Donald Crisp - Actor Profile

Donald Crisp

Acting
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 26, 1882
Birth Place: Bow, London, England, UK

About Donald Crisp

Donald Crisp was born George William Crisp at the family home in Bow, London. Donald's parents were James Crisp and Elizabeth Crisp, his birth was registered by his mother on 4th September 1882. Donald's sisters were Elizabeth, Ann, Alice (known as Louisa) and Eliza and his brothers were James, John and Mark. Family memories state that Donald's brother-in-law James Needham (Louisa's husband) lent/gave Donald the fare to USA. The family have a photo of Donald which he sent to 'Jimmy' and signed. On 16th February 1937 Donald applied for a US Social Security account number giving his address as N Vista Street Hollywood California, and his employers Warner Brothers Pictures, Burbank California. On his application Donald did not know his mother's maiden name.

Donald Crisp Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Donald Crisp 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 Donald Crisp's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 86% of Donald Crisp'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 A Star Is Born World Premiere, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Donald Crisp Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Donald Crisp's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Donald Crisp has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1983 Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1963 Spencer's Mountain Grandpa Spencer Hit Similar →
1961 Greyfriars Bobby James Brown Hit Similar →
1960 Pollyanna Mayor Karl Warren Hit Similar →
1959 A Dog of Flanders Jehan Daas Average Similar →
1958 The Last Hurrah The Cardinal Hit Similar →
1958 Saddle the Wind Dennis Deneen Hit Similar →
1955 The Man from Laramie Alec Waggoman Hit Similar →
1955 The Long Gray Line Old Martin Hit Similar →
1954 A Star Is Born World Premiere Self Super Hit Similar →
1948 Whispering Smith Barney Rebstock Hit Similar →
1948 Hills of Home Drumsheugh Hit Similar →
1947 Ramrod Jim Crew Hit Similar →
1945 The Valley of Decision William Scott Hit Similar →
1945 National Velvet Mr. Herbert Brown Hit Similar →
1944 The Adventures of Mark Twain J.B. Pond Hit Similar →
1944 The Uninvited Commander Beech Hit Similar →
1943 Lassie Come Home Sam Carraclough Hit Similar →
1943 Forever and a Day Captain Martin Hit Similar →
1942 The Gay Sisters Ralph Pedloch Hit Similar →
1941 How Green Was My Valley Gwilym Morgan Hit Similar →
1941 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Sir Charles Emery Hit Similar →
1940 City for Conquest Scotty MacPherson Hit Similar →
1940 The Sea Hawk Admiral Sir John Burleson Hit Similar →
1940 Brother Orchid Brother Superior Hit Similar →
1940 Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet Minister Althoff Hit Similar →
1939 The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex Francis Bacon Average Similar →
1939 The Old Maid Doctor Lanskell Hit Similar →
1939 Juarez Maréchal Bazaine Hit Similar →
1939 Wuthering Heights Dr. Kenneth Hit Similar →
1938 The Dawn Patrol Phipps Hit Similar →
1938 The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse Police Inspector Lewis Lane Hit Similar →
1938 The Beloved Brat Mr. Morgan Average Similar →
1938 Jezebel Dr. Livingstone Hit Similar →
1937 The Life of Emile Zola Maitre Labori Hit Similar →
1937 The Great O'Malley Police Captain Cromwell Hit Similar →
1936 The Charge of the Light Brigade Colonel Campbell Hit Similar →
1936 The White Angel Dr. Hunt Hit Similar →
1935 Mutiny on the Bounty Thomas Burkitt Hit Similar →
1935 Oil for the Lamps of China J.T. McCarger Hit Similar →
1934 What Every Woman Knows David Wylie Hit Similar →
1932 Red Dust Guidon Hit Similar →
1931 Svengali The Laird Average Similar →
1929 The Pagan Roger Slater Average Similar →
1928 The Viking Leif Ericsson Average Similar →
1926 The Black Pirate MacTavish Hit Similar →
1925 Don Q Son of Zorro Don Sebastian Hit Similar →
1919 Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl Battling Burrows Hit Similar →
1916 Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages Extra (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1911 The Making of a Man Actor / Backstage Average Similar →

Donald Crisp - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Donald Crisp?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Donald Crisp is "A Star Is Born World Premiere" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Donald Crisp acted in?

Donald Crisp has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Donald Crisp?

Other notable films include "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Forever and a Day", and "How Green Was My Valley".

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