
Hugh O'Brian
ActingAbout Hugh O'Brian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe; April 19, 1925 – September 5, 2016) was an American actor and humanitarian, best known for his starring roles in the ABC western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961) and the NBC action television series Search (1972–1973), as well as films including the Agatha Christie adaptation Ten Little Indians (1965); he also had a notable supporting role in John Wayne's last film, The Shootist (1976). He was highly regarded for creating the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, a non-profit youth leadership development program, founded in 1958, for high school scholars.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Hugh O'Brian 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: Western
The majority of Hugh O'Brian's filmography leans towards the Western 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 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Hugh O'Brian remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sally and Saint Anne, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Hugh O'Brian Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Hugh O'Brian's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Hugh O'Brian.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | The Shootist: The Legend Lives On | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone | Wyatt Earp | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Gunsmoke: The Last Apache | Gen. Nelson Miles | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Twins | Granger | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Bruce Lee: The Legend | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Game of Death | Steiner | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Fantasy Island | Paul Henley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Shootist | Jack Pulford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Killer Force | Lewis | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Murder on Flight 502 | Detective Daniel Myerson | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Probe | Hugh Lockwood | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Wild Women | Killian | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Movie Orgy | Wyatt Earp (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Dial M for Murder | Mark Halliday | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Ambush Bay | Sgt. Steve Corey | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Ten Little Indians | Hugh Lombard | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Assassination in Rome | Dick Sherman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | In Harm's Way | U.S. Army Air Corps Major (Liz Eddington's Lover) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Alias Jesse James | Wyatt Earp (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Fiend Who Walked the West | Daniel Slade Hardy | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Brass Legend | Sheriff Wade Addams | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Twinkle In God's Eye | Marty Callahan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | White Feather | American Horse | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | There's No Business Like Show Business | Charles Gibbs | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Broken Lance | Mike Devereaux | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Drums Across the River | Morgan | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Fireman Save My Child | Smitty | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Saskatchewan | Carl Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Back to God's Country | Frank Hudson | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Stand at Apache River | Tom Kenyon | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Man from the Alamo | Lt. Lamar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Seminole | Kajeck | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Meet Me at the Fair | Chilton Corr | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Lawless Breed | Ike Hanley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Raiders | Hank Purvis | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Son of Ali Baba | Hussein | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sally and Saint Anne | Danny O'Moyne | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Red Ball Express | Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Battle at Apache Pass | Lt. Robert Harley | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Cimarron Kid | Red Buck | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Cave of Outlaws | Garth | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | On the Loose | Dr. Phillips | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Little Big Horn | Pvt. Al DeWalt | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fighting Coast Guard | Tom Peterson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Vengeance Valley | Dick Fasken | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Return of Jesse James | Lem Younger | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Never Fear | Len Randall | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | D.O.A. | Jazz Fan (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Kidnapped | Sailor (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Hugh O'Brian - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Hugh O'Brian?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hugh O'Brian is "Sally and Saint Anne" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Hugh O'Brian acted in?
Hugh O'Brian has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Hugh O'Brian?
Other notable films include "Fireman Save My Child", "Bruce Lee: The Legend", and "The Shootist".




