Tom Fadden
ActingAbout Tom Fadden
Tom Fadden (January 6, 1895 – April 14, 1980) was an American actor. He performed on the legitimate stage, vaudeville, in films and on television during his long career. He would make his film debut with a small role in 1939's I Stole a Million. He would have his first memorable bit in his next film, Destry Rides Again, where in the opening scene he is playing cards, and is cheated when the character portrayed by Marlene Dietrich distracts him by spilling coffee in his lap. His film career would span almost forty years and encompass over 90 films, mostly in small or supporting roles, although with an occasional starring role, as in 1940's Zanzibar. His final acting credit was the 1977 science fiction horror film Empire of the Ants. Fadden died of natural causes on April 14, 1980 in Vero Beach, Florida.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Tom Fadden 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: Drama
The majority of Tom Fadden's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 56% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Tom Fadden remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in It's a Wonderful Life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Tom Fadden Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tom Fadden's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Tom Fadden.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | A Big Hand for the Little Lady | Harry Tate (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Pocketful of Miracles | Herbie (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Flaming Star | Man #1 at Crossing (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks with a Circus | Uncle Daniel | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Edge of Eternity | Eli Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Baby Face Nelson | Postman Harkins | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers | Uncle Ira Lentz | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Tall Men | Hank - Livery Stable Owner (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Lawless Breed | Chick Noonan - Undertaker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Devil's Doorway | Bob Trammell (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Singing Guns | Express Agent | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Whispering Smith | Telegrapher at Coyete Creek (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Moonrise | Homer Blackstone | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Raw Deal | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | State of the Union | Waiter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Inside Story | Ab Follansbee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Panhandle | Mac - Horse Seller (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Judge Steps Out | Sheriff (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Dark Passage | Diner Counterman Serving Parry (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Dragnet | Amos Wright | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Cheyenne | Charlie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Pursued | The Minister (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | California | Stranger (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | It's a Wonderful Life | Tollhouse Keeper (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Big Sleep | Sidney (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Dragonwyck | Otto Gebhardt (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Royal Mounted Rides Again | 'Lode' MacKenzie | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Murder, He Says | Sheriff Murdock (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Naughty Nineties | Wounded Gambler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Tomorrow, the World! | Mr. Clyde - Mailman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | In Society | Fire Chief (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Hairy Ape | Long | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Northern Pursuit | Hobby (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | A Lady Takes a Chance | Mullen | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Edge of Darkness | Hammer | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Fall In | Zeb Hatfield | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Glass Key | Basement Club Waiter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Pardon My Sarong | Sven (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Wings for the Eagle | Tom 'Cyclone' Shaw | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | My Favorite Blonde | Tom Douglas | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Remarkable Andrew | Jake Pearl | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blondie Goes to College | Mr. Dill's Brother | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Shepherd of the Hills | Jim Lane | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Come Live with Me | Charlie Gephardt (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Howards of Virginia | Backwoodsman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | When the Daltons Rode | Townsman | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Captain Is a Lady | Pucey Kintner | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Destry Rides Again | Lem Claggett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | I Stole a Million | Verne | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hard to Get | Gas Station Attendant (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Tom Fadden - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Tom Fadden?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tom Fadden is "It's a Wonderful Life" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Tom Fadden acted in?
Tom Fadden has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Tom Fadden?
Other notable films include "Tomorrow, the World!", "The Big Sleep", and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".