Rags Ragland - Actor Profile

Rags Ragland

Acting
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
20Total Films
6.8 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 23, 1905
Birth Place: Louisville, Kentucky, USA

About Rags Ragland

Rags Ragland was a boxer, then a burlesque comedian and then a Broadway performer before ending up in Hollywood to repeat his stage role as the boisterous sailor in Panama Hattie (1942), in which Ann Sothern played on film the part that had been played on Broadway by Ethel Merman. Ragland, typecast as a good-natured oaf with a knack for fracturing the English language, had as his sole movie employer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, in some two dozen of whose lighter vehicles he appeared, in the company of such MGM luminaries as Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Date of Birth 23 August 1905, Louisville, Kentucky Date of Death 20 August 1946, Los Angeles, California (uremic poisoning)

Rags Ragland Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Rags Ragland reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 20 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 15% of Rags Ragland'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 Canterville Ghost, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Rags Ragland Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Rags Ragland's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Rags Ragland has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1946 The Hoodlum Saint Fishface Flop Similar →
1945 Her Highness and the Bellboy Albert Weever Average Similar →
1945 Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood Self Average Similar →
1945 Anchors Aweigh Police Sergeant Hit Similar →
1944 The Canterville Ghost Big Harry Waters Hit Similar →
1944 Meet the People Mr. Smith Flop Similar →
1944 3 Men in White Hobart Genet Average Similar →
1943 Whistling in Brooklyn Chester Conway Average Similar →
1943 Girl Crazy 'Rags' Flop Similar →
1943 Du Barry Was a Lady Charlie / Dauphin Average Similar →
1942 Whistling in Dixie Chester Conway / Sylvester 'Lester' Conway Flop Similar →
1942 Panama Hattie Rags (as 'Rags' Ragland) Flop Similar →
1942 Somewhere I'll Find You Charlie Average Similar →
1942 The War Against Mrs. Hadley Louie Flop Similar →
1942 Maisie Gets Her Man Ears Cofflin Hit Similar →
1942 Sunday Punch 'Killer' Connolly Flop Similar →
1942 Born to Sing 'Grunt' Flop Similar →
1941 Whistling in the Dark Sylvester Average Similar →
1941 Ringside Maisie Vic Flop Similar →
1938 Hats and Dogs - Flop Similar →

Rags Ragland - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Rags Ragland?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Rags Ragland is "The Canterville Ghost" with a rating of 6.8/10.

How many movies has Rags Ragland acted in?

Rags Ragland has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Rags Ragland?

Other notable films include "Anchors Aweigh", "Maisie Gets Her Man", and "Du Barry Was a Lady".

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