Preston Foster - Actor Profile

Preston Foster

Acting
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 22, 1900
Birth Place: Pitman, New Jersey, USA

About Preston Foster

Preston Foster (August 24, 1900 – July 14, 1970) was an American stage and film actor, and singer. Foster entered films in 1929 after appearing as a Broadway stage actor. He was appearing in Broadway plays as late as October 1931 when he acted in a play titled Two Seconds starring Edward J. Pawley. Some of his notable films include: Doctor X (1932), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Annie Oakley (1935), The Last Days of Pompeii (also 1935), The Informer (1935) (as the head of the organization), and My Friend Flicka (1943). He starred on the television drama, Waterfront (1954–1955), playing the role of Captain John Herrick. Foster has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was sometimes credited in movies as Preston S. Foster. His first wife was stage actress Gertrude Warren (1926–1945; divorced). He had one daughter, Stephanie. He was married to his second wife, actress Sheila Darcy, from 1946 until his death. During World War II while serving with the United States Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of Captain, Temporary Reserve. He eventually held the honorary rank of Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard. After the war and before his productive movie career, Foster became a singer of some note. In 1948 Foster created a trio with himself, Gene Leis and Foster’s wife, actress Sheila Darcy. Gene arranged the songs, and they played on radio and in clubs, appearing with Orrin Tucker, Peggy Ann Garner and Rita Hayworth. Description above from the Wikipedia article Preston Foster, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia

Preston Foster Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Preston Foster 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 Preston Foster's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 40% of Preston Foster'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 Band Plays On, which stands out as a key performance.

Advertisement

Best Preston Foster Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Preston Foster's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Preston Foster has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Lucy and Desi Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1997 Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1975 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1953 I, the Jury Capt. Pat Chambers Average Similar →
1952 Kansas City Confidential Tim Foster Hit Similar →
1951 The Big Night Andy La Main Hit Similar →
1951 Tomahawk Col. Carrington Hit Similar →
1949 I Shot Jesse James John Kelley Average Similar →
1947 Ramrod Frank Ivey Hit Similar →
1946 It's Your America Army Surgeon (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 Tangier Col. Jose Artiego Average Similar →
1946 The Harvey Girls Judge Sam Purvis Hit Similar →
1945 Twice Blessed Jeff Turner Average Similar →
1945 The Valley of Decision Jim Brennan Hit Similar →
1945 Thunderhead: Son of Flicka Rob McLaughlin Hit Similar →
1944 Roger Touhy, Gangster Roger Touhy Average Similar →
1944 Bermuda Mystery Steve Carramond Average Similar →
1943 My Friend Flicka Rob McLaughlin Average Similar →
1941 The Roundup Greg Lane Super Hit Similar →
1940 North West Mounted Police Sergeant Jim Brett Average Similar →
1939 Chasing Danger Steve Mitchell Average Similar →
1938 The Last Warning Bill Crane Hit Similar →
1938 Submarine Patrol Lt. (j.g.) John C. Drake Hit Similar →
1938 Army Girl Capt. Dike Conger Average Similar →
1938 The Lady in the Morgue Det. Bill Crane Average Similar →
1938 Double Danger Robert Crane Hit Similar →
1937 First Lady Stephen Wayne Average Similar →
1937 The Westland Case Bill Crane - Private Detective Average Similar →
1937 You Can't Beat Love James Ellsworth 'Jimmy' Hughes Average Similar →
1937 The Outcasts of Poker Flat John Oakhurst Average Similar →
1937 Sea Devils Michael 'Mike' O'Shea Average Similar →
1937 We Who Are About to Die Steven Mathews Hit Similar →
1936 The Plough and the Stars Jack Clitheroe Average Similar →
1936 Love Before Breakfast Scott Miller Average Similar →
1935 We're Only Human Det. Sgt. Pete 'Mac' McCaffrey Hit Similar →
1935 Annie Oakley Toby Walker Average Similar →
1935 A Night at the Biltmore Bowl Preston Foster Average Similar →
1935 The Informer Dan Gallagher Hit Similar →
1935 The People's Enemy Vince M. Falcone Average Similar →
1934 The Band Plays On Howdy Hardy Super Hit Similar →
1934 Heat Lightning George Hit Similar →
1933 Hoopla Nifty Miller Average Similar →
1933 The Man Who Dared Jan Novak Average Similar →
1933 Ladies They Talk About David Slade Average Similar →
1933 Just Around the Corner Tim - Office Worker (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang Pete Super Hit Similar →
1932 Life Begins Dr. Brett Average Similar →
1932 The Last Mile John 'Killer' Mears, Cell 4 Average Similar →
1932 Doctor X Dr. Wells Average Similar →
1932 Two Seconds Bud Clark Average Similar →

Preston Foster - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Preston Foster?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Preston Foster is "The Band Plays On" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Preston Foster acted in?

Preston Foster has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Preston Foster?

Other notable films include "The Roundup", "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang", and "Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line".

Advertisement