Hugh O'Brian
ActingAbout Hugh O'Brian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe; April 19, 1925 – September 5, 2016) was an American actor and humanitarian, best known for his starring roles in the ABC western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961) and the NBC action television series Search (1972–1973), as well as films including the Agatha Christie adaptation Ten Little Indians (1965); he also had a notable supporting role in John Wayne's last film, The Shootist (1976). He was highly regarded for creating the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, a non-profit youth leadership development program, founded in 1958, for high school scholars.
Hugh O'Brian Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Hugh O'Brian reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Hugh O'Brian's work falls within the Western genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 62% of Hugh O'Brian'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 Africa: Texas Style!, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Hugh O'Brian Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Hugh O'Brian's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Hugh O'Brian has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Shootist: The Legend Lives On | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone | Wyatt Earp | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Gunsmoke: The Last Apache | Gen. Nelson Miles | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Twins | Granger | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Bruce Lee, the Legend | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Game of Death | Steiner | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Benny & Barney: Las Vegas Undercover | Jack Davis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Fantasy Island | Paul Henley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Shootist | Jack Pulford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Murder on Flight 502 | Detective Daniel Myerson | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Probe | Hugh Lockwood | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Wild Women | Killian | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Strategy of Terror | Matt Lacey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Movie Orgy | Wyatt Earp (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Dial M for Murder | Mark Halliday | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Africa: Texas Style! | Jim Sinclair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Ten Little Indians | Hugh Lombard | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | In Harm's Way | U.S. Army Air Corps Major (Liz Eddington's Lover) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Feathertop | Feathertop | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Alias Jesse James | Wyatt Earp (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Fiend Who Walked the West | Daniel Slade Hardy | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Brass Legend | Sheriff Wade Addams | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Twinkle In God's Eye | Marty Callahan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | White Feather | American Horse | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | There's No Business Like Show Business | Charles Gibbs | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Broken Lance | Mike Devereaux | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Moby Dick | Starbuck | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Fireman Save My Child | Smitty | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Saskatchewan | Carl Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Back to God's Country | Frank Hudson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Stand at Apache River | Tom Kenyon | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Man from the Alamo | Lt. Lamar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Meet Me at the Fair | Chilton Corr | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Lawless Breed | Ike Hanley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Raiders | Hank Purvis | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sally and Saint Anne | Danny O'Moyne | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Red Ball Express | Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Battle at Apache Pass | Lt. Robert Harley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Cimarron Kid | Red Buck | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | On the Loose | Dr. Phillips | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Little Big Horn | Pvt. Al DeWalt | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fighting Coast Guard | Tom Peterson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Buckaroo Sheriff of Texas | Ted Gately | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Return of Jesse James | Lem Younger | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Beyond the Purple Hills | Jack Beaumont | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Never Fear | Len Randall | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | D.O.A. | Jazz Fan (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Kidnapped | Sailor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Hugh O'Brian - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Hugh O'Brian?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hugh O'Brian is "Africa: Texas Style!" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Hugh O'Brian acted in?
Hugh O'Brian has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Hugh O'Brian?
Other notable films include "Beyond the Purple Hills", "Strategy of Terror", and "Moby Dick".