Kay Johnson - Actor Profile

Kay Johnson

Acting
24Total Films
7.3 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 29, 1904
Birth Place: Mount Vernon, New York, USA

About Kay Johnson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Catherine Townsend "Kay" Johnson (November 29, 1904 – November 17, 1975) was an American stage and film actress. Johnson was signed to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer by Cecil B. DeMille following a performance of The Silver Cord at the Repertory Theater in Los Angeles, California. The play was produced by Simeon Gest of the Figueroa Playhouse. Her film debut came in Dynamite (1929), written by Jeanie Macpherson and featuring Charles Bickford and Conrad Nagel. Production was delayed while Johnson recovered from an appendectomy. She went on to appear in The Ship from Shanghai (1930), This Mad World (1930), Billy the Kid (1930), The Spoilers (1930) with Gary Cooper and Betty Compson, DeMille's Madam Satan (1930), Passion Flower (1930), Capra's American Madness (1932), Thirteen Women (1932), Of Human Bondage (which starred Leslie Howard and Bette Davis), Jalna (1935) and Mr. Lucky (1943). Johnson was cast opposite Warner Baxter in a screen adaptation of Such Men Are Dangerous by Elinor Glyn. The story was adapted to the screen by Fox Film. Johnson's final film appearance came in the 1954 British film Jivaro (also known as Lost Treasure of the Amazon).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kay Johnson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 24 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Kay Johnson'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 25% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kay Johnson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kay Johnson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kay Johnson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kay Johnson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1954 Jivaro Umari Flop Similar →
1943 Mr. Lucky Mrs. Mary Ostrander Hit Similar →
1942 Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake Helena Hit Similar →
1941 Hellzapoppin' Lena - Lady Looking for Oscar Hit Similar →
1939 The Real Glory Mrs. Manning Average Similar →
1938 White Banners Marcia Ward Average Similar →
1935 Call of the Wild Show Girl (uncredited) Average Similar →
1935 Jalna Alayne Whiteoaks Flop Similar →
1935 Village Tale Janet Stevenson Flop Similar →
1934 Their Big Moment Eve Farrington Flop Similar →
1934 Of Human Bondage Norah Hit Similar →
1934 This Man Is Mine Bee McCrae Average Similar →
1934 Eight Girls in a Boat Hannah Flop Similar →
1932 Thirteen Women Helen Dawson Frye Average Similar →
1932 American Madness Phyllis Dickson Hit Similar →
1931 The Spy Anna Turin Flop Similar →
1931 The Single Sin Kate Adams Flop Similar →
1930 Passion Flower Katherine Pringle Wallace 'Cassy' Flop Similar →
1930 Billy the Kid Claire Flop Similar →
1930 The Spoilers Helen Chester Average Similar →
1930 Madam Satan Angela Brooks Average Similar →
1930 This Mad World Victoria Hit Similar →
1930 The Ship from Shanghai Dorothy Daley Average Similar →
1929 Dynamite Cynthia Crothers Average Similar →

Kay Johnson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kay Johnson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kay Johnson is "Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake" with a rating of 7.3/10.

How many movies has Kay Johnson acted in?

Kay Johnson has been featured in at least 24 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kay Johnson?

Other notable films include "Hellzapoppin'", "Mr. Lucky", and "This Mad World".