
Harry Carey, Jr.
ActingAbout Harry Carey, Jr.
Henry George "Harry" Carey Jr. (May 16, 1921 - December 27, 2012) was an American actor. He appeared in more than ninety films including several John Ford westerns as well as numerous television series. The son of actors Harry Carey Sr. and Olive Carey, he attempted a singing career before beginning his acting career in the John Ford Stock Company. Director John Ford became a close friend and collaborator. Carey appeared in such notable Ford films as 3 Godfathers (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), The Searchers (1956), and Cheyenne Autumn (1964), some also featuring appearances by his parents. He became a respected character actor like his father. Carey made four films with director Howard Hawks: Red River (1948), Monkey Business (1952), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), and Rio Bravo (1959 - scenes cut). He also frequently co-starred with actors John Wayne and Ben Johnson, acting together in nine films each. Between 1955 -1957, Carey appeared as ranch counselor Bill Burnett in the serial Spin and Marty, seen on Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. In the 1960s, Carey appeared on such western series as Have Gun - Will Travel and The Legend of Jesse James. Later film roles include George Arthur in The Long Riders (1980), Mr. Anderson in Gremlins (1984), aging biker Red in Mask (1985), Joshua Brackett in The Whales of August (1987), saloon old-timer Zeke in Back to the Future Part III (1990), and Marshal Fred White in Tombstone (1993).
Harry Carey, Jr. Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Harry Carey, Jr. 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 Harry Carey, Jr.'s work falls within the Western genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 86% of Harry Carey, Jr.'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 Ride a Northbound Horse, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Harry Carey, Jr. Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Harry Carey, Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Harry Carey, Jr. has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Last Stand at Saber River | James Sanford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone | Digger Phelps | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Tombstone | Marshall Fred White | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Back to the Future Part III | Saloon Old Timer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Bad Jim | J.C. Lee | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Whales of August | Joshua Brackett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Crossroads | Bartender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Mask | Red | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Gremlins | Mr. Anderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Shadow Riders | Pa Traven | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Long Riders | George Arthur | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid | Deputy Luke | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Man of the East | Holy Joe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Trinity Is Still My Name | Father | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Directed by John Ford | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Big Jake | Pop Dawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Webster | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Ride a Northbound Horse | Yonder | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Bandolero! | Cort Hayjack | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Devil's Brigade | Capt. Rose | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Shenandoah | Jenkins - Rebel Soldier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Trooper Smith (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Flashing Spikes | Man in the Dugout | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | A Public Affair | Bill Martin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Two Rode Together | Ortho Clegg | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Great Impostor | Dr. Joseph Mornay | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Rio Bravo | Harold | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Gundown at Sandoval | Ben Jenkins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Gun the Man Down | Deputy Lee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Great Locomotive Chase | William Bensinger | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Searchers | Brad Jorgensen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Mister Roberts | Stefanowski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Long Gray Line | Dwight D. Eisenhower | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Outcast | Bert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Island in the Sky | Ralph Hunt, Moon's co-pilot | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Sweethearts on Parade | Jim Riley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Winslow, Olympic Team Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | San Antone | Dobe Frakus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Niagara | Taxi Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Monkey Business | Reporter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Wild Blue Yonder | Sgt. Shaker Schuker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Rio Grande | Trooper Daniel 'Sandy' Boone | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Sandy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | 2nd Lt. Ross Pennell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | 3 Godfathers | William Kearney ('The Abilene Kid') | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Blood on the Moon | Cowboy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Moonrise | Jimmy Biff | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Red River | Dan Latimer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Pursued | Prentice | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | Desperate Trails | Young Baby (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Harry Carey, Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Harry Carey, Jr.?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Harry Carey, Jr. is "Ride a Northbound Horse" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Harry Carey, Jr. acted in?
Harry Carey, Jr. has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Harry Carey, Jr.?
Other notable films include "Sweethearts on Parade", "Gundown at Sandoval", and "Rio Bravo".




