Frank Kent Smith (March 19, 1907 – April 23, 1985) was the Leading Man for the 1938 Summer Stock season at Elitch’s Theatre.
Smiths Bio from the June 11, 1938, Elitch’s Theatre Program for the play, Tovarich:
The leading man for this season has made an enviable reputation in many New York productions. He has been a close student of the stage, and has had no other interest but the theatre. Smith attended Harvard and with like-minded friends, organized summer stock at Falmouth, on the Cape. He played there for five summers.
Smith his played with Katherine Cornell, was leading man in “Canida,” and was Apollodorus in “Caesar and Cleopatra,” with Helen Hayes. Kent Smith has appeared as leading man in “Church Mouse,” “Doll’s House,” “How to Get Tough About It,” and “Star Wagon.”
Mr. Smith is a real athletic type, rowed stroke on the Exeter crew, plays golf, also likes a good game of bridge.
The plays this season offer Mr. Smith splendid roles for his versatile dramatic ability, and we present him at Elitch’s with eager enthusiasm.
Seasons at the Theatre
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- June 11, 1938 – Tovarich
- Full 1938 season as the leading man.
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- Smith was best known for his work in the 1940’s films ”Cat People,” ”The Fountainhead” and ”The Spiral Staircase.” He also appeared in the movies ”Hitler’s Children” in 1942, ”This Land Is Mine” in 1943, ”Nora Prentiss” and ”Magic Town” in 1947, and ”The Voice of the Turtle” in 1948.
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Smith appeared in the film Nora Prentiss with Historic Elitch Alum, Robert Alda.
- Smith co-starred with Patricia Neal in The Fountainhead, which also starred alum, Charles Trowbridge.
Wikipedia Link:
