Ray Smith
ActingAbout Ray Smith
Ray Smith (1 May 1936 – 15 December 1991) was a Welsh actor who played the tough-talking police chief, Detective Superintendent Gordon Spikings, in the television series Dempsey and Makepeace. He was the first actor to play Brother Cadfael for BBC radio, and played a memorable Dai Bando in the BBC's 1975 adaptation of How Green Was My Valley - a touching performance given that Smith;s own father was a miner killed in a pit accident when Smith was just three years old. His final role work was in the TV adaptation of Kingsley Amis' novel, The Old Devils. He died just before filming concluded at the age of 55 from a massive heart attack and won the posthumous BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor in 1992.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ray Smith reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 22 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Ray Smith'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 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ray Smith remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Next Voice You See, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ray Smith Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ray Smith's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ray Smith.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Old Devils | Charlie Norris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Trial of Klaus Barbie | Margaine | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | Bewitched | Sylvester Brand | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Life and Times of David Lloyd George | Aneurin Bevan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Sailor's Return | Fred Leake | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Mucking Out | Thomas Loftus | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Mayor's Charity | Charlie Harris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | Rogue Male | Fisherman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Operation: Daybreak | Hájek | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Next Voice You See | Ben Tamplin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | King Lear | Kent | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | Britannia: A Bridge | Narrator (Voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | Made | Policeman | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Under Milk Wood | Mr Waldo | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Ladies: Doreen | Eric | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shaggy Dog | Mr Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It | Stanley Maxwell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | Stella | Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Informers | Police Sergeant (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Tomorrow at Ten | Mr. Briggs | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Painted Smile | Glynn | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Candidate for Murder | Chauffeur | Flop | Similar → |
Ray Smith - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ray Smith?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ray Smith is "The Next Voice You See" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Ray Smith acted in?
Ray Smith has been featured in at least 22 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ray Smith?
Other notable films include "Operation: Daybreak", "Rogue Male", and "The Informers".