Dennis O'Keefe
ActingAbout Dennis O'Keefe
Dennis O'Keefe (March 29, 1908 – August 31, 1968) was an American actor. He was the son of Irish vaudevillians working in the United States. As a small child he joined his parents' act and later wrote skits for the stage. O'Keefe started in films as an extra in the early 1930s. After a small but impressive role in Saratoga, Clark Gable recommended O'Keefe to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which signed him to a contract in 1937. His film roles were bigger after that, starting with The Bad Man of Brimstone and Burn 'Em Up O'Connor. O'Keefe left MGM around 1940 but continued to work in mostly lower budget productions. In the 1950s he did some directing, wrote mystery stories and by the mid-1950s found work on television shows such as Justice, The Martha Raye Show, The Ford Show as well as his own series The Dennis O'Keefe Show.
Dennis O'Keefe Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Dennis O'Keefe 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 Dennis O'Keefe's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Dennis O'Keefe'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 I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Dennis O'Keefe Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dennis O'Keefe's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Dennis O'Keefe has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | All Hands on Deck | Brian O'Gara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Dragoon Wells Massacre | Capt. Matt Riordan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Woman on the Run | Dan Legget | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Cover Up | Sam Donovan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Raw Deal | Joe Sullivan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | T-Men | Dennis O'Brien / Vannie Harrigan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Brewster's Millions | Montague L. 'Monty' Brewster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Leopard Man | Jerry Manning | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hangmen Also Die! | Jan Horak | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | La Conga Nights | Steve Collins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Kid From Texas | William Quincy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hold That Kiss | Tommy Bradford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | A Yank at Oxford | Racetrack Handler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | One Mile from Heaven | Party Guest | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Easy Living | Office Manager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Captains Courageous | Bit Role (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Make Way for Tomorrow | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Star Is Born | Burke's Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | History Is Made at Night | Restaurant Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Mama Steps Out | Dance Extra | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Theodora Goes Wild | Man (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Libeled Lady | Barker at Charity Affair (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Piccadilly Jim | Petie McGregor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Fury | Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Show Boat | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | Courtroom Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Strike Me Pink | Club Lido Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Feather in Her Hat | Theatergoer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Top Hat | Elevator Passenger / Hotel Guest / Dancer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Every Night at Eight | Huxley Employee (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Doubting Thomas | Member of Audience | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mississippi | Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Gilded Lily | Nightclub Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Imitation of Life | Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Kid Millions | Chorus Boy in Ship's Show (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Desirable | Party Guest | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Lady Killer | Casino Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Blood Money | Racetrack Spectator (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Duck Soup | Bridegroom at Firefly's Reception (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Only Yesterday | New Year's Eve Reveler (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Gold Diggers of 1933 | Theatregoer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Eagle and the Hawk | Flier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | 42nd Street | Chorus Boy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | From Hell to Heaven | Louie - Switchboard Operator (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang | Café Chateau Dancer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Blonde Venus | (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Huddle | Dancer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Scarface | Night Club Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Working Girls | Dance Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Miracle Woman | Man in Audience (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Dennis O'Keefe - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dennis O'Keefe?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dennis O'Keefe is "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has Dennis O'Keefe acted in?
Dennis O'Keefe has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dennis O'Keefe?
Other notable films include "Make Way for Tomorrow", "Mama Steps Out", and "Fury".