
Hobart Cavanaugh
ActingAbout Hobart Cavanaugh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hobart Cavanaugh (September 22, 1886 – April 26, 1950) was an American character actor in films and on stage. He was born in Virginia City, Nevada on September 22, 1886. Cavanaugh attended the University of California. He worked in vaudeville, teaming with Walter Catlett at some point. He appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including the original 1919 musical Irene and the long-running 1948 musical As the Girls Go. He made his film debut in San Francisco Nights (1928). Over the next few years he established himself as a supporting actor, and although many of his roles were small and received no film credit, he played more substantial roles in films such as I Cover the Waterfront (1933) and Mary Stevens, M.D. (1933). By the mid-1930s, he was appearing in more prestigious productions, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935), Captain Blood (1935), Wife vs. Secretary (1936) and A Letter to Three Wives (1949). He continued playing small, often comical roles until the end of his life, mostly as downtrodden or henpecked little men. His last performance was in Stella (1950); he knew he did not have long to live and collapsed twice on set, but was determined to see it through. By the end of his life, he had appeared in more than 180 films. He died following an operation at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. He was survived by his wife Florence and a daughter.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Hobart Cavanaugh reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Hobart Cavanaugh's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Hobart Cavanaugh remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Shooting High, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Hobart Cavanaugh Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Hobart Cavanaugh's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Hobart Cavanaugh.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | A Letter to Three Wives | Mr. Manleigh | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Up in Central Park | Mayor Oakley | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Best Man Wins | Amos | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Inside Story | Mr. Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Driftwood | Judge Beckett | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Margie | Mr. Angus MacDuff | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Faithful in My Fashion | Mr. Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Black Angel | Jake | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Spider Woman Strikes Back | Bill Stapleton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Roughly Speaking | The Teacher (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | San Diego I Love You | Mr. McGregor (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Man from Down Under | Boots | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Human Comedy | Drunk at Bar (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Stand by for Action | Carpenter's Mate 'Chips' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Magnificent Dope | Albert Gowdy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Jackass Mail | Gospel Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Remarkable Andrew | Teller / Witness | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Hired Wife | William | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Shooting High | Clem Perkle | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Home Movies | Party Guest Wearing Bowtie (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | A Child Is Born | Mr. Herbert West | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The House of Fear | Minor Role | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Naughty But Nice | Clark's Piano Tuner (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Daughters Courageous | Tourist (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Never Say Die | Druggist | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Idiot's Delight | Frueheim | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Night Key | Petty Louie | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great O'Malley | Reporter Pinky Holden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Three Smart Girls | Wilbur Lamb | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Cain and Mabel | Milo | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Golden Arrow | DeWolfe | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Wife vs. Secretary | Joe Farnsworth | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Captain Blood | Dr. Bronson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Dr. Socrates | Stevens | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Philostrate | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Page Miss Glory | Joe Bonner | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | While the Patient Slept | Eustace Federie | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Wings in the Dark | Mac | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Housewife | George Wilson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | A Modern Hero | Henry Mueller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Harold Teen | Pop | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Jimmy the Gent | Fake Worthingham | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Fashions of 1934 | Inventor on Ship (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Hi, Nellie! | Fullerton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Moulin Rouge | Drunk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Headline Shooter | Happy | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Mayor of Hell | Mr. Gorman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Picture Snatcher | James Peters - Drunken Reporter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | State Fair | Professor Fred Coin (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Hobart Cavanaugh - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Hobart Cavanaugh?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hobart Cavanaugh is "Shooting High" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Hobart Cavanaugh acted in?
Hobart Cavanaugh has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Hobart Cavanaugh?
Other notable films include "A Letter to Three Wives", "Captain Blood", and "The Magnificent Dope".




