O.Z. Whitehead - Actor Profile

O.Z. Whitehead

Acting
Freshness: Jan 23, 2026
27Total Films
7.8 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 1, 1911
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About O.Z. Whitehead

American character actor of rather bizarre range, a member of the so-called John Ford Stock Company. Originally a New York stage actor of some repute, Whitehead entered films in the 1930s. He played a wide variety of character parts, often quite different from his own actual age and type. He is probably most familiar as Al Joad in John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath (1940). But twenty-two years later, in his fifth film for Ford, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Whitehead at 51 was playing a lollipop-licking schoolboy! He continued to work predominantly on the stage, appearing now and again in films or on television. In his last years, he suffered from cancer and died in 1998 in Dublin, Ireland, where he had lived in semi-retirement for many years.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of O.Z. Whitehead reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 27 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of O.Z. Whitehead'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 37% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), O.Z. Whitehead remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Grapes of Wrath, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best O.Z. Whitehead Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from O.Z. Whitehead's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of O.Z. Whitehead.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1975 Philadelphia, Here I Come Ben Burton Hit Similar →
1968 The Lion in Winter Bishop of Durham Hit Similar →
1967 Ulysses Alexander J. Dowie Average Similar →
1963 Summer Magic Mr. Perkins Hit Similar →
1962 Panic in Year Zero! Hogan Average Similar →
1962 The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Herbert Carruthers Super Hit Similar →
1961 Two Rode Together Lt. Whitehead Average Similar →
1959 The Horse Soldiers Otis 'Hoppy' Hopkins Hit Similar →
1958 The Last Hurrah Norman Cass Jr. Hit Similar →
1958 Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys! Isaac Goodpasture Flop Similar →
1953 The Body Beautiful Oscar Blunt Flop Similar →
1952 Beware, My Lovely Mr. Franks Average Similar →
1952 The San Francisco Story Alfey Flop Similar →
1952 The San Francisco Story - Flop Similar →
1952 For Men Only Prof. Bixby Average Similar →
1951 FBI Girl Chauncey Average Similar →
1951 Journey Into Light Lippy Average Similar →
1951 Comin' Round the Mountain Zeke Average Similar →
1951 The Hoodlum Breckenridge Average Similar →
1951 The Scarf Whoopie Average Similar →
1949 Ma and Pa Kettle Mr. Billings Hit Similar →
1948 A Song Is Born Professor Oddly Average Similar →
1948 Road House Arthur Hit Similar →
1947 The Romance of Rosy Ridge Ninny Nat Hit Similar →
1947 My Brother Talks to Horses Mr. Puddy Average Similar →
1940 The Grapes of Wrath Al Joad Super Hit Similar →
1935 The Scoundrel Calhoun Average Similar →

O.Z. Whitehead - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of O.Z. Whitehead?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring O.Z. Whitehead is "The Grapes of Wrath" with a rating of 7.8/10.

How many movies has O.Z. Whitehead acted in?

O.Z. Whitehead has been featured in at least 27 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by O.Z. Whitehead?

Other notable films include "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", "The Lion in Winter", and "The Last Hurrah".