Howard Smith
ActingAbout Howard Smith
Howard Irving Smith (August 12, 1893 in – January 10, 1968) was an American character actor with a 50-year career in vaudeville, theater, radio, films and television. In 1938 he performed in Orson Welles's short-lived stage production and once-lost film, Too Much Johnson, and in the celebrated radio production, "The War of the Worlds". He portrayed Charley in the original Broadway production of Death of a Salesman and recreated the role in the 1951 film version. On television Smith portrayed the gruff Harvey Griffin in the situation comedy, Hazel.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Howard Smith reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 22 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Howard Smith's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Howard Smith remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in A Face in the Crowd, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Howard Smith Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Howard Smith's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Howard Smith.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | The Brass Bottle | Senator Grindle | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Bon Voyage! | Judge Henderson | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Murder, Inc. | Albert Anastasia | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Face of Fire | Sheriff Nolan | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Wind Across the Everglades | George Leggett | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | No Time for Sergeants | Maj. Gen. Eugene Bush | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | I Bury the Living | George Kraft | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Don't Go Near the Water | Admiral Junius Boatwright | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | A Face in the Crowd | J.B. Jeffries | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Sincerely, Willis Wade | P.L. Nagle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Caddy | Golf Official | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Never Wave at a WAC | Maj. Gen. Prentiss (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Death of a Salesman | Charley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Great Merlini | Davis Belmont | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Cry Murder | Sen. Alden | Flop | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Street with No Name | Ralph Demory | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | State of the Union | Sam I. Parrish | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Call Northside 777 | K.L. Palmer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Kiss of Death | Warden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Her Kind of Man | Bill Fellows | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Front Page | Mayor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Too Much Johnson | Joseph Johnson | Flop | Similar → |
Howard Smith - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Howard Smith?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Howard Smith is "A Face in the Crowd" with a rating of 7.6/10.
How many movies has Howard Smith acted in?
Howard Smith has been featured in at least 22 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Howard Smith?
Other notable films include "No Time for Sergeants", "Kiss of Death", and "Death of a Salesman".