David Newell - Actor Profile

David Newell

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 23, 1905
Birth Place: Carthage, Missouri, USA

About David Newell

David Newell was originally an actor, who became a makeup artist after being involved in a car crash that left him with some facial disfigurement. David Newell was primarily known as an American character actor, whose acting career spanned from the very beginning of the sound film era through the middle of the 1950s. He made his film debut in a featured role in The Hole in the Wall, a 1929 film starring Edward G. Robinson and Claudette Colbert. Early in his career he had many featured roles, in such films as: RKO's The Runaway Bride in 1929, starring Mary Astor; 1931's Ten Cents a Dance, starring Barbara Stanwyck and directed by Lionel Barrymore; and White Heat in 1934. In the late 1940s he also began working as a make-up artist, which he transitioned full-time to in 1955; this was due to injuries sustained during a car accident, which left him physically disfigured. He retired from the film industry in 1961, although he continued to work in television through the beginning of the 1970s, his last position being the make-up artist on the television show, Lassie. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Newell 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: Drama

The majority of David Newell'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 52% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Newell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in A Woman Commands, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best David Newell Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David Newell's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Newell.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1952 The Duel at Silver Creek Townsman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1949 Act of Violence Bystander (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Du Barry Was a Lady Man Getting Champagne (uncredited) Average Similar →
1943 Reveille with Beverly Sentry (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1941 Footsteps in the Dark June's Escort (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Lady with Red Hair Man in Chicago Audience (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Dr. Kildare's Crisis Chandler's Secretary Average Similar →
1940 The Letter Geoffrey Hammond (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 North West Mounted Police Indian Average Similar →
1940 Blondie Has Servant Trouble Nelson - Dithers' Employee (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Phantom Raiders Man in Cafe Average Similar →
1940 Phantom Raiders Telephone Operator Average Similar →
1940 'Til We Meet Again Assistant Purser (uncredited) Average Similar →
1939 Swanee River Guest Hit Similar →
1939 Gone with the Wind Cade Calvert (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1939 We Are Not Alone Policeman in Courtroom Average Similar →
1939 Day-time Wife Party Guest Answering Telephone Average Similar →
1939 Blondie Brings Up Baby Tall Dithers' Employee (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Rulers of the Sea Seaman (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 The Escape Reporter Average Similar →
1939 Charlie Chan at Treasure Island Audience Member Hit Similar →
1939 Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation Museum Exhibit Attendee (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Naughty But Nice Attorney at Defense Table (uncredited) Average Similar →
1939 Union Pacific Reporter (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Dark Victory Judith's Friend (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Blondie Meets the Boss Sanders (uncredited) Average Similar →
1939 Wife, Husband and Friend Party Guest Average Similar →
1938 Blondie First Draftsman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1938 The Cowboy and the Lady Gambler (uncredited) Average Similar →
1938 The Lady Objects Student Flop Similar →
1938 Dangerous to Know Party Guest (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 Artists & Models Romeo (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 A Star Is Born Sam (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 History Is Made at Night - Hit Similar →
1935 The Florentine Dagger Rodrigo (uncredited) Average Similar →
1934 Imitation of Life Party Guest Saying Goodbye (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 Desirable Helen's First Admirer at Party Hit Similar →
1933 Hell Below Lieut. (JG) Radford Average Similar →
1933 Ann Carver's Profession Adjutant (uncredited) Average Similar →
1933 Made on Broadway O'Neill - Mayor's Secretary Hit Similar →
1933 Today We Live Man in Canteen (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 Divorce In The Family Interne Average Similar →
1932 Huddle Football Player (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 A Woman Commands Adjutant Super Hit Similar →
1931 Ten Cents a Dance Ralph Clark Hit Similar →
1930 Just Like Heaven Tobey Average Similar →
1930 Let's Go Native Chief Officer Williams Super Hit Similar →
1930 Paramount on Parade Sweetheart in Gondola ('Song of the Gondolier') (uncredited) Average Similar →
1929 Darkened Rooms Billy Hit Similar →
1929 Dangerous Curves Tony Barretti Average Similar →

David Newell - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David Newell?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Newell is "A Woman Commands" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has David Newell acted in?

David Newell has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David Newell?

Other notable films include "Gone with the Wind", "Let's Go Native", and "Desirable".