David Clarke
ActingAbout David Clarke
David Gainey Clarke (30 August 1908 – 18 April 2004) was an American Broadway and motion picture actor. A native of Chicago and graduate of Butler University, Clarke started his career as a stage actor during the 1930s. He made his first film Knockout (1941). The actor remains perhaps best known for his film noir roles as a character actor during the 1940s and 1950s. He also played at the Biltmore Theatre in Los Angeles and was featured on Broadway in the original productions of A View from the Bridge, Orpheus Descending, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, Inquest, and The Visit. On television, Clarke appeared as Abel Bingley on The Waltons and as Tiso Novotny in the soap opera Ryan's Hope. David Clarke lived in Belmont, Ohio for several years until he sold his house and moved to Arlington, Virginia to be with his daughters. He later died in Virginia from pneumonia in 2004, aged 95 years. He was married to Nora Dunfee, with whom he had two daughters.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Clarke reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of David Clarke'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 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Clarke remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Asphalt Jungle, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best David Clarke Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from David Clarke's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Clarke.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Hikers in Saint-Tropez | un touriste américain | Flop | Similar → |
| 2008 | The New Protocol | American Journalist | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Cutting Class | Crusty Old Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | Skag | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Matilda | Sheriff | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Front | Hubert Jackson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Odds Against Tomorrow | (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery | Gino | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Edge of the City | Wallace | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Narrow Margin | Joseph Kemp | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Red Badge of Courage | Corporal by Campfire (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The House on Telegraph Hill | Mechanic | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Company She Keeps | Detective Barkley (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | A Lady Without Passport | Operator (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Lawless | Reporter in Office (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Gunfighter | Second Brother (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Asphalt Jungle | Mr. Atkinson (Railroad Man) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Outriders | Ross (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Woman in Hiding | Moyer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Sands of Iwo Jima | Wounded Marine (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Blonde Bandit | Interrogating Detective | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Intruder in the Dust | Vinson Gowrie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Adam's Rib | Roy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Abandoned | Harry | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Thieves' Highway | Mitch (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Too Late for Tears | Jack Sharber (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Illegal Entry | Carl | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Doolins of Oklahoma | Dalton (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Red Canyon | Sears | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Set-Up | Gunboat Johnson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Wake of the Red Witch | Mullins | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Boy with Green Hair | Barber | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Man from Colorado | Mutton McGuire | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Raw Deal | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Killer McCoy | Pete Mariola | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Long Night | Bill Pulanski | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Reunion in France | Soldier (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Foreign Agent | Beck | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | A Gentleman After Dark | Bellboy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Deadly Game | John Brandt | Average | Similar → |
David Clarke - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of David Clarke?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Clarke is "The Asphalt Jungle" with a rating of 7.5/10.
How many movies has David Clarke acted in?
David Clarke has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by David Clarke?
Other notable films include "The Set-Up", "Intruder in the Dust", and "The Gunfighter".