Hobart Cavanaugh - Actor Profile

Hobart Cavanaugh

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 21, 1886
Birth Place: Virginia City, Nevada, USA

About Hobart Cavanaugh

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hobart Cavanaugh (September 22, 1886 – April 26, 1950) was an American character actor in films and on stage. He was born in Virginia City, Nevada on September 22, 1886. Cavanaugh attended the University of California. He worked in vaudeville, teaming with Walter Catlett at some point. He appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including the original 1919 musical Irene and the long-running 1948 musical As the Girls Go. He made his film debut in San Francisco Nights (1928). Over the next few years he established himself as a supporting actor, and although many of his roles were small and received no film credit, he played more substantial roles in films such as I Cover the Waterfront (1933) and Mary Stevens, M.D. (1933). By the mid-1930s, he was appearing in more prestigious productions, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935), Captain Blood (1935), Wife vs. Secretary (1936) and A Letter to Three Wives (1949). He continued playing small, often comical roles until the end of his life, mostly as downtrodden or henpecked little men. His last performance was in Stella (1950); he knew he did not have long to live and collapsed twice on set, but was determined to see it through. By the end of his life, he had appeared in more than 180 films. He died following an operation at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. He was survived by his wife Florence and a daughter.

Hobart Cavanaugh Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Hobart Cavanaugh reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Hobart Cavanaugh's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 60% of Hobart Cavanaugh'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 Stella, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Hobart Cavanaugh Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Hobart Cavanaugh's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Hobart Cavanaugh has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1975 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1950 Stella Tim Gross Super Hit Similar →
1949 A Letter to Three Wives Mr. Manleigh Hit Similar →
1948 Up in Central Park Mayor Oakley Average Similar →
1948 Best Man Wins Amos Hit Similar →
1948 The Inside Story Mr. Mason Hit Similar →
1947 Driftwood Judge Beckett Hit Similar →
1946 Margie Mr. Angus MacDuff Hit Similar →
1946 Faithful in My Fashion Mr. Wilson Average Similar →
1946 The Spider Woman Strikes Back Bill Stapleton Hit Similar →
1945 Roughly Speaking The Teacher (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1944 San Diego I Love You Mr. McGregor (uncredited) Average Similar →
1943 The Man from Down Under Boots Hit Similar →
1943 The Human Comedy Drunk at Bar (uncredited) Average Similar →
1942 Stand by for Action Carpenter's Mate 'Chips' Hit Similar →
1942 The Magnificent Dope Albert Gowdy Hit Similar →
1942 Jackass Mail Gospel Jones Hit Similar →
1942 The Remarkable Andrew Teller / Witness Hit Similar →
1940 Hired Wife William Hit Similar →
1940 Shooting High Clem Perkle Super Hit Similar →
1939 A Child is Born Mr. Herbert West Hit Similar →
1939 The House of Fear Minor Role Hit Similar →
1939 Naughty But Nice Clark's Piano Tuner (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Daughters Courageous Tourist (uncredited) Average Similar →
1939 Rose of Washington Square Whitey Boone Average Similar →
1939 Never Say Die Druggist Hit Similar →
1937 Night Key Petty Louie Average Similar →
1937 The Great O'Malley Reporter Pinky Holden Hit Similar →
1936 Three Smart Girls Wilbur Lamb Average Similar →
1936 Cain and Mabel Milo Average Similar →
1936 The Golden Arrow DeWolfe Average Similar →
1936 Wife vs. Secretary Joe Farnsworth Hit Similar →
1935 Captain Blood Dr. Bronson Hit Similar →
1935 Dr. Socrates Stevens Average Similar →
1935 A Midsummer Night's Dream Philostrate Average Similar →
1935 Page Miss Glory Joe Bonner Average Similar →
1935 While the Patient Slept Eustace Federie Average Similar →
1935 Wings in the Dark Mac Average Similar →
1934 Housewife George Wilson Hit Similar →
1934 A Modern Hero Henry Mueller Hit Similar →
1934 Jimmy the Gent Fake Worthingham Average Similar →
1934 I've Got Your Number Happy Dooley Average Similar →
1934 Fashions of 1934 Inventor on Ship (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1934 Hi, Nellie! Fullerton Hit Similar →
1934 Moulin Rouge Drunk Hit Similar →
1933 Headline Shooter Happy Average Similar →
1933 The Mayor of Hell Mr. Gorman Hit Similar →
1933 Gold Diggers of 1933 Dog Salesman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 Picture Snatcher James Peters - Drunken Reporter (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 State Fair Professor Fred Coin (Uncredited) Average Similar →

Hobart Cavanaugh - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Hobart Cavanaugh?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hobart Cavanaugh is "Stella" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Hobart Cavanaugh acted in?

Hobart Cavanaugh has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Hobart Cavanaugh?

Other notable films include "Shooting High", "A Letter to Three Wives", and "Captain Blood".

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