Charles C. Wilson - Actor Profile

Charles C. Wilson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 28, 1894
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Charles C. Wilson

Charles Cahill Wilson (July 29, 1894 – January 7, 1948) was an American screen and stage actor. He appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood from the late 1920s to late 1940s. Born in New York City in 1894, the white-haired, burly actor was often typecast as an earnest police officer, newspaper editor or principal. He appeared in over 250 films between 1928 and 1948, mostly playing small supporting roles with a few sentences. Charles Wilson began his acting career at the theatre, including roles in six Broadway plays between 1918 and 1931. In 1928, he directed the Hollywood comedy Lucky Boy (1928), where he also made his film debut. According to the Internet Movie Database, Lucky Boy was Wilson's only film as a director. His most notable role was probably Clark Gable's "wonderfully aggravated" newspaper boss in Frank Capra's comedy It Happened One Night, which won five Academy Awards in 1935. He was also cast in small roles in other Capra movies such as Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Shortly before his death, Wilson appeared as the boss of the Three Stooges in the two-reel comedy Crime on Their Hands (1948).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Charles C. Wilson reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Charles C. Wilson'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 78% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Charles C. Wilson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in It's a Wonderful Life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Charles C. Wilson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Charles C. Wilson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Charles C. Wilson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1948 Crime on Their Hands J.L. Cameron Hit Similar →
1947 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Police Desk Sergeant (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 It's a Wonderful Life Charlie (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1946 Road to Utopia Official Policeman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 Scarlet Street Watchman (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1943 Batman Captain Arnold Average Similar →
1942 Gentleman Jim Gurney (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1942 This Gun for Hire Police Captain Hit Similar →
1942 Rings on Her Fingers - Hit Similar →
1942 Blondie Goes to College Police Sergeant Average Similar →
1941 Dressed to Kill Newspaper Editor Average Similar →
1941 Out of the Fog - Average Similar →
1941 Meet John Doe Charlie Dawson Hit Similar →
1941 The Face Behind the Mask Chief O'Brien Hit Similar →
1940 Lady with Red Hair George Martin (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 City for Conquest Bill - Man Behind MacPherson at Fight (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 They Drive by Night Mike Williams (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 The Roaring Twenties Policeman (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1939 Here I Am a Stranger Managing Editor Hit Similar →
1939 The House of Fear Police Chief Hit Similar →
1938 Angels with Dirty Faces - Super Hit Similar →
1938 Hold That Co-ed Coach Burke Average Similar →
1938 Gateway Inspector Hit Similar →
1937 Broadway Melody of 1938 Horse Auctioneer (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 One Mile from Heaven Fletcher Hit Similar →
1937 The Case of the Stuttering Bishop Hamilton Burger Hit Similar →
1937 Night Key Police Capt. Wallace (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 The Great O'Malley Policeman Chiding School Bus Driver (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 You Only Live Once Police Inspector (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1936 The Magnificent Brute Murphy Hit Similar →
1936 Grand Jury City Editor Hit Similar →
1936 Show Boat - Hit Similar →
1936 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town County Hospital Guard (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1936 Big Brown Eyes Prosecuting Attorney (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1936 Strike Me Pink Hardie Hit Similar →
1935 Hitch Hike Lady Mike - a Racketeer Hit Similar →
1935 We're Only Human Editor of The Daily Star Hit Similar →
1935 Show Them No Mercy! Clifford Hit Similar →
1935 The Glass Key District Attorney Edward J. Farr Average Similar →
1935 The Nitwits Police Captain Jennings Hit Similar →
1935 The Gilded Lily Managing Editor Hit Similar →
1934 Here Is My Heart Captain Dodge (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 Port of Lost Dreams Warden Hit Similar →
1934 Fog Over Frisco Detective Sergeant O'Hagen Average Similar →
1934 It Happened One Night Joe Gordon Super Hit Similar →
1933 Female Private Detective Falihee (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1933 The Mayor of Hell Wilson (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 Gold Diggers of 1933 Deputy (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 Hard to Handle Jailer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1930 Insurance Doctor (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →

Charles C. Wilson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Charles C. Wilson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles C. Wilson is "It's a Wonderful Life" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Charles C. Wilson acted in?

Charles C. Wilson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Charles C. Wilson?

Other notable films include "Insurance", "It Happened One Night", and "Scarlet Street".