Hugh Downs - Actor Profile

Hugh Downs

Acting
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
16Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 14, 1921
Birth Place: Akron, Ohio, USA

About Hugh Downs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hugh Malcolm Downs (February 14, 1921 – July 1, 2020) was an American broadcaster, television host, news anchor, TV producer, author, game show host, and music composer. A regular television presence from the 1940s through the 1990s, he had several successful roles on morning television, prime time television, and late night television. Downs served as announcer/sidekick for Tonight Starring Jack Paar from 1957 to 1962, co-host of the NBC News program Today from 1962 to 1971, host of the Concentration game show from 1958 to 1969, and anchor of the ABC News magazine 20/20 from 1978 to 1999. Among other shows during his career, he also hosted the PBS talk show Over Easy, and was the sometime co-host of the syndicated talk show Not for Women Only.

Hugh Downs Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Hugh Downs reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 16 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 38% of Hugh Downs'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 Our Barbara, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Hugh Downs Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Hugh Downs's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Hugh Downs has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Our Barbara Self - Co-Host, 'Today Show' & '20 / 20' (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2021 The Eyes of Tammy Faye Self (archive Footage) Hit Similar →
2019 Mike Wallace Is Here (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2014 Led Zeppelin Played Here Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2003 Jack Paar: Smart Television Self Flop Similar →
2003 ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration Self Flop Similar →
2000 Opening the Tombs of the Golden Mummies: Live Host Flop Similar →
1997 Jack Paar: 'As I Was Saying...' Self Flop Similar →
1996 New York City Opera: The Merry Widow Himself - Host Flop Similar →
1990 New York City Opera: A Little Night Music Self - Host Super Hit Similar →
1985 The Devil Worshippers - Flop Similar →
1980 Oh, God! Book II NBC Newscaster Flop Similar →
1976 Woman of the Year Hugh Downs Flop Similar →
1975 Nothing by Chance Self - Narrator Flop Similar →
1972 Survival of Spaceship Earth Self - Narrator / Host Flop Similar →
1942 Roxie Hart Inexperienced Reporter (uncredited) Hit Similar →

Hugh Downs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Hugh Downs?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hugh Downs is "Our Barbara" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Hugh Downs acted in?

Hugh Downs has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Hugh Downs?

Other notable films include "New York City Opera: A Little Night Music", "Led Zeppelin Played Here", and "Roxie Hart".

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