John Smith
Actor
Biography
Actor John Smith was born Robert Errol Van Orden in Los Angeles. He began his career singing with The Robert Mitchell Boy Choir, a group which appeared in two Bing Crosby films, Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945).
His agent Henry Willson, who also gave Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson their names, changed Van Orden's name to "John Smith". Robert Hofler, author of "The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson", reports that an actress identified as Pocahontas Crowfoot was in the courtroom when the name change was granted.
In We're No Angels (1955), Smith had a small role as "Arnaud", the ship's doctor. Aldo Ray, observing the doctor in full dress whites, says "he looks like a glass of milk". John Smith's other film credits include Circus World (1964) and Justin Morgan Had a Horse (1972). Smith also appeared in the television westerns Cimarron City (1958) and Laramie (1959).
Filmography
Going My Way
as Choir Member (uncredited) 1944
The Bells of St. Mary's
as Choir Member (uncredited) 1945
Friendly Persuasion
as Caleb Cope 1956
Circus World
as Steve McCabe 1964
The High and the Mighty
as Milo Buck 1954
Wichita
as Jim Earp 1955
Blood Legacy
as Dr. Carl Isenburg 1971
Island of Lost Women
as Joe Walker 1959
Hot Rod Girl
as Jeff Northrup 1956
Tomahawk Trail
as Pvt. Reynolds 1957
Fury at Showdown
as Miley Sutton 1957
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
as Mr. Ames 1972
Desert Sands
as Pvt. Rex Tyle 1955
Waco
as Joe Gore 1966
Rebel in Town
as Wesley Mason 1956
The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm
as Brad Johnson 1957