Freddie Bartholomew was an English-American child actor. One of the most famous child actors of all time, he became very popular in 1930s Hollywood films. His most famous starring roles are in Captains Courageous and Little Lord Fauntleroy.
He was born in London and for the title role of David Copperfield, he emigrated to the United States in 1934, living there the rest of his life. He became an American citizen in 1943 following World War II military service.
Despite his great success and acclaim following David Copperfield, his childhood film stardom was marred by nearly constant legal battles and payouts which eventually took a huge toll on both his finances and his career. In adulthood, after World War II service, his film career dwindled rapidly, and he switched from performing to directing and producing in the medium of television.
David Copperfield as a Boy
Harvey Cheyne
Cedric 'Ceddie' Erroll aka Lord Fauntleroy
Sergei
(archive footage)
David Copperfield in 'David Copperfield' (archive footage)
Young Jonathan Blake
East
Buzz Mitchell
Self (archive footage)
Claude Pierce
David Balfour
Jack Robinson
Geoffrey Braemer
Himself (uncredited)
King Peter II
Reverend Wilbur
Self
Self (archive footage)
David Conway
Peter Carlton
Self (uncredited)
Himself
Bob Randolph
Self
Austin Shannon
David Harrington
Child
Himself
Steve Kendall
Himself
Freddie Hewlett