
Harry Carey, Jr.
ActingAbout Harry Carey, Jr.
Henry George "Harry" Carey Jr. (May 16, 1921 - December 27, 2012) was an American actor. He appeared in more than ninety films including several John Ford westerns as well as numerous television series. The son of actors Harry Carey Sr. and Olive Carey, he attempted a singing career before beginning his acting career in the John Ford Stock Company. Director John Ford became a close friend and collaborator. Carey appeared in such notable Ford films as 3 Godfathers (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), The Searchers (1956), and Cheyenne Autumn (1964), some also featuring appearances by his parents. He became a respected character actor like his father. Carey made four films with director Howard Hawks: Red River (1948), Monkey Business (1952), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), and Rio Bravo (1959 - scenes cut). He also frequently co-starred with actors John Wayne and Ben Johnson, acting together in nine films each. Between 1955 -1957, Carey appeared as ranch counselor Bill Burnett in the serial Spin and Marty, seen on Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. In the 1960s, Carey appeared on such western series as Have Gun - Will Travel and The Legend of Jesse James. Later film roles include George Arthur in The Long Riders (1980), Mr. Anderson in Gremlins (1984), aging biker Red in Mask (1985), Joshua Brackett in The Whales of August (1987), saloon old-timer Zeke in Back to the Future Part III (1990), and Marshal Fred White in Tombstone (1993).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Harry Carey, Jr. 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: Western
The majority of Harry Carey, Jr.'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 62% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Harry Carey, Jr. remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Rio Bravo, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Harry Carey, Jr. Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Harry Carey, Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Harry Carey, Jr..
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Last Stand at Saber River | James Sanford | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Sunchaser | Cashier | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone | Digger Phelps | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Tombstone | Marshall Fred White | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Exorcist III | Father Kanavan | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Back to the Future Part III | Saloon Old Timer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Bad Jim | J.C. Lee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Crossbow: The Movie | Mutino | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Whales of August | Joshua Brackett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Crossroads | Bartender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Mask | Red | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Gremlins | Mr. Anderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Shadow Riders | Pa Traven | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Long Riders | George Arthur | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Challenge to White Fang | John Tarwater | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Man of the East | Holy Joe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Trinity Is Still My Name | Father | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Directed by John Ford | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Big Jake | Pop Dawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Webster | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Death of a Gunfighter | Rev. Cork | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Bandolero! | Cort Hayjack | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Devil's Brigade | Capt. Rose | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Way West | Mr. McBee | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Rare Breed | Ed Mabry | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Shenandoah | Jenkins - Rebel Soldier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Trooper Smith (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Two Rode Together | Ortho Clegg | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Great Impostor | Dr. Joseph Mornay | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Rio Bravo | Harold | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Gun the Man Down | Deputy Lee | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Great Locomotive Chase | William Bensinger | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Searchers | Brad Jorgensen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Mister Roberts | Stefanowski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | House of Bamboo | John (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Long Gray Line | Dwight D. Eisenhower | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Outcast | Bert | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Silver Lode | Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Island in the Sky | Ralph Hunt, Moon's co-pilot | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Winslow, Olympic Team Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Niagara | Taxi Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Monkey Business | Reporter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Rio Grande | Trooper Daniel 'Sandy' Boone | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Sandy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | 2nd Lt. Ross Pennell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | 3 Godfathers | William Kearney ('The Abilene Kid') | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Blood on the Moon | Cowboy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Moonrise | Jimmy Biff | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Red River | Dan Latimer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Pursued | Prentice | Hit | Similar → |
Harry Carey, Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Harry Carey, Jr.?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Harry Carey, Jr. is "Rio Bravo" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has Harry Carey, Jr. acted in?
Harry Carey, Jr. has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Harry Carey, Jr.?
Other notable films include "The Searchers", "Tombstone", and "Back to the Future Part III".




