Barry MacKay - Actor Profile

Barry MacKay

Acting
Freshness: Jan 31, 2026
21Total Films
7.9 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 8, 1906
Birth Place: London, England, UK

About Barry MacKay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Barry MacKay (8 January 1906 – 12 December 1985) was a British actor. He was most prominently seen in light comedic roles in the British cinema of the 1930s and is perhaps best known as Jessie Matthews' leading man in Evergreen (1934), Gangway (1937) and Sailing Along (1938). Other notable roles include Lieutenant Somerville in Brown on Resolution (1935) and as Fred, Scrooge's nephew, in MGM's film A Christmas Carol (1938), the latter being one of two films he made in the US; the other was the lead role in a B-picture, Smuggled Cargo (1939). After these films and serving in the Canadian navy during WW II, followed by stage work, there was a long gap in his film career until he reappeared as a character actor in the 1950s, making his last film (Timeslip a.k.a. The Atomic Man ) in 1955. Barry also appeared in the 1954 Sheldon Reynolds produced Sherlock Holmes television series. He portrayed Reggie "Sardines" Taunton in episode 17; "The Case of the Laughing Mummy".

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Barry MacKay reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 21 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Barry MacKay's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 24% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Barry MacKay remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Grand National Night, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Barry MacKay Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Barry MacKay's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Barry MacKay.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1955 Timeslip Inspector Hammond Average Similar →
1954 Orders Are Orders R.S.M. Benson Average Similar →
1953 Grand National Night Sergeant Gibson Super Hit Similar →
1952 The Pickwick Papers Mr. Snubbins Hit Similar →
1939 Smuggled Cargo Gerry Clayton Flop Similar →
1938 A Christmas Carol Scrooge's Nephew Fred Hit Similar →
1938 It Might Be You Tom Flop Similar →
1938 Who Killed John Savage? Anthony Benedict Flop Similar →
1938 Sailing Along Steve Barnes Hit Similar →
1937 Gangway Bob Deering Hit Similar →
1937 Glamorous Night Anthony Allan Average Similar →
1937 The Great Barrier Steve Flop Similar →
1935 The Private Secretary Douglas Cattermole Average Similar →
1935 Me and Marlborough Dick Welch Flop Similar →
1935 Brown on Resolution Lt. Somerville Average Similar →
1935 Oh, Daddy! Jimmy Ellison Flop Similar →
1934 Passing Shadows Jim Lawrence Average Similar →
1934 Forbidden Territory Michael Farringdon Average Similar →
1934 Evergreen Tommy Thompson Average Similar →
1934 The Private Life of Don Juan Rodrigo, the Impostor, a Man of Romance Average Similar →
1933 The 1002nd Night - Flop Similar →

Barry MacKay - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Barry MacKay?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Barry MacKay is "Grand National Night" with a rating of 7.9/10.

How many movies has Barry MacKay acted in?

Barry MacKay has been featured in at least 21 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Barry MacKay?

Other notable films include "A Christmas Carol", "Sailing Along", and "Gangway".