John Forsythe
ActingAbout John Forsythe
John Forsythe (born Jacob Lincoln Freund; January 29, 1918 – April 1, 2010) was an American stage, television and film actor. Forsythe starred in three television series, spanning four decades and three genres: as single playboy father Bentley Gregg in the 1950s sitcom Bachelor Father (1957–1962); as the unseen millionaire Charles 'Charlie' Townsend on the 1970s crime drama Charlie's Angels (1976–1981), and as patriarch Blake Carrington on the 1980s soap opera Dynasty (1981–1989). He hosted World of Survival (1971–1977).
John Forsythe Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of John Forsythe 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 John Forsythe's work falls within the TV Movie genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 60% of John Forsythe'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 Never Con a Killer, which stands out as a key performance.
Best John Forsythe Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Forsythe's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie John Forsythe has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Beatles Stories | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle | Charles 'Charlie' Townsend (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Did you leave us, Blake? | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | 'The Trouble with Harry' Isn't Over | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Charlie's Angels | Charlie (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | We Wish You a Merry Christmas | Mr. Ryan (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Shirley Maclaine: Kicking Up Her Heels | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Opposites Attract | Rex Roper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Scrooged | Lew Hayward | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | On Fire | Joe Leary, Sr. | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Night of 100 Stars II | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Disneyland's 30th Anniversary Celebration | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business | Self - Host | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Mysterious Two | He | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Night of 100 Stars | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Sizzle | Mike Callahan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | A Time for Miracles | Postulator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | ...And Justice for All | Judge Henry T. Fleming | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Muppets Go Hollywood | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | With This Ring | Gen. Albert Harris | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Cruise Into Terror | Rev. Charles Mather | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | Goodbye & Amen | The American Ambassador | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Never Con a Killer | E.J. Valerian | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Tail Gunner Joe | Paul Cunningham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Deadly Tower | Lt. Elwood Forbes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Healers | Dr. Robert Kier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Cry Panic | David Ryder | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Lisa, Bright and Dark | William Schilling | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Letters | Paul Anderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Happy Ending | Fred Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Topaz | Michael Nordstrom | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shadow on the Land | Gen. Wendell Bruce | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | In Cold Blood | Alvin Dewey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Madame X | Clay Anderson | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Kitten with a Whip | David Stratton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1964 | See How They Run | Martin Young | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | What Makes Sammy Run? | Al Manheim | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Dubrovsky | Wladia | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Everything But the Truth | Ernie Miller | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Trouble with Harry | Sam Marlowe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Escape from Fort Bravo | Captain Marsh | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Glass Web | Don Newell | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | It Happens Every Thursday | Bob MacAvoy | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Captive City | James "Jim" C. Austin | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | American Harvest | Self - Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Arson, Inc. | Race Track Aannouncer (voice, uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Destination Tokyo | Sparks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Northern Pursuit | Corporal (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
John Forsythe - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Forsythe?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Forsythe is "Never Con a Killer" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has John Forsythe acted in?
John Forsythe has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Forsythe?
Other notable films include "With This Ring", "Sizzle", and "On Fire".