Buddy Swan
ActingAbout 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.
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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




