MANILA, Philippines — We recall the tragic lives of “would-be” and “would-have-been” stars like Diana Barrymore. Despite her immense promise and prodigious genes (she was the daughter of John and niece of Lionel and Ethel), Diana became a Hollywood has-been even before she established herself as a star. Years later, MGM filmed “The Bad and the Beautiful,” a movie loosely based on her tragic life.

Her brother, John Jr., was similarly good-looking and was given important breaks at the start of his career, but he ended up making forgettable films in Europe. Fortunately, he “produced” a talented pixie named Drew, who captured the imagination of the world when she forged a strong friendship with “E.T.” in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic.

Background

Drew herself seemed cursed with the Barrymores’ tragic flaw. Years after her pert screen debut, she turned to alcohol, sex and drugs in her teens. Despite her dysfunctional family background, the spunky actress was able to pull herself together and is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars today, as well as a very promising director.

Liza Minnelli won an Academy Award for her performance in Bob Fosse’s “Cabaret.” Despite big films like “New York, New York,” she made faulty personal decisions and became self-destructive: She gained weight as she got hooked on alcohol and drugs. She seems to suffer in the shadow of her talented but tragic mother, Judy Garland.

Charlie Chaplin is deemed one of Hollywood’s greatest talents. He was a successful producer, director and actor—he’s even remembered for composing two lasting songs, “Smile” and “Eternally.” However, his son, Charles Chaplin Jr., never amounted to anything as an actor.

His brother, Sidney, starred on Broadway in productions like “Bells Are Ringing” and “Funny Girl.” However, he quit the latter when then newcomer Barbra Streisand stole every scene he was in.

Frank Sinatra is known as The Chairman and the leader of the Rat Pack. He may not have been a faithful husband to first wife, Nancy, but he was a doting father to Nancy Jr. and Frank Jr.

Frank even bent backwards to sing “Something Stupid” with Nancy Jr. in her bid for musical stardom. Ironically, the song won the legendary crooner his first gold record, but his daughter soon disappeared from the spotlight.

Classic beauty

Ingrid Bergman’s place of honor in cinema was assured when she portrayed Ilsa in “Casablanca.” One of her twin daughters, Isabella Rossellini, exhibited some of her gifts—classic beauty, thespic depth, etc.—though she never reached the heights of her mother’s popularity.

Interestingly, Henry Fonda’s daughter, Jane, and Julio Iglesias’ son, Enrique, have found their own place under the entertainment sun—by opting to become distinct individuals, rather than hiding in their fathers’ shadows.