Douglas Spencer

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. 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

The Monitor of Metaluna

This Island Earth

Axel 'Swede' Shipstead

Shane

Sam Benson

River of No Return

Kraler

The Diary of Anne Frank

Ned 'Scotty' Scott

The Thing from Another World

Dr. Brunner

Monkey Business

Phony Judge

Follow Me Quietly

Train Conductor (uncredited)

It Happens Every Spring

Dr. Ramsdell

Night Has a Thousand Eyes

Inspector Bailey

The Glass Wall

Mr. Black

The Three Faces of Eve

Hospital Patient Seeing Imaginary Beetles (uncredited)

The Lost Weekend

Smith

Pardners

Simms

Houdini

Train Conductor

Short Cut to Hell

Sheriff Jack Tillman

Man from Del Rio

Perry (Union agent)

The Redhead and The Cowboy

Marshal Fred Woodruff

Cole Younger, Gunfighter

Bert Finch

The Big Clock

Prisoner sharing cell with Herrick and Lochlin (uncredited)

Adventure Island

Pigeon Keeper

Omar Khayyam

Lew Ludlow

She's Back on Broadway

Garode

Smoke Signal

Lou Schwartz (uncredited)

Double Indemnity

Hemp Scribner

Saddle the Wind

Rev. Douglas

The Raid

Judge

The Unholy Wife

Doctor Bikel

The Sins of Rachel Cade

Prisoner in Irons

Allegheny Uprising

Auction Spectator (uncredited)

The Day the Bookies Wept

False Physician

Bride of Vengeance

Sam Hooker (uncredited)

Trapped

Man Listening to Radio (uncredited)

Christmas in July

Policeman in Dance Line (uncredited)

Little Nellie Kelly

Minister (uncredited)

The Heiress

Mechanic

Men Against the Sky

Actor in Theatre Group (uncredited)

Red, Hot and Blue

Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)

Lucky Partners

Townsman (uncredited)

The Sainted Sisters

Father Procurator aka George

Trouble Along the Way

Clayton Vance

Untamed Frontier

Joey (uncredited)

Something to Live For

Henry Slocum

A Man Alone

Hotel Guest

The Mexican Spitfire's Baby

Military Policeman

Fall In

Witness at Accident (uncredited)

A Date with the Falcon

Henry T. Finch

Alias Nick Beal

Pilot (uncredited)

Princess O'Rourke

Police Secretary

Lady Scarface

Boatkeeper (uncredited)

A Place in the Sun

Fritz the Organist (uncredited)

Father of the Bride

Frome Brother (uncredited)

The Kentuckian

Kelso

Warpath

Ike Bashaw

Come Fill the Cup

New Years Eve Party Patron (uncredited)

Incendiary Blonde

Guest (uncredited)

Kitty

Stationmaster (uncredited)

Union Station

Deli Customer (uncredited)

The Dark Corner

Interior Decorator (uncredited)

My Friend Irma