Charles C. Wilson - Actor Profile

Charles C. Wilson

Acting
Updated: May 10, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 28, 1894
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Charles C. Wilson

Charles Cahill Wilson (July 29, 1894 – January 7, 1948) was an American screen and stage actor. He appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood from the late 1920s to late 1940s. Born in New York City in 1894, the white-haired, burly actor was often typecast as an earnest police officer, newspaper editor or principal. He appeared in over 250 films between 1928 and 1948, mostly playing small supporting roles with a few sentences. Charles Wilson began his acting career at the theatre, including roles in six Broadway plays between 1918 and 1931. In 1928, he directed the Hollywood comedy Lucky Boy (1928), where he also made his film debut. According to the Internet Movie Database, Lucky Boy was Wilson's only film as a director. His most notable role was probably Clark Gable's "wonderfully aggravated" newspaper boss in Frank Capra's comedy It Happened One Night, which won five Academy Awards in 1935. He was also cast in small roles in other Capra movies such as Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Shortly before his death, Wilson appeared as the boss of the Three Stooges in the two-reel comedy Crime on Their Hands (1948).

Charles C. Wilson Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Charles C. Wilson reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Charles C. Wilson's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 100% of Charles C. Wilson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Night Hawk, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Charles C. Wilson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Charles C. Wilson's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Charles C. Wilson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1947 Meet Mr. Mischief Harry's Boss Super Hit Similar →
1946 It's a Wonderful Life Charlie (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1946 Passkey to Danger Police Sergeant Super Hit Similar →
1945 Scarlet Street Watchman (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1944 Hey, Rookie Sam Jonas Super Hit Similar →
1942 The Man Who Returned to Life Inspector Mensil Super Hit Similar →
1941 The Officer and the Lady Police Captain Hart Super Hit Similar →
1941 Meet John Doe Charlie Dawson Hit Similar →
1940 Charter Pilot Owen Super Hit Similar →
1940 Sandy Is a Lady Sergeant Super Hit Similar →
1939 The Roaring Twenties Policeman (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1939 Here I Am a Stranger Managing Editor Hit Similar →
1939 Hotel for Women Albert Super Hit Similar →
1939 The House of Fear Police Chief Super Hit Similar →
1938 Angels with Dirty Faces - Super Hit Similar →
1938 The Night Hawk Lonigan Super Hit Similar →
1938 Tenth Avenue Kid Commissioner Super Hit Similar →
1938 Gateway Inspector Hit Similar →
1938 State Police Captain Halstead Super Hit Similar →
1937 That’s My Story Cummings Super Hit Similar →
1937 Partners in Crime Inspector Simpson Super Hit Similar →
1937 Life Begins in College Tom Burke Super Hit Similar →
1937 The Case of the Stuttering Bishop Hamilton Burger Hit Similar →
1937 Woman in Distress Editor Herbert Claxton Super Hit Similar →
1936 Mind Your Own Business Detective Super Hit Similar →
1936 The Gentleman from Louisiana Diamond Jim Brady Super Hit Similar →
1936 I'd Give My Life Warden Super Hit Similar →
1936 Grand Jury City Editor Super Hit Similar →
1936 The Mine with the Iron Door Pitkins Super Hit Similar →
1936 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town County Hospital Guard (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1936 The Return of Jimmy Valentine Kelley Super Hit Similar →
1935 Hitch Hike Lady Mike - a Racketeer Super Hit Similar →
1935 White Lies Defense Attorney (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1935 We're Only Human Editor of The Daily Star Hit Similar →
1935 Show Them No Mercy! Clifford Super Hit Similar →
1935 Mary Burns, Fugitive G-Man at dancehall Super Hit Similar →
1935 Men of the Hour Harper Super Hit Similar →
1935 Car 99 Trooper Captain Ryan Super Hit Similar →
1934 Here Is My Heart Captain Dodge (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 Port of Lost Dreams Warden Hit Similar →
1934 The Human Side Furniture Buyer (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1934 Embarrassing Moments Attorney Super Hit Similar →
1934 Name the Woman Joel Walker Super Hit Similar →
1934 The Hell Cat Graham Super Hit Similar →
1934 It Happened One Night Joe Gordon Super Hit Similar →
1933 The Mayor of Hell Wilson (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 Gold Diggers of 1933 Deputy (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1931 Hot News Margie Newspaper Editor (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1930 Insurance Doctor (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1929 Acquitted Nelson Super Hit Similar →

Charles C. Wilson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Charles C. Wilson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles C. Wilson is "The Night Hawk" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Charles C. Wilson acted in?

Charles C. Wilson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Charles C. Wilson?

Other notable films include "Mind Your Own Business", "The Return of Jimmy Valentine", and "Name the Woman".

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