Frank McGrath
ActingAbout Frank McGrath
Benjamin Franklin McGrath (February 2, 1903 – May 13, 1967) was an American television and film actor and stunt performer who played the comical, optimistic cook with the white beard, Charlie B. Wooster, on the western series Wagon Train for five seasons on NBC and then three seasons on ABC. McGrath appeared in all 272 episodes in the eight seasons of the series, which had ended its run only two years before his death. McGrath's Wooster character hence provided the meals and companionship for both fictional trail masters, Ward Bond as Seth Adams and John McIntire as Christopher "Chris" Hale. McGrath was born in Mound City in Holt County in far northwestern Missouri. McGrath married Libby Quay Buschlen (1902–1978), a native of Ontario, Canada. He died May 13, 1967 at the age of sixty-four of a heart attack in Beverly Hills, California, and was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. CLR From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frank McGrath reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 35 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Western
The majority of Frank McGrath's filmography leans towards the Western 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 46% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frank McGrath remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Milkman, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Frank McGrath Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Frank McGrath's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frank McGrath.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | The Shakiest Gun in the West | Mr. Remington | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Last Challenge | Ballard Weeks | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Reluctant Astronaut | Plank | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | The War Wagon | Bartender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Tammy and the Millionaire | Uncle Lucius | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Gunfight in Abilene | Ned Martin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Sword of Ali Baba | Pindar | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Colter Craven Story | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Tin Star | Jim Clark (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Hell Bound | Detective (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The First Texan | Mexican Horseman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Searchers | Texas Ranger (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Hondo | Lowes Partner (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Ride, Vaquero! | Pete | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Westward the Women | Outrider (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Slaughter Trail | Jamora (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Red Badge of Courage | Captain (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Milkman | Man (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Devil's Doorway | Posse Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Broken Arrow | Barfly (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Flame and the Arrow | Guard (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Posse Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | Bugler / Indian (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Fort Apache | Cpl. Derice (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Half Past Midnight | Taxi Driver | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | They Were Expendable | 'Slim' - Bearded CPO (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Ox-Bow Incident | Posse Member (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Black Swan | Pirate (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Sundown Jim | Outlaw | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Riders of the Purple Sage | Pete | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Western Union | Posse Rider | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | High School | Student in Fight | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Robbers' Roost | Mexican | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Rainbow Trail | Horseman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Big Trail | Pioneer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Frank McGrath - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Frank McGrath?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frank McGrath is "The Milkman" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Frank McGrath acted in?
Frank McGrath has been featured in at least 35 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Frank McGrath?
Other notable films include "The Searchers", "The Ox-Bow Incident", and "Westward the Women".