Donald MacBride
ActingAbout Donald MacBride
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Donald Hugh MacBride (June 23, 1893 – June 21, 1957) was an American character actor on stage, in films, and on television who launched his career as a teenage singer (making several recordings in 1907) in vaudeville and went on to be an actor on Broadway, where he appeared in Room Service. He appeared in nearly 140 films between 1914 and 1955. His year of birth is given variously as 1889 or 1893 in the standard reference books, but the latter seems to be the correct one as his New York Times obituary records his age as 63. MacBride was best known for his portrayal of detectives in crime films. One such role was as Sgt. Roberts in the 1941 comedy Topper Returns, starring Roland Young. He also did several slapstick roles in films with comedians such as the Marx Brothers. He had the role of Milton J. Clyde on the television version of My Friend Irma. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and died in Los Angeles, California. Survivors included his wife and a stepson.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Donald MacBride reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Donald MacBride's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 66% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Donald MacBride remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Jane's Bashful Hero, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Donald MacBride Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Donald MacBride's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Donald MacBride.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | The Seven Year Itch | M. Brady | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Ghost Buster | JR Lynch | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sailor Beware | Chief Bos'n Mate (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Stooge | Diner Proprietor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Bowery Battalion | Herbert Frisbie | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Good News | Coach Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Egg and I | Mr. Henty | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Buck Privates Come Home | Police captain | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Killers | R.S. Kenyon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Time of Their Lives | Lt. Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Dark Corner | Policeman at Gallery (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Hold That Blonde! | Mr. Kratz | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Out of This World | J.C. Crawford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Thin Man Goes Home | Police Chief MacGregor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Doughgirls | The Judge | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Best Foot Forward | Capt. Bradd | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | A Stranger in Town | Vinnie Zephyr Blaxton | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | A Night to Remember | Bolling | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | My Sister Eileen | Officer Lonigan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Glass Key | Farr | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Juke Girl | 'Muckeye' John | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Louisiana Purchase | Capt. Pierre Whitfield | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | You'll Never Get Rich | Top Sergeant | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Here Comes Mr. Jordan | Inspector Williams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Love Crazy | 'Pinky' Grayson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Topper Returns | Sgt. Roberts | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Footlight Fever | Jeff Crandall | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | High Sierra | Big Mac | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Michael Shayne: Private Detective | Chief Peter Painter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Murder Over New York | Insp. Vance | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | My Favorite Wife | Hotel Clerk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Curtain Call | Jeff Crandall | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Northwest Passage | Sergeant McNott | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Charlie Chan at Treasure Island | Deputy Police Chief J.J. Kilvaine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blondie Takes a Vacation | Harvey Morton | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle | Hotel Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Great Man Votes | Iron Hat McCarthy | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Room Service | Gregory Wagner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Chemist | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Serves You Right | Muscle Bound Pete (as Don MacBride) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | His First Flame | Fire Chief (as Don McBride) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | A Peach of a Pair | The Baron - Dinner Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Smoked Hams | Stagehand (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | My Mummy's Arms | Egyptian (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Here Comes Flossie! | Flossie's Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | That Goes Double | The Cop (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Buzzin' Around | Policeman | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Wayward | Taxicab Driver (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Animal Crackers | House Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1916 | Jane's Bashful Hero | Willie | Super Hit | Similar → |
Donald MacBride - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Donald MacBride?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Donald MacBride is "Jane's Bashful Hero" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Donald MacBride acted in?
Donald MacBride has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Donald MacBride?
Other notable films include "Bowery Battalion", "His First Flame", and "My Mummy's Arms".