beginning of her literary career. Known first as a playwright, she later was known for her poetry, some of which was published with illustrations done by John Barrymore. Among her works are, Clair de Lune based on Victor Hugo's work L'Homme Qui Rit, which opened with both John and Ethel Barrymore in the cast. The play was not a success and the reviews of the critics caused John Barrymore to send letters of rebuttal to the newspapers defending his wife's literary work. Her other well known works are primarily poetry and include: Selected Poems, Resurrecting Life and Poems. Her autobiography is entitled Who Tells Me True. Michael Strange died in 1950.

From the description of Michael Strange papers, 1917-1925. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122517674

Michael Strange, nee Blanche Oelrichs, was born in Newport in 1890, daughter of Charles May Oelrichs and his wife, Blanche. Blanche Oelrichs early life consisted of an education at the Brearley School and later, at Manhattanville Convent School where she had a reputation for pranks. Considered one of the most beautiful of Newport debutantes at her social debut, she was married at 19 to Leonard M. Thomas, a liaison officer of the American Embassy in Paris. She had two sons from this first marriage, Leonard and Robin.

After meeting John Barrymore in 1917, she eventually divorced Leonard Thomas, who was serving in the military during World War I. She married John Barrymore in August 1920. This marriage was problematic from the start. The artistic personalities of both parties led to intense bouts of passion and anger. During the entire period of their marriage, Barrymore was obsessed with the possiblity of her infidelity. He was extremely jealous and possessive and these traits, as well as his drinking, aided in the destruction of their relationship. Diana Barrymore, their only child, was born in March of 1921. During the period of their marriage, Barrymore acted in his greatest role as Hamlet . She and John Barrymore remained married until 1928 when she quietly divorced him in Europe using the name Mrs. John Blythe. Her third husband was Harrison Tweed.

Blanche Oelrichs took the name Michael Strange at the beginning of her literary career. Known first as playwright, she later was known for her poetry, some of which was published with illustrations done by John Barrymore. Among her works are, Clair de Lune based on Victor Hugo's work L'Homme Qui Rit [ The Man Who Laughs ], which opened with John and Ethel Barrymore starring in the cast. The play was not a success and the reviews of the critics caused John Barrymore to send letters of rebuttal to the newspapers defending his wife's literary work. Her other well known works are primarily poetry and include: Selected Poems, Resurrecting Life, and Poems . Her autobiography is entitled Who Tells Me True . Michael Strange died in 1950.

From the guide to the Michael Strange papers, 1917-1925, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)