Kent Smith was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Cat People,” “The Spiral Staircase,” and “Nora Prentiss.” He had a diverse career spanning almost five decades, showcasing his talent in film, theater, and television.
Personal and Family Life
Kent Smith, born Frank Kent Smith on March 19, 1907, in New York City, was the son of a hotelier. He had a daughter, Stacey, with his first wife, Betty Gillette, whom he divorced in 1955 after 17 years of marriage. In 1962, he married actress Edith Atwater, and they remained together until his death in 1985.
Career Highlights
Kent Smith had a successful career on stage and screen, making his Broadway debut in 1932. He became known for his engaging performances in classic plays and films, including the horror classic “Cat People.” Although he never reached the pinnacle of stardom, Smith consistently delivered strong performances in key supporting roles, particularly in the post-war era.
Death and Legacy
Kent Smith passed away on April 23, 1985, in Woodland Hills, California, due to heart disease. After his death, his ashes were scattered at sea. Despite not achieving the level of fame some of his contemporaries did, his work and contributions to theater and film continue to be appreciated by those familiar with his extensive portfolio.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Crooked Hearts | 1972-11-08 | James Simpson |
| The Fountainhead | 1949-06-25 | Peter Keating |
| Cat People | 1942-12-05 | Oliver Reed |
| Party Girl | 1958-10-28 | Jeffrey Stewart |
| Nora Prentiss | 1947-02-22 | Dr. Richard Talbot aka Robert Thompson |
| The Spiral Staircase | 1946-02-06 | Dr. Parry |
| The Curse of the Cat People | 1944-04-01 | Oliver ‘Ollie’ Reed |
| Sayonara | 1957-12-25 | Gen. Webster |
| Die Sister, Die! | 1978-12-01 | Dr. Thorne |
| The Damned Don’t Cry | 1950-05-13 | Martin Blackford |
| The Night Stalker | 1972-01-11 | District Attorney Tom Paine |
| The Garden Murder Case | 1936-02-21 | Woode Swift |
| This Land Is Mine | 1943-05-07 | Paul Martin |
| Magic Town | 1947-10-07 | Hoopendecker |
| Moon Pilot | 1962-04-05 | Secretary of the Air Force |
| Youngblood Hawke | 1964-11-04 | Paul Winter Sr. |
| Comanche | 1956-03-01 | Quanah Parker |
| Your Next Job | 1945-12-09 | Instructor Lieutenant |
| Little Women: Jo’s Story | 1950-12-25 | Professor Fritz Bhaer |