Jean Hersholt
ActingAbout Jean Hersholt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jean Pierre Hersholt (12 July 1886 – 2 June 1956) was a Danish-born actor who lived in the United States, where he was a leading film and radio talent, best known for his 17 years starring on radio in Dr. Christian and for playing Shirley Temple's grandfather in Heidi. Asked how to pronounce his name, he told The Literary Digest, "In English, her'sholt; in Danish, hairs'hult." Of his total credits, 75 were silent films and 65 were sound films. He appeared in 140 films and directed four.
Jean Hersholt Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Jean Hersholt reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Jean Hersholt's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 50% of Jean Hersholt'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 The Fountain, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Jean Hersholt Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jean Hersholt's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Jean Hersholt has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Checking Out: Grand Hotel | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Complicated Women | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Run for Cover | Mr. Swenson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born World Premiere | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Stage Door Canteen | Jean Hersholt | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Cavalcade of the Academy Awards | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mr. Moto in Danger Island | Mr. Sutter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | I'll Give a Million | Victor | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Alexander's Ragtime Band | Prof. Heinrich | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Heidi | Adolph Kramer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Seventh Heaven | Father Chevillon | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | One in a Million | Heinrich Muller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Country Doctor | Dr. John Luke | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Murder in the Fleet | Victor Hanson | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mark of the Vampire | Baron Otto | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Painted Veil | Herr Koerber | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Fountain | Baron von Leyden | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Men in White | Dr. Hochberg | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Cat and the Fiddle | Professor Bertier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Dinner at Eight | Jo Stengel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Crime of the Century | Dr. Emil Brandt | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Grand Hotel | Senf | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Unashamed | Mr. Schmidt | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Night Court | Herman the Janitor | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Beast of the City | Samuel "Sam" Belmonte | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Emma | Frederick Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Private Lives | Oscar | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Sin of Madelon Claudet | Dr. Dulac | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) | Karl Ohlin | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Phantom of Paris | Herman | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Cat Creeps | Dr. Patterson | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Hell Harbor | Joseph Horngold | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Case of Sergeant Grischa | Posnanski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Younger Generation | Julius Goldfish - Pa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg | Dr. Jüttner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Stella Dallas | Ed Munn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Don Q Son of Zorro | Don Fabrique Borusta | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Greed | Marcus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Her Night of Romance | Joe Diamond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The City of Stars: A Reporters Visit to the Universal Studios | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | Souls for Sale | Self - Celebrity Actor | Average | Similar → |
| 1922 | Tess of the Storm Country | Ben Letts | Average | Similar → |
| 1921 | The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse | Prof. von Hartrott (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | Love's Prisoner | Party Guest (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1917 | '49–'17 | 'Gentleman Jim' Raynor | Average | Similar → |
| 1917 | The Terror | Jimm, the Dope | Hit | Similar → |
| 1917 | Love Aflame | Reginald | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1916 | Hell's Hinges | Bartender (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Disciple | Mob Member | Super Hit | Similar → |
Jean Hersholt - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jean Hersholt?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jean Hersholt is "The Fountain" with a rating of 9.8/10.
How many movies has Jean Hersholt acted in?
Jean Hersholt has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jean Hersholt?
Other notable films include "Love Aflame", "The Disciple", and "A Star Is Born World Premiere".