Buddy Swan
ActingAbout Buddy Swan
Paul "Buddy" Swan (October 24, 1929 – March 21, 1993) (also credited as Buddy Swann) was an American child actor, best known for playing the title character of the 1941 film Citizen Kane as an eight-year-old boy. He also appeared in the horror film The Ape, the horror comedy Scared Stiff, and the Academy-Award nominated film The Fighting Sullivans, playing one of the Sullivan brothers in their youth. Swan also appeared as a young actor in Broadway plays in 1942, including Mr. Sycamore.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Buddy Swan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 13 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Buddy Swan'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 8% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Buddy Swan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Citizen Kane, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Buddy Swan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Buddy Swan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Buddy Swan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Destination Murder | Arthur, Blue Streak Messenger | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Military Academy with That Tenth Avenue Gang | Williams (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Shockproof | Teenage Boy (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Gallant Journey | Sharkey (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Centennial Summer | Dudley Rogers | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Scared Stiff | Oliver Waldeck | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Horn Blows at Midnight | Kid (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Strange Affair | Newsboy (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Soul of a Monster | Second Newsboy (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Fighting Sullivans | George, as a child (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Citizen Kane | Young Charles Foster Kane | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Ape | Willie Brill | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Haunted House | Junior Henshaw | Flop | Similar → |
Buddy Swan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Buddy Swan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Buddy Swan is "Citizen Kane" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Buddy Swan acted in?
Buddy Swan has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Buddy Swan?
Other notable films include "Shockproof", "Strange Affair", and "Gallant Journey".




