Jean Hersholt
ActingAbout Jean Hersholt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jean Pierre Hersholt (12 July 1886 – 2 June 1956) was a Danish-born actor who lived in the United States, where he was a leading film and radio talent, best known for his 17 years starring on radio in Dr. Christian and for playing Shirley Temple's grandfather in Heidi. Asked how to pronounce his name, he told The Literary Digest, "In English, her'sholt; in Danish, hairs'hult." Of his total credits, 75 were silent films and 65 were sound films. He appeared in 140 films and directed four.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jean Hersholt 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: Drama
The majority of Jean Hersholt's filmography leans towards the Drama 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), Jean Hersholt remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Fountain, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jean Hersholt Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jean Hersholt's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jean Hersholt.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Checking Out: Grand Hotel | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Complicated Women | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Run for Cover | Mr. Swenson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born World Premiere | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Stage Door Canteen | Jean Hersholt | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Cavalcade of the Academy Awards | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mr. Moto in Danger Island | Mr. Sutter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | I'll Give a Million | Victor | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Alexander's Ragtime Band | Prof. Heinrich | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Heidi | Adolph Kramer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Seventh Heaven | Father Chevillon | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | One in a Million | Heinrich Muller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Country Doctor | Dr. John Luke | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mark of the Vampire | Baron Otto | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Painted Veil | Herr Koerber | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Fountain | Baron von Leyden | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Men in White | Dr. Hochberg | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Cat and the Fiddle | Professor Bertier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Dinner at Eight | Jo Stengel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Crime of the Century | Dr. Emil Brandt | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Flesh | Mr. Herman | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Unashamed | Mr. Schmidt | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Night Court | Herman the Janitor | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Grand Hotel | Senf | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Beast of the City | Samuel "Sam" Belmonte | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Emma | Frederick Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Private Lives | Oscar | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Sin of Madelon Claudet | Dr. Dulac | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) | Karl Ohlin | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Phantom of Paris | Herman | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Cat Creeps | Dr. Patterson | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Hell Harbor | Joseph Horngold | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Case of Sergeant Grischa | Posnanski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Younger Generation | Julius Goldfish - Pa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg | Dr. Jüttner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Stella Dallas | Ed Munn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Don Q Son of Zorro | Don Fabrique Borusta | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Greed | Marcus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Her Night of Romance | Joe Diamond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The City of Stars: A Reporters Visit to the Universal Studios | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | Souls for Sale | Self - Celebrity Actor | Average | Similar → |
| 1922 | Tess of the Storm Country | Ben Letts | Average | Similar → |
| 1921 | The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse | Prof. von Hartrott (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | Love's Prisoner | Party Guest (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1917 | '49–'17 | 'Gentleman Jim' Raynor | Average | Similar → |
| 1917 | The Terror | Jimm, the Dope | Hit | Similar → |
| 1917 | Love Aflame | Reginald | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1916 | Hell's Hinges | Bartender (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Disciple | Mob Member | Super Hit | Similar → |
Jean Hersholt - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jean Hersholt?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jean Hersholt is "The Fountain" with a rating of 9.8/10.
How many movies has Jean Hersholt acted in?
Jean Hersholt has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jean Hersholt?
Other notable films include "Love Aflame", "The Disciple", and "A Star Is Born World Premiere".