Charles Middleton - Actor Profile

Charles Middleton

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 2, 1874
Birth Place: Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA

About Charles Middleton

Charles Brown Middleton (October 3, 1874 – April 22, 1949) was an American stage and film actor. During a film career that began at age 46 and lasted almost 30 years, he appeared in nearly 200 films as well as numerous plays. Sometimes credited as Charles B. Middleton, he is perhaps best remembered for his role as the villainous emperor Ming the Merciless in the three Flash Gordon serials made between 1936 and 1940.

Charles Middleton Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Charles Middleton reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 76% of Charles Middleton'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 Going Hollywood: The '30s, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Charles Middleton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Charles Middleton's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Charles Middleton has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1984 Going Hollywood: The '30s (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1966 Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars Ming the Merciless Super Hit Similar →
1948 Station West Sheriff Average Similar →
1948 Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' Townsman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1948 Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House Wrecker (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1947 Welcome Stranger Farmer Pinkett (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 The Killers Farmer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 Our Vines Have Tender Grapes Mr. Jensen Hit Similar →
1943 Spook Louder Graves' Valet Hit Similar →
1941 Sergeant York Mountaineer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1941 The Shepherd of the Hills Blacksmith (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Eyes of the Navy Farmer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Gold Rush Maisie Camp Owner with a Pig (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Women in Hiding Alice's Father (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise Jeremiah Walters Hit Similar →
1940 Shooting High Hod Carson Super Hit Similar →
1940 Virginia City Jefferson Davis Average Similar →
1940 The Grapes of Wrath Leader Super Hit Similar →
1940 Abe Lincoln in Illinois Tom Lincoln Hit Similar →
1939 Gone with the Wind Man with Stove Pipe Hat in Charge of Convict Workers (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1939 The Flying Deuces Commandant Average Similar →
1939 Blackmail Southern Deputy (uncredited) Average Similar →
1939 Jesse James Doctor Hit Similar →
1938 Jezebel Officer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1938 Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars Emperor Ming Average Similar →
1937 Stand-In Actor Dressed as Abraham Lincoln Average Similar →
1937 The Good Earth Banker (uncredited) Average Similar →
1936 Wedding Present Turnbull Hit Similar →
1936 The Texas Rangers Lawyer (uncredited) Average Similar →
1936 Jailbreak Dan Stone Average Similar →
1936 Show Boat Sheriff Ike Vallon Hit Similar →
1936 Flash Gordon Ming the Merciless Average Similar →
1936 Road Gang Grayson Hit Similar →
1936 The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Blacksmith Hit Similar →
1936 Song of the Saddle Phineas P. Hook Super Hit Similar →
1935 Frisco Kid Speaker (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1935 Steamboat Round the Bend Fleety Belle's Father Super Hit Similar →
1935 The Fixer Uppers Pierre Gustave Hit Similar →
1934 Behold My Wife! Juan Storm Cloud Hit Similar →
1934 David Harum Deacon Hit Similar →
1933 Duck Soup Prosecutor Hit Similar →
1933 Doctor Bull Mr. Upjohn Hit Similar →
1932 The Sign of the Cross Tyros Average Similar →
1932 Rockabye District Attorney (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang Train Conductor (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1932 Pack Up Your Troubles Welfare Association Officer Hit Similar →
1931 Safe in Hell Lawyer Jones Hit Similar →
1931 Beau Hunks Commandant Hit Similar →
1931 Palmy Days Yolando Hit Similar →
1931 The Miracle Woman Simpson Hit Similar →

Charles Middleton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Charles Middleton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles Middleton is "Going Hollywood: The '30s" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Charles Middleton acted in?

Charles Middleton has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Charles Middleton?

Other notable films include "Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars", "Shooting High", and "Gone with the Wind".

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