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Buddy Swan

Acting
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
13Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 24, 1929

About Buddy Swan

Paul "Buddy" Swan (October 24, 1929 – March 21, 1993) (also credited as Buddy Swann) was an American child actor, best known for playing the title character of the 1941 film Citizen Kane as an eight-year-old boy. He also appeared in the horror film The Ape, the horror comedy Scared Stiff, and the Academy-Award nominated film The Fighting Sullivans, playing one of the Sullivan brothers in their youth. Swan also appeared as a young actor in Broadway plays in 1942, including Mr. Sycamore.

Buddy Swan Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Buddy Swan reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 13 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Buddy Swan's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 8% of Buddy Swan's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Citizen Kane, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Buddy Swan Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Buddy Swan's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Buddy Swan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1950 Destination Murder Arthur, Blue Streak Messenger Flop Similar →
1950 Military Academy with That Tenth Avenue Gang Williams (uncredited) Average Similar →
1949 Shockproof Teenage Boy (Uncredited) Average Similar →
1946 Gallant Journey Sharkey (uncredited) Average Similar →
1946 Centennial Summer Dudley Rogers Average Similar →
1945 Scared Stiff Oliver Waldeck Flop Similar →
1945 The Horn Blows at Midnight Kid (uncredited) Average Similar →
1944 Strange Affair Newsboy (uncredited) Average Similar →
1944 The Soul of a Monster Second Newsboy (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1944 The Fighting Sullivans George, as a child (uncredited) Average Similar →
1941 Citizen Kane Young Charles Foster Kane Super Hit Similar →
1940 The Ape Willie Brill Flop Similar →
1940 Haunted House Junior Henshaw Flop Similar →

Buddy Swan - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Buddy Swan?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Buddy Swan is "Citizen Kane" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Buddy Swan acted in?

Buddy Swan has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Buddy Swan?

Other notable films include "Shockproof", "Strange Affair", and "The Fighting Sullivans".

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