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 and as the cyborg "Daryl" in the 1985 film D.A.R.Y.L., a part for which he won a Saturn Award.
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.
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.
Personal life Oliver was a member of Scientology, but his current affiliation is unclear.
Filmography
Film Year Title Role Notes1982 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 #21984 The NeverEnding Story Bastian Invitation to Hell Robbie Winslow Frankenweenie Victor Frankenstein Short film1985 D.A.R.Y.L. Daryl Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger ActorNominated—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 Result1983Young Artist AwardThe Circle FamilyBest Young Actor in a Television Special Nominated1985Highway to HeavenBest Young Actor - Guest in a Television Series NominatedThe NeverEnding StoryBest Young Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama Nominated1986D.A.R.Y.L.Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor - Motion Picture NominatedSaturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger ActorBest Performance by a Younger ActorWon
References
Bibliography Holmstrom, John. The Moving Picture Boy: An International Encyclopaedia from 1895 to 1995, Norwich, Michael Russell, 1996, pp. 393–394.
External links
Barret Oliver archive HollyWood News Article (Archived) Silverstein Photography Annual