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Douglas Spencer
Actor

Douglas Spencer

10 Feb 1910Born
6 Oct 1960Died
50Age at death
70Credits

Biography

Douglas Spencer (born July 4, 1910 – March 5, 1960) was an American actor, best known for his roles in classic science fiction films and film noirs during the 1940s and 1950s.

Spencer was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was drawn to the entertainment industry early on and began his career in theater before transitioning to films. He often played characters with a tough, no-nonsense edge, making him a popular choice for a variety of roles in films of the time.

Spencer's big break came when he landed a role in the influential science fiction film *The Thing from Another World* (1951), directed by Christian Nyby and produced by Howard Hawks.

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In the film, Spencer played the role of a reporter named Ned Scott, who is among the group of scientists and military personnel investigating a mysterious alien threat in the Arctic. *The Thing from Another World* became a classic of the genre and remains one of Spencer’s most memorable roles.

In addition to his work in science fiction, Spencer appeared in several other films across a range of genres. He was frequently cast in supporting roles in film noirs, thrillers, and dramas, and his distinctive, gravelly voice and sharp screen presence made him a recognizable face in Hollywood.

Other notable films he appeared in include *The Big Clock* (1948), a crime thriller directed by John Farrow, and *The Green Glove* (1952), a suspenseful drama.

Douglas Spencer was married to actress *Ann Wedgeworth*, and their marriage lasted for several years. After the height of his film career, Spencer continued working in television and on stage, although he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries.

Spencer’s career was cut short when he died from cancer at the age of 49, on March 5, 1960. Despite his relatively brief career, he remains fondly remembered by fans of classic sci-fi and noir films.

Douglas Spencer's legacy is primarily tied to his memorable performance in *The Thing from Another World*, but his work across various genres helped solidify him as a dependable and versatile character actor in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. His contributions to the sci-fi and noir genres continue to be appreciated by film enthusiasts today.

Known for

Filmography

  1. 1996Mystery Science Theater 3000: The MovieFilm: The Monitor of Metaluna (archive footage)
  2. 1961The Sins of Rachel CadeFilm: Doctor Bikel
  3. 1959The RebelSeries: Joe Shandell (1 episode)
  4. 1959The Twilight ZoneSeries: 1st Martian (1 episode)
  5. 1959BonanzaSeries: Alonzo McFadden (1 episode)
  6. 1959The Diary of Anne FrankFilm: Kraler
  7. 1958The RiflemanSeries (1 episode)
  8. 1958Cole Younger, GunfighterFilm: Marshal Fred Woodruff
  9. 1958Saddle the WindFilm: Hemp Scribner
  10. 1957The Three Faces of EveFilm: Mr. Black
  11. 1957Short Cut to HellFilm: Train Conductor
  12. 1957Omar KhayyamFilm: Pigeon Keeper
  13. 1957The Unholy WifeFilm: Judge
  14. 1956Man from Del RioFilm: Sheriff Jack Tillman
  15. 1956Wire ServiceSeries: Mason (1 episode)
  16. 1956PardnersFilm: Smith
  17. 1955A Man AloneFilm: Henry Slocum
  18. 1955CheyenneSeries (1 episode)
  19. 1955The KentuckianFilm: Frome Brother (uncredited)
  20. 1955This Island EarthFilm: The Monitor of Metaluna
  21. 1955Smoke SignalFilm: Garode
  22. 1955The MillionaireSeries: Joe Brock (1 episode)
  23. 1954Studio 57Series (1 episode)
  24. 1954The RaidFilm: Rev. Douglas
  25. 1954River of No ReturnFilm: Sam Benson
  26. 1953HoudiniFilm: Simms
  27. 1953ShaneFilm: Axel 'Swede' Shipstead
  28. 1953Trouble Along the WayFilm: Father Procurator aka George
  29. 1953The Glass WallFilm: Inspector Bailey
  30. 1953She's Back on BroadwayFilm: Lew Ludlow
  31. 1952Monkey BusinessFilm: Dr. Brunner
  32. 1952Untamed FrontierFilm: Clayton Vance
  33. 1952Something to Live ForFilm: Joey (uncredited)
  34. 1951WarpathFilm: Kelso
  35. 1951Come Fill the CupFilm: Ike Bashaw
  36. 1951A Place in the SunFilm: Boatkeeper (uncredited)
  37. 1951The Thing from Another WorldFilm: Ned 'Scotty' Scott
  38. 1951The Redhead and the CowboyFilm: Perry (Union agent)
  39. 1950Union StationFilm: Stationmaster (uncredited)
  40. 1950Lux Video TheatreSeries: Jonas (1 episode)
  41. 1950Father of the BrideFilm: Fritz the Organist (uncredited)
  42. 1949My Friend IrmaFilm: Interior Decorator (uncredited)
  43. 1949The HeiressFilm: Minister (uncredited)
  44. 1949TrappedFilm: Sam Hooker (uncredited)
  45. 1949Red, Hot and BlueFilm: Actor in Theatre Group (uncredited)
  46. 1949Follow Me QuietlyFilm: Phony Judge
  47. 1949It Happens Every SpringFilm: Train Conductor (uncredited)
  48. 1949Bride of VengeanceFilm: False Physician
  49. 1949Alias Nick BealFilm: Henry T. Finch
  50. 1948Night Has a Thousand EyesFilm: Dr. Ramsdell
  51. 1948The Sainted SistersFilm: Townsman (uncredited)
  52. 1948The Big ClockFilm: Bert Finch
  53. 1947Adventure IslandFilm: Prisoner sharing cell with Herrick and Lochlin (uncredited)
  54. 1946The Dark CornerFilm: Deli Customer (uncredited)
  55. 1945The Lost WeekendFilm: Hospital Patient Seeing Imaginary Beetles (uncredited)
  56. 1945KittyFilm: Guest (uncredited)
  57. 1945Incendiary BlondeFilm: New Years Eve Party Patron (uncredited)
  58. 1944Double IndemnityFilm: Lou Schwartz (uncredited)
  59. 1943Princess O'RourkeFilm: Pilot (uncredited)
  60. 1942Fall InFilm: Military Policeman
  61. 1942A Date with the FalconFilm: Witness at Accident (uncredited)
  62. 1941The Mexican Spitfire's BabyFilm: Hotel Guest
  63. 1941Lady ScarfaceFilm: Police Secretary
  64. 1941Million Dollar BabyFilm
  65. 1940Little Nellie KellyFilm: Policeman in Dance Line (uncredited)
  66. 1940Christmas in JulyFilm: Man Listening to Radio (uncredited)
  67. 1940Men Against the SkyFilm: Mechanic
  68. 1940Lucky PartnersFilm: Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
  69. 1939Allegheny UprisingFilm: Prisoner in Irons
  70. 1939The Day the Bookies WeptFilm: Auction Spectator (uncredited)

Biography and credits from TMDB. This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.