Jonathan Hale - Actor Profile

Jonathan Hale

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
7.7 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 20, 1891
Birth Place: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

About 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.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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".