John Forsythe - Actor Profile

John Forsythe

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 29, 1918
Birth Place: Penns Grove, New Jersey, USA

About 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).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Forsythe reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: TV Movie

The majority of John Forsythe's filmography leans towards the TV Movie 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 34% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Forsythe remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Forsythe Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Forsythe's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Forsythe.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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) Average Similar →
1996 Shirley Maclaine: Kicking Up Her Heels Self Average Similar →
1990 Opposites Attract Rex Roper Flop Similar →
1988 Scrooged Lew Hayward Hit Similar →
1988 Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC Self Average 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 →
1980 A Time for Miracles Postulator Average Similar →
1979 ...And Justice for All Judge Henry T. Fleming Hit Similar →
1979 The Muppets Go Hollywood Self Average Similar →
1978 The Users Reade Jamieson Flop Similar →
1978 Cruise Into Terror Rev. Charles Mather Flop Similar →
1977 Goodbye & Amen The American Ambassador Average Similar →
1977 Tail Gunner Joe Paul Cunningham Average Similar →
1976 Amelia Earhart G.P. Putnam Flop Similar →
1975 The Deadly Tower Lt. Elwood Forbes Hit Similar →
1974 Terror on the 40th Floor Dan Overland Flop Similar →
1974 Cry Panic David Ryder Hit Similar →
1973 The Letters Paul Anderson Average Similar →
1971 Murder Once Removed Dr. Ron Wellesley Flop 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 →
1967 A Bell for Adano Maj. Victor P. Joppolo Flop Similar →
1966 Madame X Clay Anderson Average Similar →
1964 Kitten with a Whip David Stratton Flop Similar →
1964 See How They Run Martin Young Flop Similar →
1959 What Makes Sammy Run? Al Manheim Hit Similar →
1959 Dubrovsky Wladia Flop Similar →
1956 Everything But the Truth Ernie Miller Super Hit Similar →
1956 The Ambassador's Daughter Sgt. Danny Sullivan Flop 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) Flop Similar →
1949 Arson, Inc. Race Track Aannouncer (voice, uncredited) Flop 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 "Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special" with a rating of 9.0/10.

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 "Everything But the Truth", "Night of 100 Stars II", and "Shadow on the Land".