The Barrymore Dynasty

The younger generation may know of actress Drew Barrymore from blockbuster movie hits "Charlie's Angel" and "The Wedding Singer," but most may not know that she comes from a family boasting generations of accomplished actors.

Harry Smith of A&E "Biography" visited The Early Show to discuss a special documentary that follows her acting "Royal Family."

The two-hour special tells the remarkable and fascinating story of a family with an unprecedented and unbroken lineage of five generations of actors.

It began with Maurice Barrymore in the 1840s and continues on today with Drew Barrymore. Although the much-loved Barrymores were labeled acting's "Royal Family," it was their off-screen lives that equaled and often surpassed any dramatic roles that they performed.

Through rare personal photographs, never-before-seen silent films and clips from some of the Barrymore's greatest performances, viewers will witness the rise and fall of one of Hollywood's most revered, yet tragic families.

"The Barrymores" is hosted and narrated by actor Gary Sinise. It airs Thursday Sept. 19 at 8pm EST/PST on A&E.