William Bendix
ActingAbout William Bendix
William Bendix (January 14, 1906 – December 14, 1964) was an American film, radio, and television actor, best remembered in movies for the title role in the movie The Babe Ruth Story and for portraying clumsily earnest aircraft plant worker Chester A. Riley in radio and television's The Life of Riley. He also received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for Wake Island (1942).
William Bendix Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of William Bendix 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 William Bendix's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 70% of William Bendix'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 Skirmish on the Home Front, which stands out as a key performance.
Best William Bendix Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William Bendix's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie William Bendix has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Los Angeles Plays Itself | Buzz Wanchek in The Blue Dahlia (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Robert Mitchum: The Reluctant Star | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Movie Orgy | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Law of the Lawless | Sheriff Ed Tanner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | For Love or Money | Joe Fogel | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Young and the Brave | Sgt. Peter L. Kane (escaped POW) | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Johnny Nobody | James Ronald Mulcahy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Rough and the Smooth | Reg Barker | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Ransom of Red Chief | Bill Driscoll | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Idol on Parade | Sergeant Major Lush | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Battle Stations | Buck Fitzpatrick | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Crashout | Van Morgan Duff | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Dangerous Mission | Chief Ranger Joe Parker | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Macao | Lawrence C. Trumble | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Detective Story | Det. Lou Brody | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Gambling House | Joe Farrow | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Kill the Umpire | Bill 'Two Call' Johnson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Johnny Holiday | Sgt. Walker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Big Steal | Capt. Vincent Blake | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court | Sir Sagramore | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Life of Riley | Chester A. Riley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Cover Up | Larry Best | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | 10,000 Kids and a Cop | Cop | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Where There's Life | Victor O'Brien | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Variety Girl | William Bendix | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Web | Lt. Damico | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | I'll Be Yours | Wechsberg | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Calcutta | Pedro Blake | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Two Years Before the Mast | First Mate Amazeen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | White Tie and Tails | Larry Lundie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Blue Dahlia | Buzz Wanchek | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Dark Corner | Stauffer, a.k.a. Fred Foss | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Sentimental Journey | Donnelly - Uncle Don | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Don Juan Quilligan | Patrick Michael 'Don Juan' Quilligan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | It's in the Bag! | William Bendix | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Greenwich Village | Danny O'Mara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Abroad with Two Yanks | Biff Koraski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Hairy Ape | Hank Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Skirmish on the Home Front | Herb Miller | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Lifeboat | Gus Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hostages | Underground leader | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | China | Johnny Sparrow | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Crystal Ball | Biff Carter | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | The McGuerins from Brooklyn | Tim McGuerin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Who Done It? | Detective Sgt. Brannigan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Glass Key | Jeff | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Star Spangled Rhythm | Herman | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Woman of the Year | Pinkie Peters | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Brooklyn Orchid | Timothy McGuerin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | They Drive by Night | Driver Watching Pinball Game (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
William Bendix - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William Bendix?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Bendix is "Skirmish on the Home Front" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William Bendix acted in?
William Bendix has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William Bendix?
Other notable films include "The Ransom of Red Chief", "The Life of Riley", and "Los Angeles Plays Itself".