Harry Semels - Actor Profile

Harry Semels

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 20, 1887
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Harry Semels

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Harry Semels (November 20, 1887 – March 2, 1946) was an American film actor. He appeared in over 315 film between 1917 and 1946. Semels appeared in his first film in 1917. He began to achieve fame after arriving at Columbia Pictures, appearing in several Three Stooges shorts including Disorder in the Court, Wee Wee Monsieur and Three Little Sew and Sews. He also appeared in feature films like Road to Morocco, The Princess and the Pirate and The Kid from Brooklyn. A versatile character actor, Semels often appeared as villains, waiters, soldiers, lawyers, et al.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Harry Semels 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: Romance

The majority of Harry Semels's filmography leans towards the Romance 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 76% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Harry Semels remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Great Dictator, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Harry Semels Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Harry Semels's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Harry Semels.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1946 Road to Utopia Lombardi - Spitting Passenger (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 The Harvey Girls Townsman at Saloon (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 I Love a Mystery Mr. G's Doorkeeper Servant (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1943 Dizzy Pilots Sky Aircraft Co. Representative (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 The Hard Way Passerby (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1942 Reunion in France R.R. Mechanic (uncredited) Average Similar →
1942 Road to Morocco Jolla's Warrior (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1942 Moontide Waiter (uncredited) Average Similar →
1942 Woman of the Year Mug (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1941 She's Oil Mine Referee Hit Similar →
1940 Little Nellie Kelly Immigrant at Citizenship Ceremony (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 North West Mounted Police Half-breed Archer Average Similar →
1940 The Great Dictator Jewish Fruit Stand Proprietor (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1940 Foreign Correspondent Sidewalk Crowd Extra (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 They Drive by Night Leo, Cashier (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 New Moon Bondsman Hit Similar →
1940 Strange Cargo Convict (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Ninotchka Gurganov (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1939 Midnight Police Officer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 King of the Turf Coffee Pot Proprietor Hit Similar →
1939 Three Little Sew and Sews Count Alfred Gehrol Hit Similar →
1938 Flirting with Fate Member of Sancho's Band Hit Similar →
1938 You Can't Take It with You Man (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1938 Marie Antoinette Townsman at Execution (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1938 A Slight Case of Murder Partygoer (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 Kid Galahad Waiter Restraining McGraw (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 The Soldier and the Lady Tartar (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1936 More Than a Secretary Apartment Custodian with Hose (uncredited) Average Similar →
1936 The Luckiest Girl in the World Bum Super Hit Similar →
1936 The Case of the Velvet Claws A. G. 'Kicky' Kickopopolos Hit Similar →
1936 Disorder in the Court District Attorney (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1936 Give Us This Night Prisoner Hit Similar →
1935 I Live My Life Greek Following Kay (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1935 Les Misérables Cochepaille Hit Similar →
1934 Our Daily Bread Italian Shoemaker (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 Twentieth Century Poster Artist (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 It Happened One Night Bus Passenger (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1933 Baby Face Speakeasy Drunk (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Virtue Tony (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 Vanity Street Italian Street Workman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Tiger Shark Crewman (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 American Madness - Hit Similar →
1932 South of the Rio Grande Bandido Leader Super Hit Similar →
1931 Safe in Hell Jury Member (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1931 Platinum Blonde Waiter (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1931 Dishonored - Hit Similar →
1931 Dance, Fools, Dance Emilio (uncredited) Average Similar →
1930 Hell's Angels Anarchist (uncredited) Average Similar →
1928 The Last Command A Soldier (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1927 Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans Carnival Gallery Man with Pig (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →

Harry Semels - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Harry Semels?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Harry Semels is "The Great Dictator" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Harry Semels acted in?

Harry Semels has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Harry Semels?

Other notable films include "South of the Rio Grande", "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans", and "It Happened One Night".