Ray Smith
ActingAbout Ray Smith
Ray Smith (1 May 1936 – 15 December 1991) was a Welsh actor who played the tough-talking police chief, Detective Superintendent Gordon Spikings, in the television series Dempsey and Makepeace. He was the first actor to play Brother Cadfael for BBC radio, and played a memorable Dai Bando in the BBC's 1975 adaptation of How Green Was My Valley - a touching performance given that Smith;s own father was a miner killed in a pit accident when Smith was just three years old. His final role work was in the TV adaptation of Kingsley Amis' novel, The Old Devils. He died just before filming concluded at the age of 55 from a massive heart attack and won the posthumous BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor in 1992.
Ray Smith Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Ray Smith reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 23 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Ray Smith's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 39% of Ray Smith'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 Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Ray Smith Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ray Smith's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Ray Smith has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Old Devils | Charlie Norris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Trial of Klaus Barbie | Margaine | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | Bewitched | Sylvester Brand | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Life and Times of David Lloyd George | Aneurin Bevan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Sailor's Return | Fred Leake | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Mucking Out | Thomas Loftus | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Mayor's Charity | Charlie Harris | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Rogue Male | Fisherman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Operation: Daybreak | Hájek | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Next Voice You See | Ben Tamplin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | King Lear | Kent | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Britannia: A Bridge | Narrator (Voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | Made | Policeman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Mill | Holland | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | Under Milk Wood | Mr Waldo | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Ladies: Doreen | Eric | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shaggy Dog | Mr Johnson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It | Stanley Maxwell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Stella | Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Informers | Police Sergeant (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Tomorrow at Ten | Mr. Briggs | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Painted Smile | Glynn | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Candidate for Murder | Chauffeur | Flop | Similar → |
Ray Smith - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ray Smith?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ray Smith is "Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Ray Smith acted in?
Ray Smith has been featured in at least 23 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ray Smith?
Other notable films include "The Mayor's Charity", "The Next Voice You See", and "Operation: Daybreak".