Arthur Gordon "Art" Smith was a multifaceted American entertainer, renowned for his versatility in film, stage, and television, with a career spanning over three decades.
Born on March 23, 1899, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Smith was a proud member of the prestigious Group Theatre, where he honed his craft by performing in numerous productions, including Clifford Odets' acclaimed plays, such as "Rocket to the Moon," "Awake and Sing!," "Golden Boy," and "Waiting for Lefty," as well as Paul Green's "House of Connelly" and Sidney Kingsley's "Men in White."
Throughout his career, Smith was often typecast in roles that showcased his dignified and studious demeanor, frequently portraying esteemed professionals like doctors or butlers on the silver screen.
Smith's filmography boasts a plethora of notable noirish films, where he played supporting roles alongside more prominent movie stars, such as John Garfield in "Body and Soul" (1947) and Humphrey Bogart in "In a Lonely Place" (1950). His role as a federal agent in the 1947 film "Ride the Pink Horse," starring and directed by Robert Montgomery, is particularly notable.
The 1940s were a prolific period for Smith, during which he appeared in several films based on novels by renowned authors, including Dorothy B. Hughes. Tragically, his film career was cut short due to the Hollywood blacklist, which effectively ended his work in the industry in 1952.
Undeterred, Smith continued to pursue his passion for the performing arts, originating the role of Doc in the stage version of "West Side Story" in 1957. Although he made sporadic returns to the film world, including an uncredited appearance in "The Hustler," his primary focus shifted to television, where he remained active until his retirement in 1967.
Arthur Gordon "Art" Smith passed away on February 24, 1973, at the age of 73, due to a heart attack in Long Island, New York.
