← Back to All Actors

H.B. Warner

📅 1876–1958 (Died at age 82)

Full Name: Henry Byron Warner

Stage Name: H.B. Warner

Born: October 26, 1876 – St John’s Wood, London, England

Died: December 21, 1958 – Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

IMDb Profile: H.B. Warner on IMDb ↗

🎬 Movies featuring H.B. Warner:

📘 Biography

H.B. Warner was a British-born American actor whose career spanned both the silent and sound eras of Hollywood. He is best remembered for his dignified and often spiritual roles, particularly his portrayal of Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille’s The King of Kings (1927), a role that earned him lasting acclaim.

Warner began his acting journey on the London stage before transitioning to Broadway and eventually Hollywood. In the silent era, he often played noble or tragic characters, roles that suited his tall stature and somber demeanor. He successfully transitioned into talking pictures, often portraying doctors, judges, and patriarchal figures.

One of his most beloved roles came later in his career when he played the druggist Mr. Gower in the classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), a performance still cherished by audiences today. Warner’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability made him a valued supporting actor in Golden Age Hollywood.

📽️ Full Filmography

Notable films featuring H.B. Warner include:

  • The King of Kings (1927) – Gave a reverent and iconic performance as Jesus Christ in DeMille’s biblical epic.
  • Lost Horizon (1937) – Played the spiritual High Lama in this Frank Capra fantasy adventure.
  • Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) – Appeared as a stern judge in this Frank Capra courtroom drama.
  • It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Remembered fondly as Mr. Gower, the troubled but good-hearted pharmacist.
  • The Ten Commandments (1956) – Appeared in a small role in DeMille’s second biblical masterpiece.

Note: For a full list of appearances, visit H.B. Warner’s IMDb filmography.