George Cleveland - Actor Profile

George Cleveland

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 16, 1885
Birth Place: Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

About George Cleveland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia George Alan Cleveland (September 17, 1885 – July 15, 1957) was a Canadian film actor. He appeared in more than 180 films between 1933 and 1954. Cleveland is perhaps best remembered today as George "Gramps" Miller in the early years of the long running US series Lassie. The early seasons in which Cleveland appeared were retitled Jeff's Collie for syndicated reruns and DVD release. He played the grumpy but-kind hearted father-in-law of farm woman Ellen Miller (Jan Clayton), and grandfather of Lassie's owner, Jeff (Tommy Rettig). Cleveland appeared in the first three seasons (1954–1956) and in the first 12 episodes of the fourth season (1957). His death in July 1957 was written into the 13th episode of the fourth season (1957) and became the storyline motive for the selling of the farm and the departure of the Millers for Capitol City.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of George Cleveland 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: Comedy

The majority of George Cleveland's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), George Cleveland remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Walking My Baby Back Home, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best George Cleveland Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from George Cleveland's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of George Cleveland.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1966 Spaceship to the Unknown Prof. Henson (archive footage) Average Similar →
1954 Fireman Save My Child Chief Rorty Super Hit Similar →
1954 Untamed Heiress Andrew Clayton Average Similar →
1953 Walking My Baby Back Home Col. Dan Wallace Super Hit Similar →
1952 Carson City Henry Dodson Average Similar →
1952 Flaming Feather Doc Fallon Average Similar →
1951 Fort Defiance Uncle Charlie Tallon Average Similar →
1948 A Date with Judy Gramps Average Similar →
1948 Fury at Furnace Creek Judge Average Similar →
1948 Albuquerque John Armin Hit Similar →
1947 My Wild Irish Rose Captain Brennan Average Similar →
1947 The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap Judge Benbow Average Similar →
1946 Wake Up and Dream Prof. Feverfew Hit Similar →
1946 The Show-Off Pop Fisher Hit Similar →
1946 Angel on My Shoulder Albert Hit Similar →
1946 Step by Step Capt. Caleb Simpson Average Similar →
1946 Boys' Ranch Butch's Grandfather (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 The Runaround Feenan the cabbie Average Similar →
1945 Pillow of Death Samuel 'Sam' Kincaid Hit Similar →
1945 She Wouldn't Say Yes Ticket Seller (uncredited) Average Similar →
1945 Her Highness and the Bellboy Dr. Elfson Average Similar →
1945 God Is My Co-Pilot Father of Catherine Scott (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1944 My Pal, Wolf Wilson Hit Similar →
1944 Abroad with Two Yanks Roderick Stuart Average Similar →
1944 It Happened Tomorrow Mr. Gordon Hit Similar →
1943 The Woman of the Town Judge Blackburn Average Similar →
1943 Johnny Come Lately Willie Ferguson Hit Similar →
1942 Army Surgeon Col. John Wishart Average Similar →
1942 Highways by Night Judkins - Hotel Manager Average Similar →
1942 The Spoilers Banty Average Similar →
1942 The Falcon Takes Over Jerry (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1942 Valley of the Sun Bill Yard Average Similar →
1941 Two-Faced Woman Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited) Average Similar →
1941 All That Money Can Buy Cy Bibber Hit Similar →
1941 Sucker List Old Man Average Similar →
1941 Forbidden Passage Anna's Father (uncredited) Average Similar →
1940 Soak the Old John Arnold Average Similar →
1940 Hi-Yo Silver George Blanchard Average Similar →
1940 Drums of Fu Manchu Dr. James Parker Average Similar →
1938 Romance of the Limberlost Nathan Average Similar →
1938 Born to Be Wild Stevens (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1938 The Lone Ranger George Blanchard Average Similar →
1937 The Toast of New York Perkins - Luke's Secretary in Boston (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 Night Key Sam Adams - Company Engineer (uncredited) Average Similar →
1936 North of Nome Ship Captain Average Similar →
1936 Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island Goebel, Gang Scientist Hit Similar →
1936 Flash Gordon Professor Hensley Average Similar →
1935 The Keeper of the Bees Judge Average Similar →
1934 Monte Carlo Nights Croupier Average Similar →
1934 School for Girls Reeves Average Similar →

George Cleveland - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of George Cleveland?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring George Cleveland is "Walking My Baby Back Home" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has George Cleveland acted in?

George Cleveland has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by George Cleveland?

Other notable films include "Fireman Save My Child", "Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island", and "My Pal, Wolf".