Clifton Webb
Biography
Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck (November 19, 1889 – October 13, 1966), known professionally as Clifton Webb, was an American actor, singer and dancer. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and died at age 76 in Beverly Hills, California. Webb’s film career comprised thirty‑one credited roles, and he earned Oscar nominations for his performances in Laura, The Razor’s Edge and Sitting Pretty. In the theatre he was noted for appearances in Noël Coward’s plays, especially Blithe Spirit. He was also listed under the alternate name Webb P, and his gender is recorded as male.
Career overview
Clifton Webb was born Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck on November 19, 1889, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and died on October 13, 1966, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 76. He built a career as an American actor, dancer, and singer, appearing in a total of thirty‑one credited screen roles. Webb’s film work earned him particular recognition for three Oscar‑nominated performances: the title role in Laura, his part in The Razor’s Edge, and his turn in Sitting Pretty. These nominations highlighted his ability to combine dramatic intensity with a refined, often witty screen presence.
Beyond the screen, Webb was celebrated on the stage for his collaborations with playwright Noël Coward. He became especially associated with Coward’s productions, most notably his appearance in the comedy Blithe Spirit, which cemented his reputation as a versatile performer capable of navigating both musical and theatrical demands. Throughout his career, Webb’s contributions to acting were marked by a blend of elegance, technical skill, and a distinctive charm that left a lasting imprint on mid‑century American cinema and theatre.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Clifton Webb.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
31 titles- The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker (1991) as actor 'Laura' (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Satan Never Sleeps (1962) as Father Bovard
- The Legend of Rudolph Valentino (1961) as Self (archive footage)
- Holiday for Lovers (1959) as Robert Dean
- The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker (1959) as Mr. Horace Pennypacker
- Boy on a Dolphin (1957) as Victor Parmalee
- The Man Who Never Was (1956) as Lt. Cmdr. Ewen Montagu
- Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) as John Frederick Shadwell
- Woman's World (1954) as Ernest Gifford
- Titanic (1953) as Richard Ward Sturges
- Mister Scoutmaster (1953) as Robert Jordan
- Belles on Their Toes (1952) as Frank Gilbreth (uncredited)
- Stars and Stripes Forever (1952) as John Philip Sousa
- Dreamboat (1952) as Thornton Sayre
- Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951) as Mr.Belvedere
- Elopement (1951) as Howard Osborne
- Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) as Frank Gilbreth
- For Heaven's Sake (1950) as Charles / Slim Charles
- Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) as Lynn Belvedere
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- Sitting Pretty (1948) as Lynn Belvedere
- The Dark Corner (1946) as Hardy Cathcart
- The Razor's Edge (1946) as Elliott Templeton
- Laura (1944) as Waldo Lydecker
- The Still Alarm (1930) as Bob Barclay
- New Toys (1925) as Tom Lawrence
- The Heart of a Siren (1925) as Maxim
- Polly with a Past (1920) as Harry Richardson
- National Red Cross Pageant (1917) as Dancer, The Pavane - French episode
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Clifton Webb best known for?
Clifton Webb is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Boy on a Dolphin (1957), The Man Who Never Was (1956), Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), Titanic (1953).
When and where was Clifton Webb born?
Clifton Webb was born on November 19, 1889 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. They passed away on October 13, 1966.
How many credits does Clifton Webb have?
Clifton Webb has accumulated over 31 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1920 to 1997.
What is Clifton Webb's background in cinema and television?
Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck (November 19, 1889 – October 13, 1966), known professionally as Clifton Webb, was an American actor, singer and dancer. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and died at age 76 in Beverly Hills, California. Webb’s film career comprised thirty‑one credited roles, and he earned Oscar nominations ...
Clifton Webb by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Laura (1944) as Waldo Lydecker — aged about 54
- Belles on Their Toes (1952) as Frank Gilbreth (uncredited) — aged about 62
- The Man Who Never Was (1956) as Lt. Cmdr. Ewen Montagu — aged about 66
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self — aged about 58
- Titanic (1953) as Richard Ward Sturges — aged about 63
- Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) as Frank Gilbreth — aged about 60
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Clifton Webb.