Frank Coghlan Jr.
ActingAbout Frank Coghlan Jr.
Frank Coghlan, Jr. (1916–2009) was an American actor who later became a career officer in the United States Navy and a Naval Aviator. He appeared in approximately 129 films and television programs between 1920 and 1974. During the 1920s and 1930s, he became a popular child and juvenile actor appearing in early Our Gang comedies, but he is best known for the role of Billy Batson in Adventures of Captain Marvel. Coghlan later served 23 years as an aviator and officer in the US Navy from 1942 to 1965. After retiring from the Navy, he returned to acting and appeared in television, films, and commercials.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frank Coghlan Jr. 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 Frank Coghlan Jr.'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 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frank Coghlan Jr. remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Free, Blonde and 21, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Frank Coghlan Jr. Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Frank Coghlan Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frank Coghlan Jr..
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | The Love God? | Reporter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Shakiest Gun in the West | Man at Bar (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Valley of the Dolls | Reporter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Corvette K-225 | Rating | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Presenting Lily Mars | Elevator Boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Lady in a Jam | Young Man (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Uncle Joe | Dick | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Out of the Fog | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Adventures of Captain Marvel | Billy Batson | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Love Thy Neighbor | Bellboy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Murder Over New York | Frankie O'Shaughnessy | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Knute Rockne All American | Messenger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Free, Blonde and 21 | Sammy, Bellboy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Fighting 69th | Jimmy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Gone with the Wind | Collapsing Soldier (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Day-time Wife | Office Boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Here I Am a Stranger | Office Boy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Dust Be My Destiny | Newsboy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Angels Wash Their Faces | Al - Boy Working Lathe (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Second Fiddle | Studio Call Boy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | It's a Wonderful World | Elevator Boy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Ex-Champ | Bellhop | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | East Side of Heaven | Messenger Boy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle | Boy in Montage (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Off the Record | Copyboy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Service de Luxe | Bellhop | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Red Lights Ahead | Willie Wallace | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Make Way for a Lady | Billy Hopkins | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Charlie Chan at the Race Track | Eddie Brill, Jockey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Little Red Schoolhouse | Frank 'Frankie' Burke | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Happiness C.O.D. | Larry Sherridan | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Stranded | Page (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Pardon My Pups | Sonny Rogers | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | What's to Do? | Sonny Rogers | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Last of the Mohicans | Uncas | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Man Wanted | Youngster in Store | Flop | Similar → |
| 1932 | Hell's House | Shorty | Flop | Similar → |
| 1932 | Union Depot | Ragged Urchin (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Penrod and Sam | Sam Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Public Enemy | Tom as a Boy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | It Pays to Advertise | Office Boy (as Junior Coghlan) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1930 | River's End | Mickey | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Girl Said No | Eddie Ward | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | Let 'Er Go Gallegher | John 'Let 'Er Go' Gallegher | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Country Doctor | Sard Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Yankee Clipper | Mickey | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | Rubber Tires | Charley Stack | Average | Similar → |
| 1923 | The Darling of New York | The Ross Kid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate | Boy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | Little Old New York | (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Frank Coghlan Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Frank Coghlan Jr.?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frank Coghlan Jr. is "Free, Blonde and 21" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Frank Coghlan Jr. acted in?
Frank Coghlan Jr. has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Frank Coghlan Jr.?
Other notable films include "Gone with the Wind", "The Public Enemy", and "Charlie Chan at the Race Track".