
Jonathan Hale
ActingAbout Jonathan Hale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jonathan Hale (born Jonathan Hatley, March 21, 1891 – February 28, 1966) was a Canadian-born film and television actor. Hale was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Before his acting career, Hale worked in the Diplomatic Corps. Hale is most well known as Dagwood Bumstead's boss, Julius Caesar Dithers, in the Blondie film series in the 1940s. He is also notable for playing Inspector Fernack in various The Saint films by RKO Pictures. In 1950 he made two appearances in The Cisco Kid as Barry Owens. He also appeared in two different episodes of Adventures of Superman: "The Evil Three", in which he played a murderous "Southern Colonel"-type character, and "Panic in the Sky", one of the most famous episodes, in which he played the lead astronomer at the Metropolis Observatory, actually a California observatory. Among the relatively few television programs on which Hale appeared are the religion anthology series Crossroads, The Loretta Young Show, Brave Eagle, Schlitz Playhouse, The Joey Bishop Show, and Walt Disney Presents: "A Tribute to Joel Chandler Harris". Hale committed suicide on February 28, 1966. He was found dead that evening in his room at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. Hale had taken his own life with a .38 caliber pistol, which was found near his body. He was 74. Hale was interred at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California. Sadly, Hale's grave went unmarked for more than four decades, until a proper headstone was erected by donations from the "Dearly Departed" fan-based group in 2013; he is now honored with the inscription, "We Remembered You".
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jonathan Hale 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 Jonathan Hale'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 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jonathan Hale remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Footlight Glamour, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jonathan Hale Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jonathan Hale's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jonathan Hale.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Jaguar | Dr. Powell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Scandal Sheet | Frank Madison | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Tall Target | Passenger from Carolina (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Let's Go Navy! | Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Strangers on a Train | Mr. Antony | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Baron of Arizona | Governor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Fountainhead | Guy Francon (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Johnny Belinda | Dr. Horace M. Gray (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Tap Roots | Gen. Johnston (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Call Northside 777 | Governor's Aide Robert Winston (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Wife Wanted | Philip Conway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Angel on My Shoulder | Citizens for Better Government Chairman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hollywood Canteen | Mr. Brodel (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Dead Man's Eyes | Dr. Sam Welles | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Footlight Glamour | J.C. Dithers | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | It's a Great Life | J.C. Dithers | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hangmen Also Die! | Dedic | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Amazing Mrs. Holliday | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blondie for Victory | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Calling Dr. Gillespie | Frank M. Todwell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blondie's Blessed Event | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Blondie in Society | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Strange Alibi | Police Chief Sprague | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Blondie Plays Cupid | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Blondie Has Servant Trouble | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Johnny Apollo | Dr. Brown | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blondie Brings Up Baby | J.C. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | In Name Only | Dr. Gateson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Blondie | Mr. Dithers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Boys Town | John Hargraves | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Judge Hardy's Children | John Lee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Danger – Love at Work | Parsons, an attorney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | This Is My Affair | Judge | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Charlie Chan at the Olympics | Mr. Hopkins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Star Is Born | Judge George J. Parris (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Man Who Found Himself | Dr. Tom Smythe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Man Of The People | Carter Spetner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | You Only Live Once | District Attorney (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Devil Is a Sissy | Judge Holmes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Charlie Chan at the Race Track | Warren Fenton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Fury | Defense Attorney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Charlie Chan's Secret | Warren T. Phelps | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | If You Could Only Cook | Henry Brown - Member of Board of Directors (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Night at the Opera | The Stage Manager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Alice Adams | Mr. Palmer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Raven | Bedside Dr. at Jerry's Right (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Let 'em Have It | Microscopic Expert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | 'G' Men | Congressman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Gentlemen Are Born | Second Broker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Housewife | Doctor | Hit | Similar → |
Jonathan Hale - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jonathan Hale?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jonathan Hale is "Footlight Glamour" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Jonathan Hale acted in?
Jonathan Hale has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jonathan Hale?
Other notable films include "Strangers on a Train", "It's a Great Life", and "Blondie in Society".




