Carl Benton Reid (August 14, 1893 – March 17, 1973) was an American actor who worked extensively on stage, film, and television. Known for his stern demeanor and distinctive voice, he frequently portrayed villains, authoritative figures, and crusty businessmen throughout his career.
Early Life and Career Born Carl Benton Reid in Lansing, Michigan, he began his acting career in the theatre. He gained considerable experience in repertory companies before making his Broadway debut.
Broadway Career Reid established a significant reputation on the New York stage. One of his most iconic roles was Oscar Hubbard in Lillian Hellman's acclaimed play The Little Foxes, which he originated on Broadway in 1939. He also appeared in other notable productions, including The Children's Hour (as Dr. Joseph Cardin), American Landscape, and Missouri Legend. His stage presence and ability to embody complex characters, particularly those with a darker edge, made him a respected theatrical performer.
Film Career Reid made his film debut in 1941, reprising his Broadway role as Oscar Hubbard in the film adaptation of The Little Foxes, starring Bette Davis. This role cemented his image as a formidable character actor. He went on to appear in numerous films, often cast as antagonists, military officers, judges, or powerful, unyielding figures. His filmography spans a wide range of genres, including film noir, Westerns, dramas, and historical epics.
Some of his notable film roles include:
- The Little Foxes (1941) as Oscar Hubbard
- The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944) as Admiral William Bagley
- American Romance (1944) as George McCloud
- The Great Missouri Raid (1951) as Mr. Samuels
- Lorna Doone (1951) as Sir Ensor Doone
- Payment on Demand (1951) as Judge Emory
- The Egyptian (1954) as The High Priest
- The Country Girl (1954) as Phil Cook
- The Left Hand of God (1955) as Reverend Marvin
- The Mating Game (1959) as Congressman Paul Larkin
- Pressure Point (1962) as the Chief Medical Officer (his final film role)
Television Career In the 1950s and 1960s, Reid became a familiar face on television, making numerous guest appearances on popular anthology series and dramatic shows. He often played stern authority figures, judges, or shrewd businessmen. He was featured on programs such as The United States Steel Hour, The DuPont Show with June Allyson, and several episodes of Perry Mason, where he typically played judges or powerful, often villainous, defendants or witnesses.
Personal Life Carl Benton Reid was married to Mary Elizabeth Macgill. He passed away on March 17, 1973, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 79.
Legacy Reid's imposing presence, resonant voice, and ability to convey a sense of gravitas made him a memorable character actor. He left a lasting impression through his portrayals of complex, often unsympathetic, characters across all three major acting mediums.
Selected Filmography
- The Little Foxes (1941)
- The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944)
- The Virginian (1946)
- In This Corner (1948)
- The Great Missouri Raid (1951)
- Lorna Doone (1951)
- The Brigand (1952)
- The Egyptian (1954)
- The Country Girl (1954)
- The Left Hand of God (1955)
- The Mating Game (1959)
- Pressure Point (1962)
Selected Broadway Credits
- The Children's Hour (1934)
- Missouri Legend (1938)
- The Little Foxes (1939)
- American Landscape (1939)
- The Willow and I (1942)